Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Flatland: What’s New(s) and What’s Next for Flatbed Wide-Format Printers?

Published January 15, 2019

It’s been nearly 20 years since the advent of the flatbed wide-format printer. They’ve come a long way, baby; what’s new with the technology and where do they go from here?

Wide-Format 2019: What’s Next?

Published December 17, 2018

As we head into 2019 and toward 2020, what are the emerging and accelerating trends in wide-format and specialty printing? The buzzword is “convergence,” which will only accelerate, but what other forces are changing the nature of applied graphics?

Wide Format 2018: What Kind of Day Has It Been?

Published December 6, 2018

What were the big trends in wide-format and specialty printing in 2018? It’s been a year of convergence and while shops that were likely to transition to wide-format have largely done so, the applications that can be produced are constantly changing, as new materials and new inks hit the market. Let’s have a look at what’s been happening.

As Industry Convergence Continues, Xplor International and ISA Colocate Events

Published December 3, 2018

The convergence continues: the International Sign Association and Xplor International have announced that in April 2019, the Sign Expo 2019 and XPLOR19 will colocate.

Grant Graphics’ Print & Cut Conference Offered Wide-Format 101—and 102—for Northeast Printers

Published November 27, 2018

Earlier this month, print shop owners and managers from around the Northeast journeyed to Grant Graphics in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for a day-long program of wide-format educational sessions and equipment demonstrations.

Wide-Format Graphics Make the Magnificent Mile More Magnificent

Published November 15, 2018

After a decade in the ad agency world, Shira Kollins took her graphic design and production background and launched SpeedPro Chicago. By taking an active role in local business associations—and being “pleasantly persistent” when it comes to sales and marketing—she has built a business creating cutting-edge display graphics for some of Chicago’s biggest retailers and restaurants.

Apocalypse Postponed: The State of Retail

Published November 5, 2018

Rumors of retail’s death have been greatly exaggerated (to coin a phrase). But there is no doubt that it is changing. We look at how it is changing, and what that means for POP/retail graphics providers.

Edifice Rex: Vomela Conquers the Building Wrap

Published October 30, 2018

The Vomela Companies, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., started in 1947 doing promotional product printing. Now, 71 years later, the company has expanded through both organic growth and acquisition to produce retail, POS, décor, event, and fleet graphics for a wide variety of local and national brands and venues. Their most recent project: wrapping 3M’s 14-story corporate headquarters.

Leaving Las Vegas: Recapping the SGIA Expo

Published October 24, 2018

The final SGIA Expo was a culmination of all the specialty graphics innovations of the past decade or two—with a few signposts (digitally printed, of course) pointing to the future.

SGIA Expo 2018 Marks the End of an Era—But the Start of an Exciting New One

Published October 19, 2018

The SGIA Expo 2018 opened yesterday to large crowds and a completely full exhibition hall. Our recap of Day 1 looks at where SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers sees the organization and the industry going, and highlights a handful of new product announcements.

For Rocken Graphics, Business Is On the Move

Published October 15, 2018

Gibsonton, Fla.’s Rocken Graphics has carved out a unique niche among print service providers: signage and tent graphics for traveling carnivals. We spoke with Kenny Smith, founder of Rocken Graphics, about how he got into this market, as well as how his product offerings extend beyond simple printed graphics.

Wide-Format and Specialty Graphics at PRINT 18

Published October 2, 2018

PRINT has not traditionally been a top venue for wide-format or specialty printing equipment announcements, but does showcase the latest technologies and the applications that can be produced on them, giving commercial printers concrete ideas for exploring new business opportunities.

Marketing Guru Seth Godin Kicks Off PRINT 18

Published October 1, 2018

Seth Godin’s keynote encouraged print service providers to eschew commodity printing and focus on selling products that are “remarkable.” “You don’t sell paper and ink,” he said, “you sell a feeling.” It was a fitting theme with which to open PRINT 18.

