April 09, 2008 -- Discussions on the future of digital printing, including how the environment and today's innovation will impact the industry moving forward, were key focus areas for the 290 delegates and subject area experts who gathered in Madrid last week at Xerox's European Premier Partner Congress.

During the two day event, which kicked off on Wednesday, April 2, attendees heard from a variety of sustainability experts including Keith Suter, an economic and social commentator and author. Suter discussed how the current emphasis on the environment will impact the graphic arts industry now and in the future. Guests heard Suter's predictions on how the environment is going to become the issue of the 21st century. Xerox's Patricia Calkins, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety also led a discussion on "greener ways of working with you and your documents."

Attendees also heard from Xerox's Sophie Vandebroek, chief technology officer and president of Xerox Innovation Group about the company's commitment to research and development. Valentin Govaerts, senior vice president, Production and Graphic Arts Industry, Xerox Europe, participated in a lively discussion on the future of digital print with fellow panelists Alastair Tempest, director general of the Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing and Peter Ferris, director of John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.    

"During the panel discussion, delegates were interested to hear about perspectives on digital printing applications such as book publishing and direct marketing, as well as Xerox's technological innovations," said Ad Verweij, manager, Graphic Arts and Premier Partners, Xerox Europe. "Delegates found this year's congress even more informative and inspirational than last year and we're looking forward to continuing conversations that began last week in Madrid next month in Germany at drupa."

In addition to a variety of educational sessions, attendees also learned about enhancements to Xerox's Premier Partners program including a marketing store where they can download fully-customizable event kits for direct mail and publishing projects at no cost, and the launch of a new Xerox Premier Partners Global Directory, www.xerox.com/xpp. The directory provides prospective print buyers a resource to learn about how a Xerox Premier Partner can assist with their individual print needs. Site features include case studies, examples of how to best utilize digital printing, a directory of worldwide Xerox Premier Partners and an improved online print referral process. Xerox has also increased the site's traffic by implementing an aggressive search engine optimization plan for promotion of the Web site.  

Xerox's Premier Partners program is an exclusive global community with more than 700 members made up of innovative digital printing, graphic arts and communication companies that are defining the future of the print industry. Together they work to shape The New Business of Printing and give their clients a competitive edge.