Networking with peers, industry leaders, potential clients, and suppliers remains a key benefit of associations. Knowledge sharing for best practices, resources, technology, and shared experience is now conducted at in-person events and through online resources, collaborative meeting spaces and social media.

Advocacy combined with marketing and promotion activities and events help to identify and connect with entities and influencers who can help achieve the goals of the association and address issues of the membership. Using a combined budget to create a common message that can be distributed to target groups to create awareness about benefits of the industry can be effective.

Professional development and certification programs have been a major activity for graphic arts organizations with programs for colour management and sustainability initiatives.

In many cases, an independent party is required to address the need to deal with different equipment suppliers (i.e. JDF, CiP4) and industry stakeholders like printers, suppliers, customers and in some cases, government agencies.

There are several associations dedicated to the graphic arts industry. Here is a partial list for the Canadian print industry:

1.  Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) members come from the regional affiliates, plus one sector association that include:

• Atlantic Printing Industries Association (APIA);
• Alliance Québécoise des Imprimeurs et Fabricants d’Emballage (AQIFE);
• Ontario Printing and Imaging Association (OPIA);
• Manitoba Print Industry Association (MPIA);
• Saskatchewan Printing Industries Association (SPIA);
• Printing & Graphic Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA);
• Print Forward: Printing Imaging Association BC; and
• PESDA: Printing Equipment and Supply.

2. Digital Imaging Association of Canada (DIA).

3. PAC Global – Packaging Association.

4. Sign Association of Canada (SAC-ACE).

5.  College and University Print Management Association of Canada (CUPMAC).

6. Printing United Alliance, merger of PIA and sign garment, textile, electronics, packaging association with a North American focus.

The benefits of associations have been well demonstrated this year with webinars, in-person meetings on current topics of importance from CPIA, DIA, Print Forward, and other groups. Trade shows returned this year with Graphics Canada in May, and the Printing United Expo in Atlanta, Ga., in October 2023. Both the trade shows presented unique opportunities to participate in informational seminars, hosted by industry experts and often with panels of users who are your peers and are willing to share their experience and best practices with different aspects of business and technology.

Connecting in person with industry experts and vendors from all over the world who bring their most experienced team to these shows is invaluable. We must not forget that these in-person events are a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and peers and make new friends with others we meet and network with.

Several academic studies have demonstrated that having a social network, which can include work associates also, is key to happiness and longevity. So, if you want to be happy, join us at the next trade show, webinar, or in-person event.

Bob Dale is vice-president of Connecting for Results, the premier management consulting company focused on the graphics communications industry. He can be reached at b.dale@cfrincorporated.com.

That’s the value of industry associations, peer groups and mentors. Mentoring arrangements can be formal or informal. Informal can include working with someone who has knowledge, skill, and experience that you recognize and value. The person may agree to establishing an organized arrangement, which could be meeting for coffee periodically, and discussing business issues and challenges. It’s important that the purpose of the relationship and objectives are discussed, otherwise it would appear that the mentee is just using the mentor for information and advice.

When I was with a major financial institution, there was a formal mentoring program. People would volunteer to be mentors, indicate their interests and skills, and provide some background information. Mentees would also do the same and would be matched with a prospective mentor. In addition to business discussions, other issues like challenges related to being a woman, or ethnic minority in the workplace, may be discussed. If this is a requirement, then matching someone who has faced similar challenges would be preferred.

Many people do not realize, but mentoring arrangements are useful at all stages of our careers. The needs and focus may change, but the process is beneficial for many. Also, being a mentor to someone does not mean that you cannot also have a mentor of your own.

Print Wisdom

Students at the Toronto Metropolitan University can participate in the Print Wisdom mentorship program. This is a formal program available for second- to fourth-year students. Students register and provide a profile with their areas of interest, goals and indicate if a specific demographic profile for a mentor is preferred.

Each student is matched with a mentor and specific goals, objectives, and meeting frequency is established. 

Natalia Lumby, chair, Graphic Communications Management program said, “Mentors provide a new perspective into future careers and are another friendly face in this important transition time for students.”

Helping someone who is investing four years of their life to prepare for the graphic communications industry bridge the gap from an academic environment to how the technology and processes are managed in the business environment is an important task.

There can be discussion on companies in the different segments of the industry, application and challenges with technology, materials, people, approaches, and outcomes. Getting ready for a career will also involve making decisions on industry segments, roles, and responsibilities and how to navigate a career path.

Throughout this process it is important to respect confidentiality. Mentors are not to share confidential company information, and mentees must be aware they may be gaining insights that should not be shared.

After talking to many mentors for the GCM program, Lumby also commented, “Mentors are also often surprised by how energizing and fulfilling giving back can be.”

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for a student or another industry person, please contact me. Remember, many of the students are young women and would really enjoy connecting with women who have been in the industry for a few years and would be willing to spend some time and share insights.

To summarize, as Michelle Obama said, “Mentorship is not just about sharing advice, but also about sharing experiences and lessons learned.”   