Darwill’s Inkjet Journey

Published October 1, 2018

Hillside, Ill.’s Darwill, Inc., is a 57-year-old direct mail and multi-channel marketing agency. From humble beginnings, the company has grown to be at the forefront of the industry—and one of the early adopters of production inkjet printing technology.

Chicago’s Graphic Alliance Makes a Meal Out of Restaurant Signage

Published September 11, 2018

Graphic Alliance, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, started as a commercial print shop but quickly adopted wide-format printing and has carved out a substantial niche in restaurant graphics and signage. The company has also expanded into vehicle wrapping and is currently developing residential interior décor services. Richard Romano spoke with founder and CEO Eric Grossman.

International Sign Association (ISA) Partners with British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA)

Published August 27, 2018

Lori Anderson, President and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), joins Richard Romano on Skype to announce ISA's partnership with the British Sign and Graphics Association to form ISA-UK and bring even more opportunities to its members.

Epson's Latest Technical Printer

Published August 22, 2018

Matt Kochanowski, Product Manager for Epson America, shows off the new SureColor T3170 Desktop Wireless printer, for technical printing customers who are looking for compact, sleek design. He also discusses the current state of the AEC printing market.

Success with Specialty Printing: Changing the Mindset

Published August 21, 2018

As we all know by now, there are very few surfaces, substances, and objects that can't be printed, and thus there is no end to the print products that a shop can offer. From posters and banners, to signage, to garments and other textile products, to garage doors, to...name it. But when approaching the vast new market for specialty graphics printing, two questions usually come to mind: Where do I start, and How do I sell it? Here is some advice.

Dealing with Disruption

Published August 9, 2018

Jay Samit, author of "Disrupt You!", and keynote speaker at last month's PRIMIR Insights Conference, talks about the importance of printing businesses' ability to adjust and respond to a changing industry, a changing print marketplace, and disruptions of the status quo.

PrintStats, Demographics, and the Marketplace

Published August 7, 2018

Dr. Joe Webb, President of Strategies for Management, Inc., talks about the latest updates to PrintStats, a project that APTech launched last year, which provides a wealth of demographic information about the markets that comprise the graphic communications industry.

The Future of Digital Packaging

Published August 2, 2018

Amy Machado, Research Manager for Imaging, Printing and Document Solutions at IDC, discusses a study she's been working on that looks into the breadth of digital packaging production—why people are and aren't adopting digital and their future plans.

The Future of Web-to-Print

Published July 30, 2018

Dr. Sean Smyth, consultant for Smithers Pira, discusses a study he is working on that takes a look at the current state of web-to print—specifically, systems designed to allow print customers to create professional documents without being print professionals.

Full STEAM Ahead: Blue Ridge Fab Lab and 4-H Partner to Offer 21st-Century Learning—and Wide-Format Printing

Published July 30, 2018

The Blue Ridge/UA 4-H Fab Lab, based in Pinetop-Lakeside, Ariz., offers student-directed, project-centric STEM training for K-12 students. Thanks to a partnership with 4-H, the facility is available to students across the state. Part of student projects involves designing and printing informational flyers, posters, and other materials on wide-format printers provided by Roland DGA, a sponsor of the Fab Lab. We spoke with Kevin Woolridge, Co-Director of the Fab Lab.

Graphic Arts Companies Feel the Pinch of Aluminum Tariffs

Published July 26, 2018

Last month, the Trump Administration levied a 10% tariff on imported aluminum and a 25% tariff on imported steel. At present, the tariffs are having the biggest impact on manufacturers of aluminum lithographic plates—although that may be just the beginning. Plate manufacturers are deciding how best to respond, while industry associations are helping to fight back.

Google Takes On Smart Packaging

Published July 24, 2018

David Hogue, UX Design Leader for Google, talks about the future of packaging and some of the applications Google has been introducing—not only as packaging but as an integral part of the company's AIY kits.

The Multi-Faceted World of Kohler's In-Plant

Published July 12, 2018

Christopher Donlon, Associate Communications Manager of Print Production for Kohler, talks about the excitement and challenges of running an in-plant for a wide variety of products and services, ranging from plumbing fixtures to hospitality services.

