HP Schedules First-Ever Global Partner Summit Coinciding with Dscoop6

Published August 30, 2010

Dscoop, the independent user group for HP Indigo and Scitex owners, has been one of the biggest user group success stories in our industry.  Even though last year was terrible for the industry, Dscoop had an attendance of 1,823 and had to turn away both attendees and sponsors because the demand was so high.  In 2011, Dscoop 6 organizers expect to significantly exceed that attendance level.  The conference will be held February 17-19, 2011, at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando FL.

RISO/Kodak Deal Adds New Dimension to Inkjet

Published August 6, 2010

Email Marketing: Does it still work?

Published August 3, 2010

Does email marketing still work, or is it beset by too many problems with mailbox clutter, spam and more? A recent study and a specific example indicate there is plenty of life left in this medium. Is it part of your service mix?

Boarman Nomination Heads to Full Senate

Published July 22, 2010

WhatTheyThink was notified yesterday by the Senate Rules Committee that: "The Senate Rules and Administration Committee voted to discharge the nomination of William J. Boarman out of committee. It will now go to a vote on the Senate floor."

Washington Post picks up Boarman story

Published July 16, 2010

New evidence has surfaced in relation to the nomination of William Boarman for the post of U.S. Public Printer. WhatTheyThink has been covering this story since the nomination was announced through posts on the Print CEO blog. Most recently, we learned that Boarman had received—and cashed—a check for a “gain sharing” payment in 2010—33 years after he left active employment with the GPO.

Agfa Graphics Acquires The Pitman Company

Published July 16, 2010

The July 15th announcement of Agfa’s Pitman acquisition had been rumored for some time. Agfa expects the acquisition to strengthen its presence in the U.S. printing market, including an expanded growth opportunity for Agfa’s industrial inkjet and prepress solutions. The company held a press conference to discuss the acquisition.

Joint AlphaGraphics/Allegra Tech Expo Planned

Published July 14, 2010

AlphaGraphics Unveils Bold Plan for Network Growth

Published July 12, 2010

AlphaGraphics has recognized the importance of keeping up with the changes in the marketing services industry. At the their recent annual owners conference, CEO Kevin Cushing announced to franchisees the major strategic changes they’re planning for the network. Cary Sherbune caught up with Cushing to find out how they’re staying on top.

Boarman Nomination for Public Printer: Another Issue Emerges?

Published July 11, 2010

HP Adds Director of Marketing for the Americas to Graphic Solutions Business

Published July 9, 2010

With a little more than a week in his new position, HP’s Director of Marketing for the Americas, Graphic Solutions Business, took time out to speak exclusively with WhatTheyThink about his goals and objectives in his first 100 days.

After 17 Years, Kevin Joyce Swaps Print for TV

Published July 8, 2010

Last month, Kodak’s Vice President of Worldwide Sales & Marketing for Digital Printing, Kevin Joyce, announced he would be leaving Kodak—and the industry—for a different media opportunity. Among other things, Joyce looks forward to taking some lessons learned from print into broadcast. Read the whole story in this exclusive WhatTheyThink interview.

Do You Care How Our Industry is Classified?

Published July 6, 2010

As we have been discussing in the Quick Printing thread of this blog, the classifications for our industry are about to be changed to the following: 323113, Commercial Screen Printing, 323117, Books Printing, 323119, Other Commercial Printing (except Screen and Book.

Canadian Printer Magazine Abandons Printed Edition in Favor of Online

Published June 30, 2010

Canadian Printer, a leading printing industry trade publication in Canada, has announced that it will no longer be producing print editions.  Instead, the publication will maintain an online presence and distribute bi-weekly e-newsletters to its readership.  The company's intent is to publish one printed edition annually highlighting innovations in print.

PSDA Opts for Professional Association Management Firm SmithBucklin

Published June 30, 2010

PSDA, formerly DMIA, has made a decision that is likely to have a major positive impact on its future. The association has chosen to work with professional association management firm SmithBucklin rather than continue to operate as a standalone entity. WhatTheyThink spoke with several stakeholders to gain an understanding of what this move means for the association.