Bob Dale is co-founder of Connecting for Results. He can be reached at b.dale@cfrincorporated.com.

The “Choosing Paper – why it’s important and how your organization can drive change” symposium will feature seven industry experts who will dive into environmental considerations with your paper choices, the links between availability and the environment, options within the paper supply chain and future choices.

Panelists include Neva Murtha, senior corporate campaigner at Canopy; Andrew (Drew) Tremblay, marketing development manager at FSC Canada; Dr. Laura Thompson of 4 Minute Consulting; Paige Goff, vice-president of sustainability at Domtar; Amanda Chor, sustainability manager at Hemlock; Chelsea Gieschen, director of business operations, Royal Printers; and Charles David Mathieu-Poulin, manager of public affairs and stakeholders relations at TC Transcontinental.

To register, click here.

An industry first for Quebec, this new exhibition will bring together all the printing, packaging and sign industry segments under one roof. This event offers all industry stakeholders the opportunity to connect with a large number of participants.

The event will feature an exhibition floor and a conference theatre for presentations, workshops and seminars advocating the promotion of equipment, technology, education and strategies in support of a stronger industry.

The event will take place at Convention Centre, Sheraton Laval 2440, Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval, Qué.

For reservations, assistance and special requests, please contact Pierre Lachapelle at 514-591 3189 or email direction@aqie.ca.

The 2021-22 SMC is led by chair Carleen Gray, CEO, Stahls’, and vice-chair Michael Brice, VP, sales & business development, INX International Ink, and Andrew Oransky, president and CEO, Roland DGA, assumes the role of past chair.

“The SMC is a group of industry leaders which represent the diverse segments in the printing industry with a shared mission of sharing business challenges and suggestions for improvement, growth expectations, and moving the industry forward,” says Gray. “Given the financial impact the current global supply chain and logistics constraints are having on all of us, communication and data are critical for making good business decisions. I find the opinions and experiences shared in the SMC meetings, combined with the economic and industry data provided by Printing United Alliance are helpful insights for our own business planning at Stahls’.”

“The supplier community is a vital part of the printing industry,” says Oransky. “Over the last two years, the SMC has endeavoured to make sure that Printing United Alliance offers a platform for suppliers to communicate with and provide value to member organizations throughout the year. We’ve tackled topics ranging from workforce development and training to segmentation, and how the printing industry can present a unified face to the public. Of course, the impact of the COVID pandemic on printers has been a constant threat over the past 18 months. I’ve been honoured to lead the committee and look forward to its continued contributions to Printing United Alliance’s mission.”

Nominations can be made by anyone in the printing industry, and inductees must be officially recommended by at least two current members to be considered. To submit a nomination, visit sgia.org/about/academy. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1, 2021.

“It is a great pleasure to be able to recognize individuals for their contributions made towards the betterment of the industry, not just in screen printing, but in digital and commercial offset as well,” says Marci Kinter, secretary, ASDPT. “It is a humbling experience to be counted as part of the academy, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming new members at Printing United Expo 2021.”

Since officially launching the initiative earlier this year, there has been extensive support from industry thought leaders across a wide spectrum of the industry, including conventional and digital printing equipment and finishing suppliers, packaging converters and trade associations worldwide.

The group is targeting to approve the first version of the updated taxonomy at a meeting at Printing United Expo this October in Orlando, Fl.

For additional details on the global taxonomy initiative, or to provide input, e-mail Marco Boer or David Zwang.

“Idealliance has developed the expertise to build and rollout its traditional colour management programs, new standards in training and education, and is a respected leader in this space,” said Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “Melding our considerable and complimentary portfolios will not only benefit each organization, but the industry as a whole, from brands and print buyers to print service providers, suppliers, and manufacturers. We continue to work with partners like Idealliance who have a similar goal to invest in the future of our industry.”

“PRINTING United Alliance and Idealliance retain a synonymous mission in providing the printing industry with top notch programming, services, and certifications,” said Jordan Gorski, executive director, Idealliance. “In looking for a partner where we could expand our renowned offerings, PRINTING United Alliance was a natural fit where we could collaborate to work even more closely with a community, which has embraced convergence, allowing Idealliance to continue to lead in standardization, training, and certification to create more targeted content by market segment as well as learning channels through in-person, self-directed online, and hybrid offerings.”

Idealliance will continue to retain its own membership base and defined programs and training in areas such as G7 certification, while having the ability to reach new market segments to widespread printing professionals through PRINTING United Alliance, NAPCO Media, and a forum of more than 30 PRINTING United Alliance events, including PRINTING United Expo, the largest printing event in the Americas. Idealliance can now bring its colour and workflow standards, training, and certification programs to all printing communities.

Each organization will retain its unique events and services. Idealliance will continue to engage with, and serve, all partners in the printing and packaging supply chain, from brands and print buyers to print services providers, OEMs, and technology partners. Idealliance international affiliate partners will continue to create standards and guidelines to serve the global market.

