The Top Takeways for PRINT 17
As you walk the show floor, take in the educational sessions, network with your peers, listen to panel discussions, and take in all that PRINT 17 has to offer, don’t lose sight of why you’re really here. Whether it’s because you are looking at expanding, you’re planning to invest in new equipment, you need to upgrade software systems, or you want to break into a new market, one of the keys to a successful show is keeping your eye on the prize.
When it comes to finding success with brands, there are a few key takeaways you should walk away with.
“Attendees need to find that product or service they can offer their customers to make the printing services a more valuable asset to their organization,” says Joe Bondonna, Product Manager at Spiral (Booth 3808). “They should look to reducing costs, increasing product offerings, or lowering turn-around time without diminishing quality.”
“Print is an exciting and changing industry,” agrees Joe Kern, Sales Manager, DocketManager Inc. (Booth 240) “PRINT 17 is a tool that printers can use to learn, connect, and energize themselves on the ever evolving process of print. Be open to new and wonderful experiences, and walk away with a solid plan on implementing new tools and purchasing new technology. Do not waste the experience by leaving PRINT 17 with nothing more than some cool swag and samples. Connect with people at the show that will help drive your business and hold you accountable for the plans that you make.”
“Technology does a great job at improving efficiency,” notes Dave Hultin, President and Integrator at Marketing Ideas For Printers (Booth 351). “The success stories from the printers we serve that excite me most are the ones that rise out of printers using technology not to replace communication between printers and print buyers, but to enhance that communication. The takeaway I hope attendees take back home is to use technology to build, not replace, relationships. It’s those relationships that turn into opportunities to sell more printing!”
Kevin Goeminne, CEO of CHILI publish (Booth 257), agrees that in many ways, the relationships you build at PRINT 17 are some of the most valuable takeaways. “Take off your blinders—no printer is an island; seek the right partners to team up with to expand your business. Walk the extra mile—brands want innovation, but also stability and proven value. Assess your net worth, invest in an extra mile. Track your return on investment on a regular basis, and share your findings with the brands. Trust is something built between two parties at the same time.”
It’s also about setting yourself up for success, both today and well into the future, ensuring you have the right tools in place to meet whatever challenge a brand might face. Kurt Konow, Creative Director of Marketing Communications, Commercial & Industrial Printing Business Group, Ricoh USA, Inc. (Booth 2022), notes that for printers looking to better connect with brands, the biggest takeways from the show will be the software and technologies that allow them to “engage audiences via their preferred channel(s); ensure that you have the right technologies and partners in place to help your company manage and executive multi-channel campaigns; and work to ensure consistency—of messaging, of color, of brand—across channels.”
PRINT 17 is a big show, and it can be overwhelming. But if you keep your focus on the brand—and on how you can help them produce more consistent, creative campaigns—you will come away from the show energized and ready to get to work.