Technical Printing on the Desktop

Published July 10, 2018

Epson announced two new entry-level models in its SureColor T Series, designed for technical and AES (architecture, engineering, and construction) printing. These devices are targeted more to end users—architecture and design firms, SOHOs, etc.—than print service providers, which indicates the direction technical printing as market segment is going.

Growth in the In-Plant Industry

Published July 9, 2018

Howie Fenton, Principal at Howie Fenton Consulting, discusses the major trends affecting in-plant printing departments and the growth they're currently experiencing.

Sharing Kindness in Life and Business

Published July 6, 2018

Leon Logothetis, author of "The Kindness Diaries" and creator of the Netflix series, explains at the IPMA Conference why he left his job as a broker and went on a mission around the world to find and share kindness.

Augmented Reality for Printers

Published July 2, 2018

At last month's IPMA Conference, Ryan Kiley, Director of Strategic Production Services for Ricoh, gave a presentation about some conventional and unconventional applications for Augmented Reality (AR). He talks with Richard Romano about some of these applications and the value of AR for print and printers.

Launched During the Great Recession, SpeedPro Marin Realized There Was “No Place to Go But Up”

Published July 2, 2018

When Steve Moran-Cassese decided to launch a print business in the midst of the Great Recession, he knew it could only grow—and he was right. A mix of the right equipment and picking up on hot new application trends early on has helped SpeedPro Marin thrive. And, somewhat ironically, the Bay Area’s booming economy has created its own challenges.

Too Cool to Part With: The Superfan Company Creates Special Print Projects for Superfans

Published June 27, 2018

Brittany Hodak co-founded The Superfan Company to make “cool collectible stuff for superfans”—coffee table books, deluxe packages for albums and DVDs, subscription magazines, fan boxes, metal commemorative tickets, limited edition tour books, and more, elaborate, print-centric items that help bring fans closer to a beloved musician or athlete. We spoke with Hodak about her own journey that started at a local radio station and led to The Superfan Company—and an appearance on Shark Tank.

On-Campus In-Plant

Published June 27, 2018

At the IPMA Conference, Laura Lockett, Director of Sacramento State Reprographics & Mail Services, shares the latest trends in on-campus printing and what products and services the university in-plant offers.

Quantifying In-Plants and Outsourcing

Published June 19, 2018

At last week's IPMA Conference, Angela Whiteside, President of KickStage Consulting, offered some preliminary results from a survey she is conducting on in-plants and outsourcing. She shares some findings from her research with Richard Romano.

Annual IPMA Conference Looks at the Changing Face of the In-Plant

Published June 18, 2018

The 54th annual IPMA Conference provided a look at the current state of the in-plant printing department, with more than two dozen sessions and a vendor fair focusing on new opportunities such as interactive print and wide format, and overcoming top challenges such as outsourcing.

Roland Rolls Out New Digital Technologies at FESPA 2018

Published June 11, 2018

Paul Willems, Head of Business Development and Product Management, EMEA, Roland, previews new sign, decor, and interior textile printing technologies at FESPA 2018 in Berlin.

Experiential Graphics Are a Growing Subset of Wide Format, But Can Require a Different Approach in Terms of Sales and Production

Published June 4, 2018

“Experiential graphics” are a form of interior décor that are becoming a fast-growing part of wide-format and signage. Pursuing that particular application requires a somewhat different strategy than traditional commercial printing—or even traditional wide-format printing.

Textiles and Corrugated Take the Spotlight at FESPA Berlin

Published May 21, 2018

Textiles and corrugated were the two major themes of this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo. Here are some quick hits from the show.

FESPA Berlin 2018 Focuses on Education

Published May 17, 2018

Roz Guarnori, Exhibition Director for FESPA, talks about what visitors will find at this year's FESPA Berlin, from a show floor packed with the latest technologies to educational programs for textiles and corrugated.