PRINTING United Alliance will form an Idealliance Advisory Council comprising current Idealliance board officers and directors to assist in continuing its global outlook for all partners in printing and packaging on industry standards and guidelines, and training, and certification for professionals.

“In this time of consolidation, printer members and the supplier community at large are looking for a unified solution to the challenges they face in this era of rapid change,” said Scott Crosby, Chairman of the Board and Transcontinental Holland & Crosby vice president of sales and marketing. “The new Association will become the place to find answers for everything related to printing. It is a great honour and privilege for me to serve the industry as we look forward to a new beginning.”

The company has also announced its official board of directors, reflecting combined leadership from the previous SGIA and PIA boards of directors, and includes the following industry executives: Chairman of the Board Scott Crosby, Transcontinental Holland & Crosby; First Vice Chair Paul Cousineau, Dow Jones and Company, Inc.; Second Vice Chair Christopher Bernat, Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates LLC; Third Vice Chair Michael Marcian, Corporate Communications Group; Treasurer Dean DeMarco, IDL Worldwide; Secretary Brooke Hamilton, NPI; Immediate Past Chair Thomas Cooper III, WestRock; Chair of Chairmen’s Advisory Council Edward Cook, Jr., ECI Screen Print Inc.; Associate Vice Chair Scott Schinlever, Gerber Technology; and Ex Officio Ford Bowers, President and CEO, PRINTING United Alliance.

Directors at large include: Brian Adam, Olympus Group; Nick Buettner, American Cut and Sew; Roger Chamberlain, The Cincinnati Insurance Company; Kristen Danson, MitoGraphics Inc.; Chris Feryn, Premier Press; Kevin Gazdag, KG Graphics Décor; Bryan Hall, Graphic Visual Solutions; Lane Hickey-Wiggins, Douglass Screen Printers Inc. dba DPRINT; Brian Hite, Image Options; Michael Magerl, Trabon Group; Brent Moncrief, FUJIFILM; Joseph Olivo, Perfect Communications; Edward Pidcock, Chillybears; Heather Poulin, Ricoh USA; Timothy Saur, Durst Imaging Technology US LLC; Elaine Scrima, GSP Companies; Michael Wagner, Butler Technologies Inc.; and Joseph Lyman, President, Great Lakes Graphics Association, serving as Affiliate manager.

“The industry is going through great change right now, so the timing for these two like-minded organizations to come together dovetails nicely,” added Paul Cousineau, First Vice Chair, PRINTING United Alliance and Dow Jones and Company Inc. vice president of prepress operations, continuous improvement and IT ops support. “I am honoured to be a part of something so significant and impactful. I’ve enjoyed the process working with the board in getting to this point and look forward to the future.”

In a joint statement, SGIA and PIA said that they are committed to serving the graphic arts community together “with preeminent research, education, training, events, legislative support, government affairs, health and safety, and other key industry services.” 

SGIA primarily serves the graphics, industrial and apparel decorator segments; PIA primarily serves the commercial printing segment. 

Ford Bowers

As a result of the merger, Ford Bowers will become the president and CEO of the combined organization. Michael Makin, current president and CEO of PIA, becomes the executive VP of the unified organization. 

The new association name will be announced in the coming weeks, as will the combined board of directors.

“As convergence increasingly continues in our industry, this newly-formed entity with PIA is the logical progression of our long-standing history together,” said Bowers. “SGIA acquired NAPCO Media in 2019, bringing the industry’s leading media company under our umbrella. Now with PIA, we can provide even more streamlined services across all market segments and in one easily accessible location. Together, we house the most renowned thought leaders, events, and programming in the printing and graphic arts community.”

“PIA is thrilled to join forces with SGIA, combining resources to serve every segment of the printing industry,” Makin said. “Pooling the extensive talent of both organizations, along with the media expertise of NAPCO Media, is a game-changer.”

He replaces former Idealliance CEO Timothy Baechle.

A former vice president of sales at LSC Communications Inc. and a former chairman of the Idealliance Board of Directors, Ryan has worked in the publishing and media business since 1980.

“We are pleased that Dick Ryan, an industry executive who has extensive experience with Idealliance, has accepted appointment as Acting CEO of Idealliance,” Todd Maute, Idealliance Board Chair, said in a statement. “He has worked in the industry for more than 35 years and has first-hand experience with all three of the Idealliance portfolios – digital, distribution, and print. Additionally, he has experience as a member and executive on the Idealliance Board of Directors and various association working groups. In his new role, he will work with the Idealliance membership, elected leadership and staff to guide the Association into the future.”

The toolkit provides tips and best practices along with a downloadable disaster recovery plan that can be adapted for businesses that want to develop a plan for future forward planning.

