ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Kodak’s customers and users from the commercial printing, publishing, and packaging industries have gathered this week in the Atlanta area for the Graphic Users Association (GUA) North American Conference. Attendees have come to learn about maximizing their investments and leveraging industry best practices and services to drive results.

This year’s conference, themed “Delivering Education to Drive Bottom Line Results,” kicked off Tuesday evening with a First-Timers Reception where many of the first-time GUA attendees were able to meet and seek a mentor for the conference. Attendees on the first two days participated in the nearly sold-out GUA University courses. The University classes provide in-depth, four-hour trainings on ways to maximize efficiency and productivity. New this year, all GUA University attendees receive a skills achievement certification from the GUA and Kodak. The GUA Conference is open to GUA members, Kodak customers, and any company interested in learning more about KODAK Solutions.

In addition to university courses, the GUA Conference runs through the rest of this week and includes keynote speakers, workshop sessions, subject matter expert roundtables, and panels. The GUA Innovation Technology Lab, open each day during the event, is highlighting KODAK Solutions and Services, partner solutions, workflow demos, and new applications. With a credit toward future Kodak purchases, the conference represents a great investment for graphic communications professionals and printing businesses.

“The GUA continues to focus on education and exchange as we deliver and share knowledge to help our members succeed today and in the future,” said John Henderson, Vice President of Operations and Technology for The Bureau and President, GUA. “As a long-time GUA participant and member, year after year, I hear GUA members and conference attendees share their excitement about the information and ideas they take with them that will provide direct benefits to their business.”

Chris Payne, Kodak’s Director and Vice President Marketing, Commercial Imaging Business, opened the session on Wednesday with an update and overview of Kodak’s business and its plans for the future. InfoTrends’ Barb Pellow followed with an overview of 10 emerging trends that are impacting the industry.  The afternoon sessions focused on the KODAK PRINERGY 6 Workflow System.

“Kodak remains committed to the GUA organization, which continues to be an outstanding opportunity for exchange with our customers worldwide,” said Michele Laird-Williams, GUA Executive Director. “The program includes topics and sessions that are based on input from the GUA Board, GUA members, Kodak customers, Kodak’s partners, and industry peers. Attendees have access to a wide range of relevant, targeted information that will guide their investments and drive future growth.”