EFI Launches New Hybrid Printer Series at FESPA Berlin

Published May 16, 2018

Frank Mallozzi, Chief Revenue Officer for EFI, talks about the new hybrid VUTEk printer series the company is launching this week at FESPA in Berlin: the h Series, EFI's new mid-range line, which boasts faster speed, higher image quality, and lower operating costs. The company is also demonstrating its textile-based "mini factory."

FESPA Day 2: Whetting the Palate...

Published May 16, 2018

WhatTheyThink is live at FESPA Berlin 2018 on Day 2 of the show. Welcome to the concept of the microfactory.

FESPA 2018 Opens in Berlin

Published May 15, 2018

The FESPA Global Print Expo 2018 kicked off in Berlin this morning. Here is a quick teaser of some early show highlights.

Wide Format: Now and Venn

Published May 14, 2018

What do we talk about when we talk about “wide format”? How is the term definitionally changing—and what does it even mean anymore? And more importantly, how does whatever we define as “wide format” play nice with other kinds of printing such as industrial, packaging, and commercial? And how can we navigate the “convergence” of these different print silos? Read on for more.

Outside Baseball: Heidelberg's Steven Calov on Opportunities in Direct-to-Shape Printing

Published May 10, 2018

"Direct-to-shape" is a fast-growing subset of industrial—and even commercial—printing. Steven Calov, Omnifire 4D Product Manager for Heidelberg USA, talks about the Heidelberg Omnifire printers that can print on a plethora of materials and shapes, and the opportunities they offer for both industrial and specialty commercial printers.

InPrint Reflections: Moving the (Digitally Printed) Goalposts

Published May 7, 2018

A major theme of last week’s InPrint Industrial Inkjet Conference in Chicago was the emerging distinction between two specific kinds of industrial printing: printing as part of a larger manufacturing process and what we have often called specialty printing. The conference explored the differences between them, where the growth areas are, and what the drivers of that growth are. Read on for some reflections on the conference.

The InPrint Industrial Inkjet Conference Charts New Opportunities for Print

Published May 2, 2018

What is industrial inkjet printing? What are the high-growth parts of the industrial printing market? What are the opportunities for print businesses? Frazer Chesterman, Co-Founder of InPrint, talks about industrial inkjet technology, the mission of the InPrint Conference, and what attendees can expect at this year’s event.

Moving Pictures: Carbon Wraps Brings Art Alive

Published April 24, 2018

For about 15 years, Carbon Wraps Orlando has specialized in highly creative vehicle graphics. They took car wrapping to the next level when they worked with local artist Kurt Meister and Avery Dennison to wrap one of his paintings on a vehicle live at the ISA Sign Expo last March. Read on for more about the company and this unique project.

Avery Dennison Makes Cut Vinyl User-Friendly

Published April 17, 2018

Patti Draper Doychak, Senior Marketing Communications Manager for Avery Dennison, describes new innovations in cut vinyl. Easier weeding with a re-engineered adhesive, a larger color palette, and longer-lasting adhesive all give the client more choices and a better-quality vinyl product.

ISA Provides Year-Round Resources for the Sign Industry

Published April 16, 2018

Lori Anderson, President and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), shares the many ways ISA helps members of the sign industry. Beyond the annual Sign Expo, in which professionals can learn about new technologies, ISA is active in advocacy for companies in relation to sign codes and regulations, as well as helping educate students about the opportunities available to them after high school.

In Praise of Data: How PRIMIR Industry Research Can Improve Your Business

Published April 12, 2018

The Association for Print Technologies (APTech), through its PRIMIR Research Unit and Market Data programs, provides a wealth of woefully underutilized industry research that can be of great practical use to all the links in the print supply chain—not just suppliers and vendors but print service providers, as well. Read on to see how.

Catherine Monson’s Health Care Crusade

Published April 12, 2018

Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS, talks about her recent testimony before the U.S. Congress on behalf of her long commitment to establishing association-based health plans so that small businesses, like print franchises, can provide affordable health care plans to their employees.