Released on April 6, the four-part series is designed to assist businesses impacted directly and indirectly by disaster, especially when a plan is not yet in place. “Users will learn how to create a disaster response and recovery plan, how to effectively communicate to staff and customers during a crisis, and how to do the tough work during rough times, like spring cleaning your customer base, policies, procedures and staffing,” APTech said.

The Disaster Recovery Toolkit also offers what APTech calls “a customizable plan to help businesses take a thoughtful approach to the many important components of recovery following a disaster without wasting time, resources or drifting from the main objective of ensuring continued business success.”

“There are many question marks along the road ahead. The suggestions in this guide are intended to help companies identify the unknowns by giving them a competitive advantage and a solid start to disaster preparedness,” said Ken Garner, senior vice president, content creation, at APTech.

To view the toolkit, please visit www.printtechnologies.org/futureforward.

This year’s competition featured 130 entries submitted, but only 15 were awarded the desired Best of Category honour. “To be honored with a PIM Star Award exhibits superior print quality and exceptional craftsmanship,” PIM president Steve Bonoff said. “Each year, our members continue to show why our region remains the epicenter of print quality in the United States.”

2020 Star Awards were given out to the following companies:

• AWT Labels & Packaging – 1 Best of Category, 1 Award of Recognition and 2 Certificates of Merit
• Bolger LLC – 2 Best of Categories, 1 Award of Recognition and 2 Certificates of Merit
• Carlson Print Group – 3 Awards of Recognition and 3 Certificates of Merit
• Cedar Graphics Inc. – 1 Award of Recognition and 2 Certificates of Merit
• Daily Printing, Inc. – 1 Best of Category, 1 Award of Recognition and 5 Certificates of Merit
• Embossing Plus – 1 Award of Recognition and 3 Certificates of Merit
• Flexographic Tech – 1 Best of Category, 1 Award of Recognition and 2 Certificates of Merit
• GLS/ NEXT Precision Marketing – 3 Best of Categories, 6 Award of Recognition and 4 Certificates of Merit
• Graphic Finishing Services – 1 Award of Recognition and 1 Certificates of Merit
• Ideal Printers Inc. – 2 Awards of Recognition and 3 Certificates of Merit
• The John Roberts Company – 4 Best of Categories, 2 Award of Recognition and 3 Certificates of Merit
• The Meyers Printing Companies, Inc. – 3 Certificates of Merit
• Mittera – 4 Awards of Recognition and 8 Certificates of Merit
• Nahan – 1 Best of Category, 2 Awards of Recognition and 12 Certificates of Merit
• Panther – 1 Award of Recognition and 8 Certificates of Merit
• Quantum Graphics – 1 Awards of Recognition and 8 Certificates of Merit
• SeaChange Print Innovations – 1 Best of Category, 2 Awards of Recognition and 7 Certificates of Merit
• Streamworks – 3 Certificates of Merit
• Visions, Inc. – 1 Best of Category, 5 Awards of Recognition and 3 Certificates of Merit

PIM plans to celebrate all 19 companies during the 2020 Star Awards Banquet scheduled for later in the year.

To view this list of winning companies online, visit – www.pimw.org/2020-star-award-winners/.

The Best of Category winners will be on display at the awards banquet where attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a special People’s Choice winner. Best in Show honours and the People’s Choice Award will be revealed and handed out live during the event. The 2020 Creative Professional, Customer Service Representative (CSR), Outstanding Team, Production Professional and Young Professional of the Year awards will also be presented live as well.

DSE 2020 will reprise the more than 100 educational opportunities, which were originally scheduled, including nine pre- and post-show events, 21 industry-specific peer networking luncheon roundtables, 32 general conference sessions, 49 free on-floor workshops, and a program of study to ensure certification renewal in cooperation with the Digital Signage Experts Group.

According to Chris Gibbs, president/COO of show organizer Exponation LLC, current exhibitor locations will be maintained on the new floor plan. “And it will not be necessary for anyone to re-register,” he said. “Registration information will be retained ‘as is’ for exhibit hall passes and conference selections.”

Registration will re-open soon for any of the DSE 2020 educational conference sessions, which are eligible for Digital Signage Experts Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, check for updates at www.dse2020.com.

In a statement, the Hamilton, Ont.-based federal health and safety agency reminded workplaces still operating to promote frequent handwashing and healthy hygiene practices such as physical distancing, and to put plans in place that describe how they will continue to function during or after the pandemic. This includes planning how key services or products can be continued, along with the recovery of key business and systems.

“In addition to having contingency plans in place, we can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining close communication within the organization,” said Anne Tennier, president and CEO of CCOHS. “Reach out frequently to employees who become ill or are in quarantine. Have regular contact with those who are working from home to monitor their well-being, let them know you care and help with any feelings of isolation they made have. If you have the technology, video chats are a great way to keep an active connection going.”

