By Ed Avis
With just a couple of weeks to go before the official launch of the Association of Printing and Data Solutions Professionals, the IRgA board, committees, and managing director are working hard on putting the pieces together.
Here is an update on recent developments:
Education
The Education Committee has established a schedule of webinars on key topics for large-format imaging businesses. The first, tentatively scheduled for October 25, will be a panel discussion about the three new color technologies: HP PageWide, Memjet, and KIP 800 series. End-users of each of these technologies will frankly discuss the pros and cons.
In a new twist, preceding the webinar will be a series of four weekly podcasts created from interviews with each of the panelists. These podcasts will introduce the topic and allow participants to prepare themselves for the actual panel discussion and develop questions they would like to ask the panelists.
Four more webinars will be held in 2017. All of the webinars will be members-only events.
Discounts
The discounts for APDSP members are growing. We have negotiated discounts for members from Dietzgen, KIP, OpCenter, Wide-Format Engines, Evergreen Technologies, and Image Access. For example, Image Access is providing free shipping for members and one free option or accessory, a value up to $1,100. Stay tuned for the full line-up of discounts on September 1.
In addition, APDSP members will be able to access UNA Purchasing Solutions through an APDSP portal. This relationship will provide members with discounts at FedEx, Staples, Best Buy, ShredIt, Hotel Engine, and others.
For members who do scanning work, new profits can be earned through a relationship
The APDSP portal to CAD/CAM Services' raster-to-vector conversion service.
APDSP has developed with CAD/CAM Services, Inc. The company has developed a members-only program that provides highly accurate raster-to-vector conversion at discounted prices. A few clicks and members will be able to provide a valuable and profitable service to their customers.
Finally, as you can read in the article about Printtrader.com (click here), APDSP members can access wholesale vinyl printing services. In addition, members get a $50 credit towards their first invoice when they sign up. Printtrader.com will go live on September 1, but members can start registering immediately. Click here to do that.
Networking
Networking can be an essential part of the APDSP experience, and we have developed two ways for members to network.
First, the new membership portal will contain a Facebook-like discussion section where
The opening site of the APDSP Network
members can ask questions, discuss industry topics, and generally connect in a non-public environment.
Second, members who want to make themselves available to handle projects for other members – especially those in other geographies – should register for the APDSP Network. This network will allow members to easily locate other members and establish a direct connection. The network will go live as soon as enough members sign up. To register, click here.
$27K Advertising on Behalf of Members
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new APDSP is that we will be marketing the services of members to the AEC field. We have contracted for $27,000 worth of advertising
Advertisement encouraging architects to use APDSP members' services.
over the coming six months with publications and websites of the American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, the Ontario Organization of Architects, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
These advertisements encourage architects and contractors to use the services of APDSP members and will link directly to the APDSP online member directory.
In addition, as previously disclosed, members will have access to a “toolkit” that will help them promote themselves through LinkedIn, press releases, and a pre-formatted leave-behind document.
Join the Webinar
All of the above items, and more, will be discussed in a webinar on September 8 at 2 p.m. EST. Put it on your calendar now!