Specialty Printing Moves Toward the Mainstream

Published April 11, 2018

Michael Johnson, VP of Marketing for Nazdar Source One, a distributor to the wide-format printing market, talks to Richard Romano at last month’s ISA Sign Expo about the business opportunities and profitability potential in specialty printing—printing on water bottles and other kinds of promotional materials.

Sign Research Foundation Data: High Value for Sign Makers and Buyers

Published April 11, 2018

Sapna Budev, Executive Director of the Sign Research Foundation (SRF), talks about the collaborative relationship between the SRF and the International Sign Association, and the value of the information gathered by the SRF. SRF research helps signmakers and sign customers navigate such issues as brightness standards and sign codes, calculate the ROI of a sign for a retailer, and determine the economic value of signage to a community.

A Wrap to Remember: Kennickell Group Turns Harbour Town Lighthouse Plaid

Published April 10, 2018

If you watch the RBC Heritage Golf Classic this week, pay attention to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse. In a first-of-its-kind wrap project undertaken by Savannah, Ga.’s Kennickell Group, the 90-foot structure had its red stripes converted to plaid to commemorate the event’s 50th anniversary. Read on to find out more about the company’s dramatic growth in the wide-format market and how the unique project came about.

Direct-to-Garment Printing Becoming Popular and Profitable

Published April 9, 2018

Tim Check, Production Manager, Epson America, talks about direct-to-garment printing, particularly using the brand-new Epson F-2100 Series printer which can print directly on T-shirts, baby onesies, towels, and other kinds of fabric-based items. Garment printing is a growth area for not only traditional screen printers looking to print short-run items, but also for commercial printers who can complement other display graphics services they may be offering.

InPrint Industrial Inkjet Conference to Highlight the Intersection of Industrial and Commercial Printing

Published April 9, 2018

Inkjet technologies have been blurring, or completely eliminating, the lines between commercial and industrial printing. But understanding new print applications and new print markets involves more than technology. We talk with Frazer Chesterman, Director of FM Brooks, which is bringing the InPrint Industrial Print Conference to Chicago next month, about the dwindling distinction between industrial and commercial printing and the opportunities that are emerging.

GMG Color Goes Beyond the RIP

Published April 5, 2018

Erik Schmitt, Director of Sales–Canada, for GMG Color, talks about the software tool set GMG Color has available for sign makers to create an entire workflow specific to the production of signage. He also talks about the importance of color management and the increasing trend toward automation.

Customers In Search of New Applications

Published April 3, 2018

Frank Malozzi, SVP, Worldwide Sales and Marketing for EFI, talks up the hardware and software portfolio on display at last month’s ISA Sign Expo, and the increasing demand from traditional sign and display customers for new applications such as thermoforming.

Post-Reed, Communities Reevaluate their Sign Codes

Published April 3, 2018

The landmark 2015 Supreme Court case Reed v. Town of Gilbert turned a sign code issue into a First Amendment battle. Three years later, its effects are still being felt throughout the signage industry—for good or ill. Read on for some of the latest developments in signage regulations.

Canon Solutions America’s Océ Colorado Continues to Gel

Published March 29, 2018

It’s been more than a year since Canon Solutions America (CSA) launched the Océ Colorado 1640 UVgel-based wide-format printer. CSA was showing the machine at last week’s ISA Sign Expo, and Senior Marketing Expert John Kaufman provides an update on new features, new inks, and how it has performed in the market.

ISA's David Hickey On Sign Codes, Regulations, and Tariffs

Published March 28, 2018

David Hickey, VP of Advocacy for the International Sign Association, talks about the latest issues related to sign codes, impending OSHA regulations, and the potential impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on businesses in the sign and display industry.

Roland’s New Laser Foil Decorator

Published March 27, 2018

At the ISA Sign Expo 2018, Roland DGA introduced the DGSHAPE LD-80 laser foil decorator. Roland President Andrew Oransky talks about the new device and the opportunities it opens up for print service providers to offer unique, high-value printed specialty products.