During the pandemic, CCOHS is making the following courses and publications available for free, as well as other credible resources available on their Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreak website and the Pandemics topic page :

Courses

• Pandemic Planning
• Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies
• Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions
• Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces
• Mental Health: Communication Strategies
• Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention
• Office Ergonomics
• Pandemic Awareness
• Mental Health: Awareness
• Musculoskeletal Disorders Awareness

Publications (PDF free download)

• Emergency Response Planning Guide
• Telework and Home Office Health and Safety Guide
• Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan

The location of the event will remain the same: the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“The safety and the well-being of everyone who attends the Converters Expo is paramount, and with this unprecedented situation unfolding, we have a responsibility to our customers, our guests and our colleagues to provide a safe place for our exhibitors and attendees to interact and communicate face-to-face,” said Glen Gudino, Group Publisher for the BNP Media Packaging Group, which organizes the show. “We had a large number of attendees and exhibitors who committed to participate for the April event, and look forward to a successful and safe gathering on August 24-25 in Green Bay.”

Gudino added that BNP will continue to work very closely with the city of Green Bay, Lambeau Field Atrium, and local state and federal public health authorities to maintain constant communication on this front.

Exhibitors and attendees will be contacted directly by BNP staff about details of the move.

The three exhibitions, which were originally scheduled to take place from March 24-27, had to be postponed due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in mainland Europe.

Global Print Expo is described as the “flagship event” of FESPA, a global federation of 37 national associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community.

“Despite the ongoing impact that the coronavirus is having on the speciality print sector, we’ve been overwhelmed by the strong demand from our global community for a FESPA platform in 2020,” FESPA CEO Neil Felton said. “Therefore, we are extremely pleased to confirm that our shows will be going ahead on these re-scheduled dates and we’re very grateful to IFEMA team, who have been fully supportive of our decision under the extraordinary circumstances.”

FESPA will provide further updates regarding the events in due course, Felton added.

“While initial legislation (H.R. 6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act) calls for a federal mandate requiring businesses with 500 and fewer employees to provide 12 weeks of paid leave, PIA is hearing loud and clear from its members that there is not liquidity nor tolerance for debt available to fulfill this mandate,” Michael Makin, the president and CEO of the Warrendale, Pa.-based PIA, said in a March 18 statement. “The result could lead to an acceleration of layoffs and closures – causing loss of employer-sponsored health insurance for workers at the time it may be most needed.”

“Additionally, policy promising future employer tax credits—while helpful for longer-term stability—will not address the cash hemorrhaging PIA member companies are experiencing now due to idled presses, customer closures in key verticals like retail, hospitality and transportation, and the uncertainty of future business,” Makin added. “Government policy solutions that can be implemented immediately are required and must move quickly through the legislative process and to the President’s desk.”

PIA, along with dozens of other industry trade associations, has submitted a formal request to urge Congressional leadership to act on the creation of a federal emergency leave plan as soon as possible. “[PIA] is dedicated to advocating this policy solution, which is one of many that may be necessary to help our industry face the COVID-19 pandemic,” the March 18 statement said. “[We] are committed to the safety and well-being of our members, the printing industry, and its workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 situation.”

The international competition is open to all companies involved in the creation or production of print communications, as well as students and student groups from high school, vocational school, or college print production programs.

In light of the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the entry window of this year’s competition will be extended. All entries must be received by July 31, 2020, and may be submitted at awards.printing.org. An early-bird discount is available for entries received and processed before June 15, 2020.

Entries are all competing for the coveted Best of Category “Benny” award, which is only bestowed to print projects that exhibit the highest level of craftsmanship and execution. Represented by a Benjamin Franklin statue, the award symbolizes the highest print industry standards on a global level. Works may also be recognized with an Award of Recognition or Certificate of Merit.

Entrants can submit to more than 100 individual categories ranging from traditional print items like brochures, binders, and magazines, to more unique categories including “Special Innovation,” or, “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.” There’s no limit to the number of pieces that may be entered or the number of categories in which a piece may be entered.

Due to the shifting nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to hold an awards gala and details regarding the distribution of awards to honorees will be determined at a later date.

For the full program details and a catalog of entry categories, visit www.printing.org/ppa.

The move follows the recent announcement of the postponement of the FESPA 2020 events in Madrid, Spain – consisting of Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, and Sportswear Pro – originally scheduled for March 24-27.

“The postponement of FESPA Brasil 2020 follows consultation with FESPA’s local partner and trade event organiser APS Eventos Corporativos, as well as FESPA’s leading exhibitors in the region, in light of the global escalation of the coronavirus crisis in recent days,” FESPA said in a March 16 statement.

“We have been monitoring the situation in Brazil closely since the virus outbreak, as in Europe,” said FESPA CEO Neil Felton. “Until recently, the relatively low number of confirmed cases in Brazil meant there was little exhibitor support for postponement. However, the rapidly changing global picture in the last week has led us to re-evaluate our risk assessment for this event. Consequently, we have made the decision to postpone the event until later in 2020, in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our Latin American event community.”

The FESPA Brasil team is in direct communication with all exhibitors and pre-registered visitors regarding the postponement, the statement said, and will proceed in due course to explore the available options for rescheduling.