Boarman Confirmation Process Goes Silent

Published June 29, 2010

Libraries Getting More Active in the eBook Game

Published June 29, 2010

Maigen Sawyer discusses a PURL case study and Mindfire's solution

Published June 29, 2010

Disrupting the Future of Books

Published June 29, 2010

I recently read a Wall Street Journal article entitled “’Vanity’ Press Goes Digital.” It featured author Karen McQuestion, who had spent nearly a decade trying to persuade a variety of New York publishers to print one of her books. Failing to get their attention, she decided to self-publish. Although enabling technology has been available for more than a decade, many publishers have only recently begun to understand the value of print on demand in the book life cycle. Now they are faced with an even greater challenge—how to deal with e-books within the publishing framework. Karen McQuestion’s experiences are a great example of the disruptive process of self-publishing at work.

Is Quick Printing Obsolete?

Published June 28, 2010

M&A Advice Live at Print CEO Forum

Published June 26, 2010

David Hocquet raps on printing in Belgium

Published June 25, 2010

Indexx, Inc., of South Carolina Expands Marketing Services Offerings

Published June 25, 2010

Indexx, Inc., serving upstate South Carolina, including Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg, as well as customers throughout North America, has taken an aggressive approach to migrating its business from traditional commercial print to a marketing services business that includes print among its offerings. Owner Jordan Finn talks about his transition in this interview.

Guy Gecht on EFI's strategic vision

Published June 24, 2010

EFI's Fred Rosenzweig talks wide format R&D from FESPA 2010

Published June 23, 2010

GPO Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Published June 23, 2010

The Government Printing Office (GPO) was established on June 23, 1860, when President Buchanan signed the Congressional Resolution creating the agency. It opened its doors several months later on the day of Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration. Surprisingly, the only sitting President to ever visit the agency was Lincoln, but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of the employees at this $1 billion agency, some of whom have several generations of family who have worked for the GPO.

Cary Sherburne previews FESPA 2010 from Munich

Published June 22, 2010

Quad/Graphics adds iPad app to digital edition

Published June 16, 2010

Quad/Graphics has once again demonstrated a high level of innovation, being one of the first, if not the first, print manufacturer in our industry to provide its customers with a customized iPad application that offers clients another distribution channel for their publications. Hear what Jason Sawtelle, Director of Premedia Sales, has to say about this exciting move.

Are QR Codes Finally Catching On in the U.S.?

Published June 4, 2010

We have been hearing about QR codes for some time, but adoption rates in the U.S. have been slow compared to the rest of the world. Not sure what QR Codes are or what business opportunity they represent? This interview with Val DiGiacinto of Manhattan’s Ace Group tells the story.

RedTagPrintSale.com Has Some Franchise Print Networks in a Tizzy

Published May 27, 2010

Boarman Public Printer Confirmation Hearing Raises Questions

Published May 26, 2010

Confirmation Hearing for New U.S. Public Printer Scheduled for Tuesday, May 25

Published May 21, 2010

Printable Acquires DirecType

Published May 19, 2010

Bitstream Acquires Assets of Press-Sense

Published May 17, 2010

Jeff Hayzlett to Leave Kodak CMO Post

Published May 14, 2010

Chuck Gehman applies the unconference concept to Printing Camp

Published May 13, 2010

Bill Barta on multi-channel marketing to college applicants

Published May 11, 2010

Francis McMahon at Océ: The Details

Published May 11, 2010

At the end of March, Francis McMahon, director of marketing for HP's US Graphic Arts Business, Imaging and Printing Group, departed HP after being there for eight years. Effective April 12th, he joined Océ North America as the Vice President of Marketing reporting to Mal Baboyian, President of Océ Production Printing Systems Division based in Boca Raton, Florida. Here is what McMahon has to say about his new company and the Canon acquisition.