HP’s Latex Rigid Technology

Published March 26, 2018

Last week, at the ISA Sign Expo 2018, HP announced its new Latex R, the company’s first Latex series to print on rigid media. Joan Pérez Pericot, General Manager for HP’s Large Format Graphics Business, talks to Richard Romano about the new device line, its features and intended applications, and the product rollout schedule.

The Traditional Meets the Technological at Sign Expo 2018

Published March 26, 2018

The International Sign Association (ISA) Sign Expo 2018 was held in Orlando, Fla., last week. Channel letters, magnetic signage, neon lighting, LED displays, digital displays, 3D printing, and wide-format and display graphics in all their various incarnations were being showcased. Read on for some highlights from the show.

ISA Sign Expo 2018 Goes Beyond Signage

Published March 23, 2018

The ISA Sign Expo 2018 opened in Orlando, Fla., yesterday. Alicia Auerswald, VP of Marketing, Communications, and Membership for the International Sign Association (ISA), talks about some of the new technologies on the show floor, and the increasing need for sign shops to expand into other kinds of print.

“Don’t Put Pictures of Your Press on Your Website”

Published March 16, 2018

Print business owners need to have an effective “content strategy” for their websites and other online presences. John Foley, CEO of interlinkONE & Grow Socially, talks about the reasons for developing a content strategy, as well as some dos and don’ts for online content.

Latest WhatTheyThink Webinar Looked at the Current Economic Climate and Print Business Conditions

Published March 16, 2018

Last Wednesday, Dr. Joe Webb presented his quarterly economic conditions webinar, which included a look at the overall macroeconomic environment as well as current printing industry business conditions. Read on for a brief summary of what Dr. Webb discussed.

For SpeedPro Imaging Apex, Networking Is One of the Keys to Success

Published March 12, 2018

Less than two years ago, Mark Simmons left the retail world and launched a SpeedPro Imaging franchise in Apex, N.C. A knack for networking, a talented in-house designer, and a vibrant local business environment have helped drive Simmons’ success.

The Shapes of Things to Come: Direct-to-Object Printing Bridges the Gap Between Industrial and Commercial

Published March 6, 2018

New systems are emerging that can print directly onto three-dimensional objects, especially cups, glasses, and bottles, to serve what is emerging as a lucrative promotional drinkware market. In this feature, Richard Romano looks at direct-to-object offerings from Xerox, Inkcups, and Engineered Printing Solutions.

For This Print Business Owner, Collaboration Is Key

Published March 6, 2018

At the NPOA Owners Conference, Danny Paline, President of Five Star Printing and Signs, talks about the benefits of talking with other print business owners as well as the importance of a positive attitude.

Networking Is an Essential Tool for Digital Transition

Published March 2, 2018

Longtime NPOA member and first-time Owners Conference attendee Joey Reinhardt, President of Barbour Printing Services, talks about how advice and guidance from his peers has helped him steer his business from an offset to a digital environment, as well as how the association—and the Conference—are well-suited for a business of his size.

Kodak Aims to “Take Print Further” at Customer Event

Published March 2, 2018

At a “Taking Print Further” customer and media event this week in Rochester, N.Y., Kodak offered some forward-looking trend presentations, new product announcements for both cutting-edge and legacy systems, and customer panels. Read about Kodak’s commitment to the print industry.

Print Business Valuation 101

Published March 1, 2018

At last week’s NPOA Owners Conference, Paul Reilly, Partner at New Direction Partners, gave an overview of the dominant business valuation methods. Here, Mr. Reilly summarizes what print business owners need to know about business valuation—whether they are planning to sell their business or not.

”A Valuable Place to Be”—Learning from Peers and Presenters at the Owners Conference

Published March 1, 2018

Gerry Engelhart, President of Porath Printsource, discusses the top challenges he faces as the owner of a print business, as well as the new marketing and promotion ideas he gleaned from this year’s NPOA Owners Conference.

The Importance of SEO for Print Businesses

Published February 28, 2018

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about ensuring that your business gets found on Google when potential customers search for the products and services you offer. John Foley, CEO of interlinkONE & Grow Socially, talks about his session at the NPOA Owner’s Conference on the importance of SEO for print businesses—and how even small shops can make the time to effectively optimize their websites.

