Digital Printer magazine is seeking to ‘break the mould’ with a unique new industry conference.
The Smart Directions Conference:Breaking the Mould – A Fresh Approach to Growth in Print (at The Royal College of Physicians, London, 13 May 2015), will deliver inspiration and ideas for business growth through case studies, panel debates and presentations from leading speakers who are at the sharp end of the industry both as buyers and suppliers of print.
There has been a stark bottom line for commercial printing companies in recent years: margins have become cripplingly tight for basic printed work, and many have seen a need to reappraise the scope of their businesses in order to survive and grow.
Greater efficiency in their printing operations is a start, but can usually only go so far. Many have therefore come to the conclusion that more profound change is required, and have looked at the possibility of diversifying into new revenue streams or finding ways to add value to print, that will allow them to win more, higher margin work. To do so, they may need to develop fresh skills and they will almost certainly have to bring a different approach to bear when they talk to and sell to clients.
The Smart Directions Conference, which will be held in May 2015, has been created to help every forward-looking print business to plot its path to growth. This unique event will be the crescendo of Digital Printer’s Smart Directions initiative for the year, bringing together an exciting line-up of speakers and sponsor partners.
Further details of the programme are over the page, but there will be case studies, panel debates and presentations involving printers that have successfully developed and diversified their businesses to ensure growth, and brands and agencies that continue to view print as an important part of their evolving marketing communications mix, as well as expert advice from a range of specialist consultants.
One of the participants will be Joanne Hurst, European print production manager at clothing retailer Lands’ End. She believes it is important for different strands of the market to come together at events such as the Smart Directions Conference: ‘I think there are too few opportunities in these tough times for people from across our rather beleaguered industry to get together, share ideas and experiences, learn from each other, and celebrate the positive benefits of establishing and growing great relationships or partnerships. The Smart Directions Conference looks to be packed with really pithy and important sessions. I’m delighted to be part of it.’
Joining Joanne on a print buyer panel will be Mandie Lovelock, formerly a print buyer for Honda and now the print account manager at digital marketing company Generate UK.She posed a question for printers – a question that doubles as another reason to attend the Smart Directions Conference:’Rather than basing your future business strategy on what you think your customers are looking for, why not remove the risk of guessing, and find out what we are really looking for?’
Digital Printer’s Smart Directions initiative is all about seeing beyond the confines of traditional printing business models; it is about investigating opportunities for adding new services and adding value to the print you produce. It is about operating efficiently and intelligently, and adopting a smart approach to business growth. We hope you will come to listen and participate at the Smart Directions Conference as you plot your future success.
To see the full programme or book tickets click here
SPECIAL OFFER: JUST £185+VAT FOR THE NEXT 25 TICKETS BOOKED!