The show will remain at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla.

“Given the latest developments with COVID-19, the ISA Board and staff were not confident we could deliver the exceptional experience the industry deserves,” International Sign Association Board (ISA), which sponsors the show, said in a March 11 statement. “In addition, many of you contacted ISA staff to share your concerns. ISA’s purpose is to listen and serve the industry. We heard you.”

In its statement, ISA said that it is “currently working through all the logistical aspects that rescheduling the show will bring, and we ask for your patience as we work through the many details.”

For updated information, please visit www.SignExpo.org/Expo2020.

For additional questions, please email Expo2020@Signs.org.

The wide-format show had been scheduled to take place at the Birmingham NEC from April 28-30, 2020, but the event has now been suspended until March 2021.

In a statement, show organizer Faversham House said that it “has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and the related government guidelines. After careful consideration, having spoken with many people involved in our event, we have decided to suspend SDUK 2020. “The health, safety and wellbeing of our SDUK community is our priority.”

This year’s event was expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors.

Faversham House has already secured the dates for the 2021 event with the NEC, and next year’s event set to take place from the 2 to 4 March 2021 in halls 17 and 18.

The cancellation of this year’s SDUK event follows Fespa’s decision last week to postpone this month’s Global Expo in Madrid, which was due to take place from March 24-27. And the Edge Orlando 2020 event, originally set for March 29-April 1 in Orlando, Fla., was postponed on March 9 by the Dscoop global Board to a later date that has not yet been determined.

“Due to the latest information about the coronavirus/COVID-19, and to proactively protect the well-being of its members, partners and employees, the Dscoop global Board reached the decision today to reschedule Edge Orlando 2020 to a later date, still to be determined,” Dscoop said in a March 9 statement.

The global Board is comprised of HP executives, Dscoop PSP members, and Dscoop leadership.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health of our Dscoop community, and this is not a decision Dscoop has taken lightly,” said Keith Wilmot, CEO of Dscoop. “Using guidance from official global health experts, Dscoop will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on rescheduled plans for the event.”

“As a PSP and long-time Dscoop member, I look forward to this yearly gathering because the benefits to my team are huge in terms of industry knowledge, seeing the latest technology, and connecting with other PSPs to grow our business,”. “The decision to reschedule wasn’t made lightly, and I am confident we will find a new date shortly and continue planning this extraordinary event,” said Jay Dollries, Dscoop’s Global Board chairman and owner of Innovative Labeling Solutions.

The Dscoop Edge show is designed to help HP print service providers and solution partners learn, connect and grow. At the rescheduled event, the March 9 statement said, attendees will see the latest HP innovations and partner solutions as well as develop business and leadership skills, receive hands-on technical training, network with fellow PSPs, and much more.

Charlie Brown.

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has named printing and foil stamping industry veteran Charlie Brown as the recipient of its 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brown is the owner and co-founder of Phoenix, Ariz.-based die maker Metal Magic.

With college degrees in chemistry and electrical engineering, along with a reputation for being able to fix any mechanical problem, Brown started Metal Magic in 1988 with a US$10,000 loan from his father. He originally operated his new company in the back of the Arizona Embossing building. Only six months later, Metal Magic moved into its own building and hired its first employee, who is still with the company today.

Metal Magic quickly became known throughout the country as a leader in copper die manufacturing. That nationwide reputation rapidly increased the company’s demand for quality copper dies, and just five years after setting up shop in its own building, Brown purchased a new manufacturing plant to enable future growth.

The FSEA Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed on one individual every two years, honouring professionals in the foil stamping and embossing industry who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry at large. Nominations for the recipient of this award are submitted by FSEA members. From those nominations, a committee comprised of past FSEA presidents make the final honouree selection.

Brown will be honoured at the FSEA Gold Leaf Awards event on April 28, 2020, in conjunction with the 2020 FSEA·IADD Joint Conference. The 2020 FSEA·IADD Joint Conference will take place April 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Based on feedback from exhibitors, FESPA will now seek to reschedule the events for a later date, precise timing and venue still to be determined based on venue availability.

“Until this week, our actions with regard to COVID-19 – including the pre-emptive action taken in February regarding exhibiting companies from China – have been informed by guidance from the relevant international and national authorities, with the primary objective of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of exhibitors and visitors,” FESPA CEO Neil Felton said in a March 4 statement. “However, in light of the recent spread of the virus in specific areas of mainland Europe, we have consulted with our stakeholders and have concluded that it is in the best interests of our community to defer the events to a later date.”

In the statement FESPA said will provide an update regarding revised event dates “in due course”.

The current global death toll due to coronavirus (Covid-19) has neared 3,200.

The homepage of the website – www.flexpack.org – offers an “FPA Spotlight” section that highlights the Market Tracker, the State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report, the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition, Upcoming Events, Advocacy, and recent publications.

