Janaury 30, 2007 -- (Exclusive report by Gail Nickel-Kailing, Senior WTT Editor) -- Print05 saw the launch of Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative) and the membership has grown to top 1500 members today. Founded by HP Indigo users and the HP Indigo team, Dscoop serves as a front-line peer-to-peer resource for learning and sharing for users of HP digital printing technology. The Dscoop 2007 Annual Conference, the organization’s second major event, will be held February 1-3 in Tampa, Florida. The conference will host more than 650 members, up from fewer than 400 last year. More vendor partners will participate as well, growing from 33 in 2006 to more than 50 and the educational and break out sessions have been expanded from 42 to 56. Such rapid growth and industry response forced the conference coordinators to secure additional lodging for attendees at a second location. “This is more than just a vendor event and a place to network with your peers,” said Larry Vaughn, conference chairman and president of Ideal Printers, Inc., Houston, Texas. “This year we are offering some terrific educational sessions. I’ve previewed some of them and they’re going to be really good. The sessions aren’t just focused on hardware and technology, but how to manage and run your business.” Vaughn continued, “The topics rang from lean manufacturing, customer service, and color production to cross-media campaigns, dealing with a mail house, and sales management. There is so much more going on than just digital print; we’re targeting the whole business.” For the first time, there will be HP equipment – including wide format – on the floor for hands-on technical training. There will even be bindery equipment on hand. Technical break out sessions include: “Tips and Tricks on the 5000,” “What's New with YTD,” information on hardware and software updates, and more. There will also be a range of marketing and sales topics addressed at the event. Marketing and sales sessions include: “Cross Media Marketing: Personalized URLs Are Just the Beginning,” “Offer Your Customers a Fully Integrated Marketing Campaign,” and “Building a Sales Compensation That Inspires,” as well as a session on the HP Indigo Capture program’s Capture Business Success Kit for HP Indigo owners. Speakers include Gilles Biscos, INTERQUEST; Barb Pellow, InfoTrends; Charlie Corr, InfoTrends; Joseph Truncale, NAPL; and representatives from the US Postal Service, “The printing business is a tough business to be in, and support groups like Dscoop are a great way for me to learn and share information,” added Vaughn. “It seems I just can’t get enough information and user groups and SIGs are ways I can gather more. Software, hardware, and business processes are continually changing. Dscoop is a place to learn, to get – or give – peer support, and to exchange ideas.” WhatTheyThink will be providing coverage from the 2007 Dscoop Annual Conference; watch for session details, interviews with HP executives, and get “up close and personal” some of the conference attendees. For event information, go to www.dscoop.org.