Chicago – Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative) has announced that two keynote speakers will deliver addresses focusing on finances and marketing at the 2010 Dscoop annual conference: Stuart Varney, business and financial journalist for FOX News, and Ken Schmidt, marketing visionary and former communications director for Harley-Davidson. Dscoop5, the organization's 2010 Annual Conference will take place Feb. 18-20 at Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
 
Formerly with CNBC and CNN, Varney has hosted such shows as Wall Street Journal Editorial Board with Stuart Varney and The Moneyline Newshour. An economist trained at the London School of Economics, Varney offers wide-ranging and sophisticated expertise, and brings a fresh perspective on topics such as Wall Street, the current economic climate and how America remains a role model in politics, culture and business.
 
Schmidt's expertise in corporate positioning and media relations played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Harley-Davidson, which was one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history. Now an independent consultant, he specializes in marketing and branding for corporations such as Coca-Cola and IBM. He details how corporate positioning, media relations and customer management can improve companies' market competitiveness during difficult times.
 
"People are unsure about the direction they should be taking their business, and Dscoop is here to help," said Susan Moore, Dscoop5 chairwoman and president of DPI, Inc. "This year, we are offering even more value with three full days of educational sessions at a lower registration rate than previous years. We also have two fabulous keynote speakers who are going to give great insight into the financial and marketing aspects of running a business in an economy that's still unsteady."
 
In addition to the two keynote presentations, highlights for Dscoop5 include:
    •    In-depth educational sessions focusing on decision-making and leadership, sales training and strategy, pitching digital solutions to marketers and navigating financial roadblocks as well as specific courses for the Operations and Label and Packaging tracks
    •    Classes for members who own Scitex industrial presses
    •    Unique access to HP product experts, developers and executives
    •    An extensive products and services showcase featuring the most current technology, equipment and solutions serving the digital printing industry
 
"Dscoop has always been about community, and this year more than ever," said Chris Petro, Dscoop chairman and president and CEO of Global Soft Digital Solutions. "For those members who have attended every year, you will be blown away by the amazing enhancements we have made, and for those who have never participated, there's no time like this year to get involved."
 
Over its four-year history, the Dscoop annual conference has grown steadily in attendance as well as Partner participation. The 2009 event in Orlando attracted more than 1,300 HP Indigo owners and operators and 70 Partners that provide complementary products and services to graphic arts businesses. Dscoop seeks to maintain this momentum at its 2010 event with a strong program lineup.
 
HP lauds the effort that Dscoop plays in serving the graphic arts and digital printing market. "Dscoop provides our staff, partners and customers a rich venue for continued learning and knowledge exchange," said Francis McMahon, director of marketing, HP Graphic Arts. "We're continuing to grow our community by welcoming international members and large-format members into the organization so they, too, can enjoy the value that Dscoop brings."
 
More details about Dscoop5 can be found at www.dscoop5.org. Registration is open.