Many of the resources contained in the website are for FPA members only and require a login. When FPA members log into the new site for the first time, they will be required to reset their password.

The “Industry Information” section includes business statistics and financial benchmarking reports, such as the State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report and the quarterly “Pulse of the Industry” Reports under industry resources. This section features the advantages of flexible packaging, the market tracker, an industry overview and industry facts and figures. The section also contains the pressroom which offers a variety of news and information tools to keep members up-to-date.

The “Programs” section highlights key association programs such as the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition, the Flexible Packaging Student Design Challenge, Human Resources, and the Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council. The ‘Programs’ section also highlights FPA market research and outreach materials that we encourage members to use and share with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the FPA advocates on behalf of the flexible packaging industry and advocacy priorities include ensuring that the flexible packaging industry is represented in legislative and NGO discussions on solid waste management, material composition transparency, sustainability, the role of packaging in reducing food waste, and food safety issues. The new “Advocacy” section highlights FPA efforts to ensure reasonable government legislation and regulations around environmental, health, and safety concerns; water and waste regulations; and occupational safety and health rules.

Jack Noonan. Photo Credit: Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

The non-profit Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) has named longtime printing industry marketing and sales executive Jack Noonan as vice president of business development.

In this newly created role, Noonan will oversee PRINTING United exposition exhibitor and sponsorship partnerships for SGIA, strengthen existing communities, develop dedicated postal and packaging sector participation, and help explore new business opportunities for the leading annual event in the combined graphic arts industries.

PRINTING United is one of the most comprehensive printing industry expo and event showcase in the Americas and takes place in Atlanta on October 21-23, 2020.

“Jack has been a major supporter of SGIA and NAPCO Media for years,” said Mark J. Subers, president – exhibitions and events, SGIA/NAPCO Media. “While we’ve always considered him an extension of our team, we are pleased to be able to officially welcome him on board. His knowledge of the industry, extensive relationships, and business acumen will help in our collective efforts in continuing to serve the industry and build a future of new opportunity for everyone in the marketplace.”

Noonan’s industry experience extends from entrepreneurial Adobe-funded Silicon Valley ventures to enterprise roles with organizations such as Eastman Kodak. He most recently worked with MGI and global partner Konica Minolta on international marketing and business development initiatives. He has held positions in the printing and packaging industries for over 20 years. He also co-founded a postal intelligence and mailing data analytics firm called “Is It There Yet?” that, for 10 years, worked closely with the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Noonan also serves on the USPS Mailers Technical Advisory Committee and the TLMI Marketing Committee, among other industry association involvement.

The SGIA is headquartered in Fairfax, Va.

Scientific papers are based on emerging science, technology, and the application of all forms of graphic communications technology. Technical Innovation Papers cover topics where a broad technology perspective needs to be provided. They will focus on issues that are current to the industry or critical to its development across the wide range of the graphic communications industry.

TAGA explains papers can cover the full range of topics impacting the industry including, but not limited to, equipment, ink, paper, colour, packaging, visualization, curing, process control, data management, workflow, security, nanotechnology, printed electronics, 3D printing, applications, fundamental science, and software developments related to all types of printing processes.

Related: RyeTAGA – Ryerson’s student chapter of TAGA – brings home the Kipphan Cup

Papers will be selected based on submitted abstracts of 500–1,500 words and may include figures. Papers accepted and presented at the TAGA 2019 Annual Technical Conference will be published in the 2019 TAGA Proceedings. Submissions should be sent to TAGA@printing.org by September 7, 2018.

The association explains this new focus aligns with its membership, approximately 2,000 news organizations, and the new website visually depicts this expansion of news media into digital and mobile formats. The approach focuses on what it means to be a news media organization today, explains the association: communicating in real-time across multiple platforms.

“Our transformation efforts are designed to show the positive trajectory of the industry and to share the innovation and growth taking place, especially in the digital space,” said News Media Alliance Vice President of Innovation Michael MaLoon. “There are so many great things happening in our industry right now, and our job is to tell those stories.”

In addition, for the first time the association is broadening its membership requirements to allow digital-first and digital-only news organizations publishing original content to become members. The association states it has a number of new tools and resources it will be making available to members in the coming months that reflect the digital focus of its membership, including:

ideaXchange, a new online community for News Media Alliance members launching this fall, which is to provide a platform that will make sharing, brainstorming and learning from one another easier than ever.

metricsXchange, a new digital benchmarking tool exclusively for members, that will allow comparisons between markets and publications, providing new insights into the news media industry’s digital business efforts. The Alliance will also provide analyses and highlight newsworthy trends mined from the tool.

mediaXchange, the News Media Alliance’s major annual event, will take a reimagined approach. Taking place in New Orleans in 2017, the event will focus on the future of the news media industry.

