• In response to users and vendors, the DSCOOP 2019 delivered presentations that were targeted toward sales and marketing, leadership and strategy, technology and innovation, and operation management.
• Experts from Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends kicked of the first day of the show with two workshops.
• The new Edge TV featured captured video interviews and provided live streamling throughout this year’s event.

By Pat McGrew

Introduction

DSCOOP, the Digital Solutions Cooperative, has a long history of providing targeted education to the HP Indigo community, and now the digital printing community at large. This is a mature show, so its organizers are continually seeking ways to innovate, keep longtime attendees educationally nourished, and attract new attendees who are looking for inspiration. This is a difficult endeavor for any organization, but the 2019 DSCOOP Edge team was up to the challenge. In response to users and vendors, the team approached the education mission with presentations that were targeted toward sales and marketing, leadership and strategy, technology and innovation, and operation management. Presentations from software, hardware, and finishing partners were added to the content to help provide a very well-rounded program.

Workshops

Like the 2018 agenda (Unleashing Print), this year’s DSCOOP Edge agenda provided numerous opportunities to hear from industry experts, chat with HP customers, and attend some interesting keynotes. Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends was part of 2019 the agenda, hosting two workshops as part of the pre-conference on Sunday, March 24. Kate Dunn, a Director at InfoTrends and a sales training expert, hosted a workshop called “It’s Time to Pay Attention to Your Sales Process.” This workshop provided an intensive look at an eight-step sales process that attendees were encouraged to use to help differentiate their companies. Focusing on ways to achieve high-margin sales, Kate led the workshop attendees on a journey that was designed to create a sales process with the right cadence for success.

Also on Sunday, Pat McGrew delivered her “Print Samples that Sell” workshop, which explored the process of developing, using, and maintaining a print sample strategy to ensure that only your best work is shown to prospects. During this interactive workshop, attendees from around the world had a chance to learn the basics of developing their print sample library. They also enjoyed a hands-on experieince with print samples that showed some innovative approaches for adding value to the print sales story.

Other Opportunities for Education

Beyond the workshops, the core DSCOOP agenda and exhibit area did exactly what you’d expect any good trade event to do—they provided opportunities for education. Anyone who owns and operates digital presses knows that ongoing education is the key to differentiation and preventing price-driven battles. The sessions at this year’s DSCOOP covered a range of topics, including new types of products to consider, growing options for flexible packaging and folding carton solutions, and innovative solutions using HP inkjet. The DSCOOP organizers took advantage of vendor partners to provide guidance on production workflow, operations, creative development strategies, and even how to make Alexa—or another automation tool—do your bidding.

This year’s DSCOOP event also marked the launch of the Edge TV feature. Throughout the duration of the tradeshow, Edge TV was capturing video interviews and streaming live. Ginger Schlanger from DSCOOP teamed up with Richard Askam to interview partners, attendees, and others with a goal of spreading education beyond the boundaries of the event.

The Bottom Line

This year’s DSCOOP Edge agenda achieved its goal of delivering new ideas to attendees. Event organizers have already announced the date and location for the next DSCOOP show. We hope to see you at Orlando World Center Marriott (Orlando, Fla.) from March 29 to April 1, 2020!

Leveraging more than three decades as an evangelist for technology in communication, Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends’ Pat McGrew uses her technical and marketing background to lead the industry toward optimized business process and information workflows. She has worked with companies to help them define their five-year plans, audited workflow processes, and developed sales team interventions and education programs. She educates the industry in production workflows to promote effective communication. If you have stories to share, Pat would love to hear from you! She can be reached via Twitter (@PatMcGrew), LinkedIn, or e-mail ([email protected]).