CHESTNUT HILL, MA -- October 1, 2008 -- Print buying is alive and well, and print buyers' roles are expanding to meet the challenges of the digital age. That was the word from the record-breaking 3rd Annual Print Buyers Conference held recently in Boston.
 
More than 270 attendees from 25 states and four foreign countries came together in September to learn from, and connect with, top experts in printing, paper, production and cross-media marketing. During two keynote breakfasts, 22 interactive learning sessions, daily peer-to-peer Roundtable Discussions and exhibitor-led 30-Minute Learning Labs, attendees examined the changes that are sweeping print and print buying today and the impact of these changes on their careers.
 
Happenings at Event
 
Cutting-edge industry trends in 'green printing,' digital printing, controlling costs, and managing new media took center stage as speakers and attendees examined printing and print buying's present and future. Fifty-three exhibitors, including Patron Sponsor Xerox and Corporate Sponsor Adobe, furthered the educational experience for the attendees. For the first time, exhibitors led 30-Minute Learning Labs in a private room off the exhibit hall.
 
Top Speakers, Hot New Ideas
 
Produced by Print Buyers International (PBI) and its member-based organization, Boston Print Buyers, the Conference featured top industry experts and cutting-edge trends in ?green printing,' digital printing, controlling costs, managing new media, and defining print's present and future. Presenters included RIT Professor Emeritus Frank Romano; WhatTheyThink.com's Economics and Research Center director Dr. Joe Webb; Sappi Fine Paper Print & Creative Specialist Daniel Dejan; Bizucate, Inc., President Peter Muir; PaperSpecs founder Sabine Lenz; RIT Senior Training Specialist Steve Suffoletto; and award-winning direct mail innovator Alan Rosenspan of Alan Rosenspan & Associates, who combined years of hands-on experience with innovative new ideas for their appreciative audiences.
 
Attendee Feedback
 
- "It was good to hear comments from other print buyers that mirror the challenges I face in my job," related attendee Nancy Hussin of Associated Bank. "Often, when I attend seminars and conferences, it is a stretch to relate the information to what I do. Everything at this conference was relevant."
 
- "(This was) really a great conference!" enthused attendee Barb Carroll of Nationwide Funds Group. "(It) energized me to come back and try some new tactics in my job. (I) will definitely be a repeat attendee."
 
- "The sessions kept to print buying issues of today, up-to-date information, not old and recycled content. The presenters were exceptional," added Dan Hart of Harvard University, a two-time attendee.
 
- "The content was great, the attendees seemed well informed, interested, and numerous, and the many nice touches were evident everywhere," noted MIT's Tom Pixton, who has attended the conference every year.
 
New Boot Camp Format Is a Wow
 
The 3rd Annual Print Buyers Conference and Print Buyers Boot Camp! provided print buyers with valuable skills and connections. The three-day event opened with two groundbreaking firsts: the first-ever full-day of Print Buyers Boot Camp! led by Romano, Suffoletto and PBI founder Margie Dana; and the first-ever Print Media Professional Certification for Boot Camp attendees.
 
Based on face-to-face training from renowned print experts, the full-day Boot Camp and new PMP Certification exam, were outright hits as print buyers mastered tools for career success. Nearly 15% of Boot Camp participants have already earned their PMP Certification by taking - and passing - the open book PMP Certification exam. A second full-day Print Buyers Boot Camp! is planned for April 2009 in Philadelphia.
 
Boot Camp Feedback
 
- "Loved the new full-day format," noted Lewtan Technologies Marketing Communications Manager Lillian Flores. "Frank Romano is 'The King,' Steve Suffoletto is ?an absolute genius,' and Margie Dana is 'the queen of print buying.'
I could go on forever."
 
- "(The most valuable part of Boot Camp was) the breadth of the topics covered," observed Theresa Hay of Health Dialog. "I left feeling much more knowledgeable about the industry as a whole."
 
- Analog Devices' Corporate Communications Services Manager Jill Connolly praised the diversity of the Boot Camp topics and the new, expanded format, and added, "Frank (Romano) rocks as usual. (He) keeps it light and easy to learn such a serious and demanding topic. Steve is so smart and knows nearly all the answers. At first, I didn't respond well to his techniques - that is, until I figured out that he endeavors to make us think
harder."
 
PBI Quote: Margie Dana
 
"We paid careful attention to print buyers' needs and interests in developing the program for our 2008 Conference," said PBI founder Margie Dana. "Combined with our outstanding roster of speakers and unparalleled opportunities for networking and connection, this attention to detail strengthened our reputation as a leading provider of education and information for people who purchase print. Advancing print buyers' careers is what PBI does best."
 
The 4th Annual Print Buyers Conference is scheduled for November 2009.
 
Materials Online
 
Speaker handouts from the 3rd Annual Print Buyers Conference are available online at www.printbuyersconference.com/presentations.html. To find out more about this and other PBI programs and events, visit www.printbuyersinternational.com or contact Margie Dana at [email protected].