2011 Print Solutions Conference and Expo

By Elise Hacking Carr

Knowledge is Power:  A Spotlight on PSDA Education

The 2011 Print Solutions Conference and Expo will offer a plethora of educational workshops to school attendees on the latest industry news and technology. PSDA encourages everyone to take  a moment and check out one—or more—of the following sessions:

Tuesday, May 17

• Achieving Customer Service Excellence

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Featuring: Richard Colbary, instructor and author of Customer Service in Print; Bruce Cameron, president, Front Line Marketing; and Claudia St. John, president, Affinity HR Group LLC

This full-day course, developed specifically for print customer service representatives (CSRs) and managers, offers customer service best practices and a personalized assessment of how to improve your effectiveness in the CSR role.

• Using Mobile Marketing to Drive Print Sales

8 a.m. to noon

Featuring: Steve Snyder, chief sales and strategy officer, Consent Media, and Michael Becker, North American managing director, Mobile Marketing Association

Those who attend will receive a “Getting Started in Mobile Marketing” workbook.

• Positioning Print for Today’s Customer

9 a.m. to noon

Featuring: Andrew Davis, chief strategy officer and co-founder, Tippingpoint Labs

In this session, targeting sales professionals, Davis will challenge and inspire his audience to discover new opportunities for elevating content in print by comprehending the digital world. A one-hour innovative product showcase delivered by PSDA member companies will follow the presentation.

• Building a Winning Cross Media Campaign

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Featuring: James Michelson, principal, JFM Concepts

This workshop will show participants how to successfully implement cross-media marketing programs into their business.

• Using Social Media to Grow Your Business

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Featuring: Sima Dahl, president, Parlay  Communications Ltd.

Through personal exercises, participants will learn how to effectively use social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to establish a strong personal brand, generate referrals and boost business.

• Selling Web to Print Solutions

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Featuring: Pat Fortunato, consulting contributor, Intellective Solutions

This session is intended for print providers who already have made the investment or are considering investing in web-to-print software. The workshop will enable attendees to communicate and demonstrate the ROI, productivity and efficiency gained by web-based ordering systems.

Wednesday, May 18

• Market Trends that Matter

9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Featuring: Marianne Morrison, director of business development strategies, InfoTrends

The recent economic recession has changed the way many companies conduct business. To assist print professionals as they plan for the future, InfoTrends will provide its perspective on the most pertinent market trends in print and related services.

• The Future of Digital Print

9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Moderated by: Eric Hawkinson, executive director, Dscoop

The recommended audience for this session are technology professionals.

• Becoming a High-Performing Customer Service Team

9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Featuring: Claudia St. John, president, Affinity HR Group LLC

The relationship between sales and customer service colleagues largely influences the success rate of proposed solutions. This session will provide insight into dealing with different personal styles, helping to avoid conflict and improve efficiency.

• Networking in a Digital Age

9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Featuring: Sima Dahl, president, Parlay  Communications Ltd.

After a fast-paced Speed Networking exercise, attendees will learn how to turn new contacts into a strong social network on LinkedIn.

• Idea Exchange

1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Located on the expo floor, the Idea Exchange is a place for peer-driven discussion opportunities, facilitated by industry experts.

Thursday, May 19

• Adaptability in Selling

8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Featuring: Pat Fortunato, consulting contributor, Intellective Solutions

This workshop will equip print providers with the skill set to deliver an engaging and high impact software sales demo and presentation. Attendees will gain six “can-do” best practice strategies that top salespeople currently are using to climb out of a tough economy.

• Making Sense of Employee Assessments

8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Moderated by: Claudia St. John, president, Affinity HR Group LLC

A distributor panel (TBA) representing companies using assessments like the MPP and DISC to measure employees will present.

• The Power of Personalization

8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Featuring: Susan Kelly, vice president, communication and marketing services, Xerox

This session aims to help manufacturers and distributors prepare for the next wave of data-driven targeted print. The process behind the printed piece is ever-changing and will drive demand for targeted and personalized print.

(Please note, the above schedule is subject to change. For more detailed information, visit www.psda.org.)

It was Frank Sinatra's kind of town. And the Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA) agrees with Ol' Blue Eyes.

Once again, Chicago will host the association's 2011 Print Solutions Conference and Expo from May 17 to May 19 at the Navy Pier Convention Center.

Attendees of this year's show will have the privilege of hearing two keynote speakers. The opening keynote, "The Passion of Leadership," will be given by Henry S. Givray, chairman, president and CEO of SmithBucklin Corp., which now manages PSDA.

Tis’ the Season...for Trade Shows!

In addition to PSDA’s annual show, here are some other events worthy of checking out:

• PROMOTIONS EAST

When: June 5 to June 8

Where: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, N.J.

PROMOTIONS EAST is the largest and oldest promotional products industry trade show in the east. The three-day show is filled with education, networking, sports and social activities. It’s a “must” for professional promotional consultants.

For more information, visit www.promotionseast.org.

• The ASI Show

When: July 19 to July 21

Where: McCormick Place, Chicago

The ASI Shows have become a great meeting place for top suppliers and distributors in the advertising specialty industry. This year’s show features an action-packed schedule including free education led by experts in the field, networking events and acclaimed Keynotes.

For more information, visit www.asishow.com.

• 2011 SAAC Show

When: Aug. 24 to Aug. 25

Where: The Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif.

The 2011 SAAC (Specialty Advertising Association of California) Show provides promotional product suppliers with a means to attract new business and reinforce existing distributor relationships.

For more information, visit www.saac.net/show.

• GRAPH EXPO 2011

When: Sept. 11 to Sept. 14

Where: McCormick Place, Chicago

GRAPH EXPO is where print executives come to learn, network and make informed purchasing decisions. Come see newly released products, technologies and services from leading manufacturers and suppliers.

For more information, visit www.graphexpo.com.

• CorrExpo 2011

When: Sept. 26 to Sept. 27

Where: Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas

CorrExpo 2011 is the gateway to everything new and exciting in the corrugated packaging industry. Take advantage of its sessions, seminars, exhibits and more.

For more information, visit www.correxpo.org.

• DMA: 2011 Conference  & Exhibition

When: Oct. 1 to Oct. 6

Where: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston

DMA:2011 provides attendees with the tools and skills they need to develop and execute an integrated marketing campaign. The show features: marketing education at every level encompassing both direct and digital channels; cost-effective technologies and solutions covering various marketing channels; networking events; and best case studies.

For more information, visit www.dma11.org.