Modernizing the Pantone Matching System

Published May 10, 2010

Ashley Ivey talks graphic arts & design at Clemson

Published May 10, 2010

EFI Announces 15% Revenue Growth for Q1, Acquisition

Published May 7, 2010

Cary Sherburne talks with EFI CEO Guy Gecht about their recent earnings release and acquisition of Radius Solutions.

Samantha Garrett on what inspired her to study print at Clemson

Published May 7, 2010

Clemson undergrad Meghan Foley talks about her future after graduation

Published May 6, 2010

CGX Emerge Conference Good Model for Printers

Published May 3, 2010

Printing Leadership Made Easy: Interview with Joan Davidson of the Sheridan Group

Published April 23, 2010

Leading a printing company can be a challenging task in the best of times. Not only do you have to keep up with all the technology, maintain connections with and a deep understanding of your customers’ business needs, but you also have to build the right team and inspire them to carry your message to customers and prospects. A recent keynote by Joan Davidson at EFI Connect sheds some light on how a successful leader is accomplishing these objectives.

EFI CEO Guy Gecht talks about the next earnings period and industry trends at EFI Connect

Published April 21, 2010

Joan Davidson of The Sheridan Group on using technology to meet the demands of an evolving marketplace

Published April 20, 2010

EFI Connect Draws 500+ EFI Customers to the Las Vegas Wynn

Published April 20, 2010

This is the 11th EFI Connect conference and the fourth time it has been held at the Las Vegas Wynn. Compared to 2009, the conference has 50% more attendees, and users are seeing first-hand enhancements made to PrintSmith, Pace and Monarch, EFI’s three MIS product families. Also taking center stage are inkjet offerings from VUTEk, Rastek and Jetrion, as well as Fiery.

Bob Tapella gives his advice to the next Public Printer and reviews the progress and transformation of the GPO

Published April 19, 2010

Online Social Media Primer

Published April 18, 2010

Pitney Bowes Launches Innovative Product at National Postal Forum

Published April 16, 2010

I trekked to Nashville for the National Postal Forum for the first time in years and was shocked at the attendance. The Postmaster General's keynote was standing room only, more than 2,000 people. While these Forums have been larger in the past, this was quite a turnout considering the economic conditions and the experience other trade shows and conferences have had in drawing attendance.

Kodak’s Eric Owen Discusses Kodak Strategy, Shares Advice for Printing Success

Published April 16, 2010

Eric Owen, newly appointed as Kodak’s Worldwide Vice President of Customer Development for Digital Printing Solutions started at Scitex and moved to Creo, then Kodak, as a result of acquisitions. Read what Eric has to say about the key strategic objectives of his current position, where he sees inkjet and toner fitting, and his advice for print service providers as the economy begins to recover.

FedEx Office, Canon and HP Announce “Game-Changing” Deal

Published April 14, 2010

Yesterday, FedEx Office, Canon and HP jointly announced an alliance to create an unmatched network of printing and imaging capabilities. Over time, FedEx Office will be sole-sourcing its black & white and color staffed and self-service copying and printing equipment from Canon, wide format from HP, and will take advantage of other technological advantages and innovations derived from the three companies and their partnership. Read what Canon and FedEx Office have to say about this major announcement.

Pitney Bowes launches Connect+ Customer Communication Solution at The National Postal Forum

Published April 13, 2010

New PANTONE iPhone App Unifies Pantone Systems

Published April 6, 2010

Pantone has become virtually the de facto color standard for the graphic arts industry, but we often forget that they also serve other industries, including fashion, home and industrial. Increasingly, designers need to be able to match colors across all or several of those systems for integrated projects. Today’s announcement is designed to simplify that process for designers using either an iPhone app or a free application available on the Pantone web site.

Health Care Reform: How Will It Affect Your Business?

