Pittsburgh, Pa., June 24, 2003 — Variable data printing skills are a growing customer demand. However issues such as database management, design and production, postal considerations, and selling and marketing have become obstacles many printers are struggling to overcome. To help provide the information needed to effectively utilize this expanding and profitable service, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) and Printing Industries of America (PIA) will host a second annual Variable Data Printing (VDP) Conference, November 3–5 at the Doubletree La Posada in Phoenix, Arizona. Building on the success of last year’s Variable Data Printing Conference, this year’s conference uniquely provides a "360-degree perspective" of this service from the print provider, designer, and client. Candid case studies enable both large and small printers to learn from other’s successful use of VDP. Additionally, a choice of six extensive networking roundtable sessions allows for in-depth discussion by attendees of key issues such as repositioning a commercial printer to succeed in VDP. Both newcomers to variable data printing as well as experienced practitioners can chose a multitude of breakout sessions. Starting with database, design, and staffing issues, sessions address the entire VDP process. Technical experts discuss engine technology and variable imaging (VI) publishing solutions, production workflow, and finishing and quality controls. Addressing the end of the process, a fundamental and advanced session is offered on distribution/mailing, and attendees are taught how to measure project success. Additionally, two sessions concentrate on the high growth area of web-enabled VDP by discussing business opportunities and campaign execution. One of three keynote presentations will feature Charles Anderson of Charles S. Anderson Design Company and CSA Images. Well-known in printing circles for his design work for the French Paper Company, Anderson is highly respected in the graphic design industry for his award-winning packaging, identity, and product designs. He has worked with an impressive list of companies, including Coca-Cola, Levi’s, Paramount Pictures, Target, The New York Times, and Nike. Another keynote presentations will feature Andrew Conville of Ford Motor Company’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. A 13-year veteran of the corporation and currently the program manager of its Extended Service Plan (ESP) area, he is a strong proponent of personalization in company-to-consumer communications. Conville will share with conference attendees why the ESP area of Ford Motor Company has found it beneficial to use personalization in its communications and the measurable results they have attained because of these efforts. He will also delve into the importance of partnering with an outside supplier that has special expertise in one-to-one communications. The third keynote presentation will release the results a GATF research study on VDP. The conference is co-sponsored by the Digital Printing Council (DPC)—a special industry group of GATF/PIA. Formed specifically to provide users with a source to develop, exchange, discuss, and evaluate information on digital printing, the DPC will lend top industry experts on personalized printing to the event. Packed with information needed to be successful with this technology, the GATF/PIA Variable Data Printing Conference is being offered for $995 ($795 for GATF/PIA or DPC members). Companies can save $100 on their second registrant. For more information, contact Jim Workman, GATF’s director of training by phoning 800/910-GATF extension 111 or by emailing [email protected]. Or visit the Training and Meetings module on GAIN.