“Crowdsourcing” Solutions: The Advantages of Networking

Published February 28, 2018

Last week’s NPOA Owners Conference provided two days of sessions and networking for small and mid-size print businesses. Paula Fargo, President of Baltimore’s Curry Printing & Copy Center, talks about the challenges her business faces and the tangible benefits of events like the Owners Conference—especially interacting with peers.

John Henry on the Sixth Annual NPOA Owners Conference

Published February 26, 2018

John Henry, CEO of Mitchell’s Speedway Press and Conference Director for the National Print Owners Association, talks with Richard Romano about the benefits of the association and the Owners Conference, as well as some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s Conference.

Expand Beyond Signage at the Upcoming ISA Sign Expo

Published February 20, 2018

ISA Sign Expo 2018 heads to Orlando next month, with four days of educational sessions and a packed exhibition floor. Richard Romano spoke with Brandon Hensley, ISA’s Chief Operating Officer, and Iain Mackenzie, ISA’s VP of Meetings & Events, about new show features and some returning favorites.

Signage—and the Superbowl—Mean Business for Twin Cities' Pixelwerx

Published February 19, 2018

Richard Romano talks to Adam Carver, President & CEO of Minneapolis' Pixelwerx, about his wide-format, signage, and specialty graphics business. Pixelwerx also recently acquired Canon Solutions America Océ Colorado 1640 UVgel wide-format printer.

The [Office] Space Age: Signs By Tomorrow Transforms the American Diabetes Association’s New Headquarters

Published February 12, 2018

Environmental or experiential graphics are a growing trend in signage, with sign shops using the latest display graphics technologies and substrates to transform office spaces. As a result, sign and display graphics providers are working more closely with interior designers and architecture firms. Case in point: Signs By Tomorrow’s interior graphics for the American Diabetes Association’s new headquarters.

The State of Labels and Packaging

Published February 6, 2018

We have a new report out, the Printing Forecast 2018, based in large part on the results of our Fall 2017 Print Business Outlook survey. There is quite a lot in the 172-page report, but here are some highlights specific to label and packaging printing. Thus far, commercial plants don't see tremendous opportunities in digital label or packaging—but that may be changing.

Sixth Annual NPOA Print Business Owners Conference Will Offer Inspiration and Hands-On Training

Published February 5, 2018

The NPOA Annual Print Owners Conference sails to the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale on February 22 to 24. The three-day event includes a dozen sessions that cover the waterfront of business, technology, and marketing issues important to small and md-size print business owners.

Highlights of the WhatTheyThink Printing Forecast 2018

Published February 5, 2018

WhatTheyThink’s Forecast 2018 report, by Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano provides detailed analysis of the most recent Print Business Outlook Survey, the latest industry economic data and macroeconomic trends, as well as industry and cultural technological trends to look out for in 2018.

Randy Herron On the Upcoming NPOA Conference

Published January 30, 2018

The National Printers Owners Association (NPOA) 2018 Conference will be held February 22 to 24, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. NPOA Chairman Randy Herron talks about the benefits of attending the conference.

Open Wide: The State of Wide-Format Printing

Published January 23, 2018

We have a new report out, the Printing Forecast 2018, based in large part on the results of our Fall 2017 Business Conditions Outlook survey. There is quite a lot in the 172-page report, but here are some highlights specific to wide-format printing.

Thayer Long on NPES Rebrand and New Mission

Published January 17, 2018

Richard Romano talks to Thayer Long about the name change from NPES to Association for Print Technology, as well as the association's new mission to drive the industry forward.

This Point Forward: A Look Ahead at 2018

Published January 9, 2018

Personal voice assistants and the Internet of Things, wide-format graphics and specialty printing—what are some of the new (and old!) technologies to which we should pay attention and how will they affect us in 2018?