Published April 3, 2010

HP's Claudia Barbiero talks about the sign and display business and digital transformation

Published March 30, 2010

Francis McMahon Departing HP for Oce

Published March 26, 2010

Positive Signs for the Printing Industry? Standard Register and a review of Global Document Solutions and Astoria Graphics

Published March 26, 2010

There is no question that 2008 and 2009 were difficult years for our industry.  It seemed that every week, we received news of another plant closing.  This week, Dr. Joe Webb, Director of WhatTheyThink’s Economics and Research Center, indicated that we are “climbing out of the swamp” and may be getting a little closer to the safety of economic high ground. We have a ways to go, but there are positive signs if you look for them.

HP's Retha Petruzates on the packaging and labels segment growth and trends

Published March 23, 2010

Susan Moore, President of DPI on the success of Dscoop

Published March 19, 2010

HP's Francis McMahon on the transformation of printing and the growth of digital

Published March 16, 2010

EFI’s Marc Olin Speaks about EFI Connect

Published March 12, 2010

EFI Connect, one of the larger user groups in our industry, will be taking place in April at the Wynn in Las Vegas.  Since the event overlaps with the On Demand Conference in Philadelphia, WhatTheyThink is splitting its forces to cover both events.  Marc Olin, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Advanced Professional Print Software, of EFI, shared his thoughts with WhatTheyThink about what attendees can expect to experience at the 11th Annual Connect conference.

HP's Stephen Goddard on why it's important for printers to "green up" their operations

Published March 9, 2010

More from the "Move Ahead with HP Graphic Arts" video series:

HP's Michelle Weir on the transformation of publishing and the growth of digital printing

Print Stop's Freddy Vasquez talks about starting a new printing business in the Dominican Republic

Published March 5, 2010

HP's Michelle Weir on the transformation of publishing and the growth of digital printing

Published March 2, 2010

IPA/IDEAlliance Merger: What does it mean for members and for the industry?

Published March 1, 2010

Although there has been much discussion in the industry about whether we have too many associations and how much consolidation is needed, IPA and IDEAlliance seem to rarely come up in those discussions. WhatTheyThink spoke with the Executive Directors of both organizations to learn what brought them together and the benefits they believe will come from the new integrated organization. It is a fascinating discussion. David Steinhardt: “We don’t want to be fighting or addressing past issues. We want to be moving forward with a new model and new definition…we have to get out of our bubble to get reengaged where [the market] is moving.”

Just when we thought we were safe ...

Published February 22, 2010

Heidelberg & Komori pass on Graph Expo 2010; KBA, manroland and Presstek to exhibit

Published February 17, 2010

As the 2010 show season begins, the emphasis has shifted increasingly toward digital solutions, including printing equipment as well as workflow. WhatTheyThink spoke with several offset press manufacturers to find out more about their plans for the most significant North American printing show, Graph Expo, scheduled for October 3-6, 2010, at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

FUJIFILM Appoints President & CEO

Published February 16, 2010

In November, FUJIFILM announced a merger of its FUJIFILM U.S.A. and FUJIFILM Graphic Systems organizations to create FUJIFILM North America Corporation. At that time, the company had not made a final determination about who would lead the new organization. Today, Ryutaro Hosoda was named as President & CEO of FUJIFILM North America.

Pitney Bowes President, Document Messaging Technologies, Ramesh Ratan Shares PB Strategy, Industry Outlook

Published February 15, 2010

In September 2009, Ramesh Ratan left his position as COO at The DMA (Direct Marketing Association) to become President of Pitney Bowes’ Document Messaging Technologies (DMT). In this interview with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne, Ratan talks about his reasons for joining Pitney Bowes, his top strategic initiatives for the organization, the role printers can play in the age of digital media, and much more. 

Neither Sleet nor Snow ... GPO Open During Blizzard

Published February 11, 2010

Pat Brand of Pitney Bowes on integrating mailing into print production workflows

Published February 11, 2010

Xerox Completes Acquisition of ACS

Published February 8, 2010

Xerox announced that its acquisition of ACS was completed today, transforming Xerox into a $22 billion global enterprise, tripling the size of Xerox’s service business to $10 billion, with annuity revenue representing 80% of total revenue.

