Networking is a key part of attending out-of-office events. In this photo, Luci Miller, Camille Vieux, and Biswanath Todi plan their next great success at the APDSP Welcome Reception last fall in New Orleans.
Looking for a legitimate excuse to get out of your shop for a few days this year? You might consider one of the many imaging-related trade shows and conferences lined up for 2018. Of course you’re already planning to attend APDSP’s own conference Oct. 19-20 in Las Vegas – right? – but there are many more to choose from. Here is a list:
WFX: Wide-Format Exchange
May 21-23, Minneapolis
This is another new event, developed by SGIA and ST Media Group. It’s designed to bring together wide-format graphics producers in an educational and networking format. Here’s the pitch from the organizers: “In today’s rapidly-changing print industry, executives need to connect with their peers to discuss solutions to common challenges. That’s what WFX: Wide-Format Exchange is all about. Three days of networking, educational seminars, thought-provoking keynote speakers and idea exchange — all designed specifically for top executives from high-volume, wide-format print providers and other printers poised to add wide-format inkjet printing to their businesses.” For more info: https://sgia.swoogo.com/wfx/113845
AEC Next
June 5-7 in Anaheim and December 4-6 in Washington DC
If you have a long memory, you’ll recognize the founder of this event, George Borkovich. He operated the AEC Systems shows in the 1990s, which introduced many reprographers to advanced AEC technology (well, it was advanced for the time). This new event will bring together leaders in several key fields to bring attendees up to speed on AEC technology. The conference will have six tracks: BIM & Integrated Project Delivery; Building Performance & Sustainability; Sustainable Sites, Infrastructure & Smart Cities; Jobsite Connectivity & Construction Management; Specs, Codes & Standards; and Facility, Asset & Life-Cycle Management. A trade show will accompany the conference. All of the topics covered in the conference affect our primary customers – architects, engineers and builders – so there’s no doubt attending will help you understand the needs and concerns of your customers. For more information: https://www.aecst.com/
Print 18
September 30 - October 2, Chicago
The Print show has replaced the long-running Graph Expo. If you’ve attended either of these events, you know that there’s a solid chunk of wide-format equipment on the show floor, but mostly it’s about package printing, finishing, small-format digital, mailing/fulfillment, etc. So if that’s part of your business, too, this is definitely worth your while. There are educational sessions, too. According to the show organizer, educational “categories range from business management, sales, opportunities and new markets, to operational improvement, technical ‘how it's done’ and the big picture topics that affect us all (the economy, industry, culture and the future).” More information: http://printevent.com/
APDSP 2018, plus SGIA Expo, and RSA and ReproMAX events
October 18-20, Las Vegas
Just like New Orleans was last year, Las Vegas will be the center of the reprographics universe in mid-October. All three reprographics groups – APDSP, RSA, and ReproMAX – will be meeting there, anchored by the giant SGIA show. This will definitely be the place to be to see your reprographics colleagues from across the country, and network with new ones. At SGIA you’ll be able to get your hands on the latest wide-format technology, and at APDSP, RSA, and ReproMAX, you’ll be able to learn about key topics affecting reprographics specifically. Details of all of the above are still being ironed out, but block off those days on your calendar now and stay tuned for details.
APDSP Webinars
Not quite up to leaving the office? Then be sure to participate in the four remaining APDSP members-only webinars scheduled for 2018:
May 15: Valuing and Selling Your Shop: This webinar will feature a panel discussion of reprographics shop owners who recently sold their shops or acquired shops. Bob Roperti, former owner of Jiffy Reprographics, and David Fox, former owner of Fox Blueprint, will explain how they prepared their businesses for sale; and Doug Magid, president of BluEdge, will explain what BluEdge looks for when it considers acquiring a reprographics shop. Expect to hear first-hand details about how to accurately value your business and prepare it for a sale. Click here to register.
July 10: Wide-Format Color Printer Update: Listen to a panel of your peers describe their experience using the latest wide-format color printers from KIP, HP, and Canon/Oce. This discussion will provide attendees with a "from the trenches" view of these printers
September 11: Tapping the Fine Art Market: Scanning and printing fine art is a special market that select APDSP members have developed. They will share their experiences with this market and offer tips for success in this webinar.
November 13: Section 179 and Other Leasing Issues: Leasing equipment is an important business line for many APDSP members, but are you taking full advantage of the opportunities in this market? Leasing specialist and APDSP board member Camille Vieux of Commercial Capital will help members understand the ins and outs of leasing equipment.