2017: A Look In the Rear-View Mirror

Published December 15, 2017

More industry consolidation in response to decreased demand. Yet, encouraging business conditions, and challenges with managing productivity. Meanwhile, inkjet continues to conquer the world and new print product and business opportunities emerge in strange new places. Let’s take a look back at the year that was.

Apocalypse Soon? Retail’s Troubles and What They Mean for POP Printers

Published December 5, 2017

Brick and mortar retailer has been struggling with foot traffic. According to early estimates all signs are pointing to more ecommerce, less in-person commerce this holiday season. What does this mean for retail graphics?

Xerox Sets the Page Free at NYC’s 92nd Street Y

Published November 13, 2017

The company’s unique rebranding project resulted in an anthology of current authors writing about work, a series of videos, and a book launch event with author readings at New York’s venerable 92nd Street Y.

Ink Migration and Food Safety Take Center Stage at Inaugural Radtech Packaging Conference

Published October 31, 2017

Radtech’ first UV+EB Packaging Conference last week featured suppliers, vendors, and brand owners surveying the current packaging landscape, with an emphasis on food packaging and safety.

“Industrial Printing” Takes Center Stage at SGIA Expo 2017

Published October 24, 2017

What turned out to be the penultimate SGIA Expo featured an emphasis on “industrial printing”—a nebulous but increasingly common term for what mainstream printing may be morphing into.

Winds of Change: SGIA Expo to Become PRINT United; New “Mega-Show” to Launch in 2019

Published October 11, 2017

New Orleans may have dodged a bullet when Tropical Storm Nate veered to the east, but strong winds of change were nonetheless buffeting the Ernest Morial Convention Center, as 2017’s SGIA Expo opened on Tuesday with the surprising—some even thought shocking—news that the long-beloved Expo was undergoing a major change.

EFI Previews SGIA Expo Plans

Published October 5, 2017

EFI's Sean Roberts provides a preview of what EFI will be showing at next week's SGIA Expo in New Orleans. A number of new products will be on display.EFI will also utilize virtual reality technology to provide booth visitors with an immersive environment to explore the company's portfolio of wide format systems.

Executive Summary: Mid-Year 2017 Business Conditions Survey

Published October 4, 2017

This executive report is based on the latest results of the WhatTheyThink print executive survey. It details the state of the industry at mid-2017 and looks ahead to what can be expected, economically and technologically, as we head toward 2018. The foundation of the report is the WhatTheyThink Printing Industry Survey of June 2017. This survey of more than 300 industry executives gauged their current business conditions, top business challenges, and planned investments for 2018. They also described how the volume for offset, color digital, black-and-white digital, and wide-format printing, as well as non-print-based services has changed.

SGIA Expo 2017 Heads to The Big Easy

Published September 19, 2017

Next month, the annual SGIA Expo heads to Bayou Country, with more than 50 educational sessions and one of the biggest show floors in the U.S. Here is a preview of what this year’s show offers.

Mid-Year Progress Report: 2017 So Far

Published August 27, 2017

We’re mercifully more than halfway through 2017. How is the industry faring thus far compared to last year? Our new Economics and Research Center report looks at the latest economic, technological, and cultural trends affecting the industry.

PIA Alliance Printer Panel Identifies Opportunities and Challenges for Digital Print Businesses

Published August 21, 2017

Last month, the PIA Alliance hosted a “Digital Think Tank” in New York City that brought together 150 equipment manufacturers, their customers, and other printers to talk about the latest technology and trends in digital printing and the industry in general. Here are the highlights.

That Can-Do Spirit: New Trends in Beer Consumption Open Up a Can of Opportunities—Part 2 of 2

Published August 14, 2017

Canned beer isn’t your daddy’s tinny-tasting brew. As microbreweries move small-batch production from bottles to cans, it opens up opportunities for short-run can decoration.

That Can-Do Spirit: New Trends in Beer Consumption Open Up a Can of Opportunities—Part 1 of 2

Published July 31, 2017

Canned beer isn’t your daddy’s tinny-tasting brew. As microbreweries move small-batch production from bottles to cans, it opens up opportunities for short-run can decoration.

Articles by Richard Romano