Ricoh's Carl Joachim talks about partnership with Cal Poly

Published February 8, 2010

Screen's Robert Prah talks about business in Japan

Published February 5, 2010

Greg Salzman of Aleyant System on web-to-print

Published February 4, 2010

Deb Cantabene of Xerox on the importance of educating customers

Published February 2, 2010

Printing in the Dominican Republic

Published February 1, 2010

I had the opportunity recently to visit one of the largest printing operations in the Dominican Republic, in a visit arranged by Executive Vice President Fernando A. León. I have visited many printing operations in the U.S., and I was interested to see how this compared—it was quite impressive. I thought our readers might enjoy sharing a virtual walk-through.

interlinkONE's John Foley on QR Codes

Published February 1, 2010

Paul Willems talks about the future of GMG

Published January 29, 2010

CMO Council Releases Study on Customer Loyalty Program Effectiveness

Published January 28, 2010

Think Visual: EFI Brings Interesting Printing Ease-of-Use to Desktops

Published January 26, 2010

Quad/Graphics' Worldcolor Acquisition Details

Published January 26, 2010

Quad/Graphics Acquires Worldcolor, will Rival RR Donnelley in Size

Published January 26, 2010

KBA CEO Helge Hansen on the importance of great customer service

Published January 25, 2010

Adobe Discontinues Worldwide Adobe Partner Connection Print Service Provider Program

Published January 22, 2010

On January 4th, we posted a PrintCEO blog notice that Adobe had decided to discontinue the worldwide Adobe Partner Connection Print Service Provider program, effective February 4th. Since that time, we spoke with Adobe and connected with a number of people in the field, both through live conversations and dialog on the blog. This was important, since the Adobe announcement came as an email through its PR agency, rather than letters to customers or a formal press release, although we do understand that all authorized and premium members received an email about the program closure. We wondered, as did many of our readers, what was behind this, why Adobe chose to do this now and what it means for Adobe’s commitment to the printing industry.

Frank Miller of Responsive Solutions on taking web-to-print to the next level

Published January 22, 2010

Joseph Barber of CodeZ QR on the future of quick response codes

Published January 21, 2010

IPA Leadership Conference Takes Fresh Approach

Published January 19, 2010

The IPA Leadership Conference is taking a different route and it looks like a not-to-be-missed event where you can hear from and hobnob with thought leaders from the marketing discipline, including the former CMO of Walmart.  If you think you know what marketers want, you may want to think again and take advantage of this opportunity.  As a special offer for our readers, IPA is offering a $100 discount off the cost of conference attendance.

Greg Salzman of Aleyant Systems talks about integration and open architecture

Published January 19, 2010

Xerox Gives Book Publishers One More Thing to Think About

Published January 16, 2010

NAPL's Howie Fenton talks consulting ROI with Cary Sherburne

Published January 14, 2010

What Happened to LVI?

Published January 11, 2010

As a follow-up to Gail Nickel-Kailing’s post on PrintCEO about DS Graphics’ acquisition of LVI (formerly Lavigne Inc.), I spoke to DS Graphics’ Vice President, Jack McGrath, to find out how the integration of the two companies was proceeding, and to gain more detail about the actual events that occurred leading up to DSG’s acquisition of the assets of the company.

Tim Fischer gives an update on the latest at NAPL

Published January 11, 2010

Adobe Discontinues worldwide Adobe Partner Connection Print Service Provider Program

Published January 4, 2010

Tekgraf Suddenly Closes Doors on December 16th

Published December 30, 2009

David van Driessche and Frank Loversky give an update on Crossroads

Published December 15, 2009

Coleman Kane Shares Printable Update, Industry Thoughts, Getting Marketers Hooked

Published December 14, 2009

It has been some time since WhatTheyThink has hooked up with Coleman Kane, CEO of Printable. Following a flurry of press releases on new integrations, WhatTheyThink checked in with Coleman to get more detail, and to get his perspective on the industry as we exit what has been a difficult 2009 for the industry.

Joseph Barber talks about Quick Response Codes

Published December 14, 2009

Delay eBooks by four months? What are they thinking?

Published December 11, 2009