Each year the schedule of shows changes slightly. Some shows merge, others grow organically, and still others disappear from the calendar. This year Print 19 closes out is long run with more than 80 education sessions, the Red Hot Technology awards, TechTalk panels, TechWalk guided tours, and a keynote from Nick Thomson of WIRED Magazine that should be on everyone’s agenda. Once again, Keypoint Intelligence will host the InfoLunch at noon on Thursday, reviewing the most impactful insights you can use to guide your business. Four members of the Keypoint Intelligence staff will also be presenting in the education forums. Print19 promises three days of opportunity for print service providers, in-plant printers, marketing service providers, and the users of those services.
Walking the Floor
As you set your sights on Chicago, remember that the show features some significant changes this year. It has moved to the North Hall at McCormick Place and features 98,900 square feet of exhibits as well as the TechTalk Theatre. Their regular exhibit floor features have dedicated areas for software, featuring design, workflow, and prepress vendors, as well as mailing and fulfillment and workforce solutions (which was a popular space last year). Also returning are the Red Hot Technology Awards, for solutions that have come to market within the previous 12 months. Look for hardware, software, and media winners in addition to solution winners across the entire print value chain.
Our suggestion is that you begin with a careful reading of the Red Hot Technology Award winners and plot them on the show floor map. Ask about the award-winning solutions, but don’t forget to ask what else is coming. Once you know where the Red Hot Technology companies are, plot your way to each of the specialty areas to learn what these vendors are displaying, and how they might fill gaps in your current hardware and software workflows. After, we recommend heading to the big booths hosted by the major industry vendors. The Standard Finishing booth is always a good stop to see innovation that integrates with most print hardware vendors in the industry.
The Keypoint Intelligence Education Agenda
Keypoint Intelligence is always excited to bring the latest insights to Print 19 attendees. This year, guests can select the InfoLunch as an extra for their entrance, but Keypoint Intelligence clients can request a code to attend for free! The presentation this year features Group Direct Ron Gilboa, Senior Director Pat McGrew, and Director Karen Kimerer, all of whom will share their knowledge about the market, including the continuing impact of automation, and how to maximize sales value to clients.
In addition to the InfoLunch, Marc Mascara, Director for Customer Communication Services, has an exciting new presentation: “And Now for Something Really Interesting: The Next Big Thing in Print and Mail.” He will be in room S401abc at 10AM on Thursday October 3. Pat McGrew will tell you how to Turn Up the Volume of Bills, Statements, and Marketing Messages with TransPromo at 9AM on Friday in room 402ab. “Growing Margins Beyond the Page: New Opportunities in Sign & Display” is presented by Ron Gilboa at 9am on Saturday in room S502ab. Karen Kimerer will present “Vertical Vertigo: The Highest Growth markets for your Business and How to Approach Them” in room S401abc at 11am Saturday. We hope to see you at these sessions!
The Big Messages to Watch for at Print 19
Print 19 marks the first year since the Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech) expanded its reach to include print service providers. As noted last year by Thayer Long, President of APTech “Our overarching goal is to align with the printing industry value chain.” The opportunities for print service providers to interact with their suppliers are abundant at the show and will go a long way to help the APTech membership.
Several hardware vendors will have news to share about new products and platforms. Keep your ears open for those announcements. Many of the software solution providers will have new features to show and new roadmaps to unveil, so be sure to stop by their booths and ask questions.
This is a pre-drupa year, so listen for the teases about drupa announcements – since most vendors will know what is coming in Dusseldorf next summer. If you are a commercial printer, listen for B1 and B2 solutions. Everyone should listen for the emerging expansion of inkjet platforms. It’s an exciting beginning to the print show season in North America.
For more tips on how to make the most of Print19 check out our podcast, The Key Point – Karen Kimerer and Pat McGrew walk you through the best practices for getting the most from the show! We hope to see you there.