“The news media industry should be optimistic. All evidence shows that people of all ages want and consume more news than ever,” stated News Media Alliance President and CEO David Chavern. “We need to focus on new ways to address the needs of audience and advertisers. Advertising on news media digital and print platforms continues to be one of the most effective ways for advertisers to reach important audiences. Publishers are working to adapt advertising across all platforms, make ads less intrusive and increase consumer engagement.”

Canadians joining the 2016 Board of Directors include Richard Kouwenhoven of Hemlock Printers, who is representing the British Columbia Printing Industries Association, and David Potje of Twin City Dwyer Printing Co. Ltd., who is representing the Ontario Printing Industries Association.

Bradley Thompson of Inland Press in Detroit, Michigan, becomes Chairman of the Board. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Government Affairs and Labor Policy Committee of PIA and a former Chairman of Printing Industries of Michigan. Thompson, a fifth-generation printer, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Press Association and serves as Government Affairs Chair of the American Court and Commercial Newspaper Association. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Clements Library at the University of Michigan.
 
Curt Kreisler of Gold Star Printers in Miami Beach, Florida, becomes First Vice Chairman for the PIA. He has served on PIA’s Board of Directors since 2009. He is currently the Association Relations Committee Chairman and a member of its Finance and Investment Committees.
 
Bryan Hall of Graphic Visual Solutions in Greensboro, North Carolina, becomes Second Vice Chairman. He served on Printing Industries of America’s Board of Directors for a number of years as Chairman of the Education Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee. Hall also served on the Board of Directors of his local affiliate – Printing Industry of the Carolinas – for nearly 10 years.
 
Michael Wurst of Henry Wurst in Kansas City, MO, becomes Secretary to the Board/Treasurer. He has served many years as a PIA Association Relations Committee member. Wurst is also actively involved in his local affiliate, Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica, serving on the Executive Committee for four years, including one year as Chair. He is the CEO of Henry Wurst, Inc., a 75-year-old family-owned commercial printing company.
 
David Olberding of Phototype in Columbus, Ohio, becomes Immediate Past Chair.
He was appointed as the association representative to PIA in 2006. He has served PIA as Chairman of the Board, First Vice Chairman, Second Vice Chairman, Executive Finance Committee member, Secretary to the Board, and as Marketing Committee Chairman. Olberding served as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, and Chair of the Education Committee of Printing Industries of Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Also joining the Board of Directors in 2016 are: Peter Jacobson, Daily Printing, representing Printing Industry Midwest; Timothy R. Suraud, Print Media Association, representing the affiliate managers; Adam G. Avrick, Design Distributors, Inc., representing Printing Industries Alliance; David Wigfield, Xerox, representing the vendor community; Richard Kouwenhoven, Hemlock Printers, representing BCPIA; Norm Pegram, representing Printing Industries of the Gulf Coast; Justin Pallis, DS Graphics, representing PINE; and Dave Potje, Twin City Dwyer Printing Co. Ltd., representing OPIA.

The group, during yesterday’s Executive Leadership Summit at The Wynn Las Vegas, announced is to now be called Epicomm, following a survey – by a third-party organization – of more than 200 members from all industry segments.

 “AMSP, NAPL, and NAQP have a long and distinguished history of service to the printing and mailing industry, but that industry is changing and we recognize that, if we are to serve our members’ evolving needs at the highest level, our association must change as well,” said Tom Duchene, Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees.

Duchene continued to say the not-for-profit group is launching a new organization with its name change to Epicomm, which is “representative of the epic communications industry we serve.”

Ken Garner, who was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined organization in October 2014, indicated Epicomm plans to launch new member-focused initiatives, including an in-depth member survey that will be used to find what issues matter most. Garner continued to explain Epicomm is also using a new tagline, Association for Leaders in Print, Mail, Fulfillment, and Marketing Services.

The CPEIA states its mandate is to bring together key Canadian and international players in industry, academia and government to build a strong domestic printable electronics (PE) sector. The association plans to facilitate growth through networking, stimulate R&D and investment, build a strong PE supply chain and drive the broad adoption of PE by end customers.

CPEIA states close to 50 Canadian companies have expressed a business interest in PE, following an effort that began three years ago by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), which created a PE research program. It also led the creation of the PE Consortium with 14 industry partners.

The CPEIA is joining and promoting a delegation of Canadian companies with the NRC that will be exhibiting at Printed Electronics USA 2014. This conference, the largest of its kind dedicated to PE, runs November 19 and 20, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, in Santa Clara, CA.

“A few years ago, many PE applications would have been considered science fiction,” said Kallai, who is billed as a former senior high-tech executive and management consultant that has worked with more than 100 government organizations and growth-stage companies across Canada. “But not anymore. Government organizations, startups, OEMs and systems integrators around the world are investing billions of dollars in R&D to revolutionize existing products and create new ones with PE. It’s time for Canada to step up and stake its claim in this exciting emerging market.”

According to research firm IDTechEx, the global market for printed and potentially printable electronics will rise from around $24 billion in 2014 to $340 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 40 percent.

The Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association also launched a Website www.cpeia-acei.ca.