Successful print-shop diversification means venturing into new markets to achieve long-term, sustainable growth. This odyssey usually requires stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing fear, adding new skills, and taking calculated risks that encourage innovation – while reducing your dependency on current revenue streams. PAC Digital’s next in-person/online meeting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, titled Diversify Your Business – Growth Starts Outside Your Comfort Zone – will feature an expert panel of three print-industry leaders who will share their struggles, strategies and successes as they entered lucrative new markets.

Learn how small, medium-sized, and large print shops alike can take a bold leap outside of their traditional business, gain momentum quickly, and enjoy a competitive advantage in profitable new markets. We’ll also open the discussion to our in-person and online audiences. Moderators will be Stephen Longmire, VP of Sales at Hughes-Decorr, and Dan Thompson, CEO and Founder of Italic Press.

About the speakers

Christine Yardley is President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Print Panther Direct, an award-winning printing company recognized for leadership in digital embellishments, specialty inks, and advanced print applications. A recent Printing Leader of the Year recipient, her company is at the forefront of high-end print embellishments and specialty colour applications that take print beyond CMYK to create bold, tactile brand experiences that redefine what modern print can achieve. She serves on the PAC Digital Leadership Council and is an Advisory Board Member with Girls Who Print Canada and the Taktisphere Advisory Council.

Phil St-Cyr, Co-founder and CEO of Rootree Incorporated, has been pioneering custom flexible packaging solutions since 2010. A self-taught builder of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, he has grown Rootree from a family business into an internationally recognized company, now home to an award-winning creative agency and a versatile sustainable packaging brand. He leads multiple purpose-driven enterprises with a rare blend of operational excellence and creative vision grounded in discipline, innovation, and a commitment to building high-performing businesses without compromising on traditional values – especially sustainability.

Joe Montalbano is Co-CEO of Advertek, a Canadian printing and fulfillment company specializing in print on demand, offset and digital, packaging, personalized products and photo-lab services. Joe has helped lead the transformation of the company from a traditional print operation into a diverse manufacturing and e-commerce platform serving major retail, online and global clients. With over 25 years’ experience, he has grown Advertek from a small team into a 90+ person organization while expanding into book manufacturing, personalized products, wall décor, promotional products and packaging. He is focused on long-term growth supported by ongoing investments and strategic acquisitions.

MEETING DETAILS
• Title: Diversify Your Business – Growth Starts Outside Your Comfort Zone!
• Attendance: (Included as part of PAC Digital’s Complimentary Educational Series for members and their guests).
• Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
• In person: Noon – 1:45 pm (ET) at Canon Canada, 8000 Mississauga Rd., Brampton, Ontario.
Light lunch provided.
• Online webinar: 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm.

REGISTER HERE
https://pac-global.zohobackstage.com/DiversifyYourBusiness 

MORE INFORMATION
Please contact PAC Digital Program Manager Matthew Serwin at [email protected].