Reston, VA - The National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL); NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies (NPES); and, Printing Industries of America have joined forces to create a dynamic new leadership conference for graphic communications executives-the Vision 3 Summit-slated for March 13 – 16, 2011 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, CA. This high-level program will blend the unique strengths of each of the three organizations to provide a single, authoritative conference that addresses the variety of needs of company owners and executives.

Open to both graphic communications service providers and vendors, the two-and-a-half day conference will provide the latest business intelligence covering all aspects of running a graphic communications business. Unlike other programs, the Vision 3 Summit takes a broad and distinctly management-level approach, providing up-to-the-moment industry trends, technology updates and market research from the standpoint of what matters most to a person in charge of running a company.

"From making the most judicious financial decisions in this economic environment to overcoming staffing challenges and assessing the most effective strategies for growing your business, management-level staff face challenges that differ significantly from the work issues of other employees," observed Joseph P. Truncale, President and CEO of NAPL. "Often these needs aren't effectively met in other educational venues, which try to offer a little something for everyone. With the Vision 3 Summit, we are specifically addressing the variety of issues that graphic communications business leaders face, be they an owner of a 20-employee print shop, an executive of a multimillion-dollar multimedia service provider, or upper management at an equipment vendor."

The conference will offer a mix of subject-matter experts, panel discussions with real-life business examples, and inspiring keynote addresses from both professional and industry-specific leaders. In addition to the management-level viewpoint, emphasis will also be on tactical how-to advice and strategy.

"Particularly in this environment-where the economic future remains ambiguous, profitability is tied closely to productivity. As business moves at lighting speed executives are seeking a comprehensive approach to managing their businesses," explained Ralph Nappi, President of NPES. "Service providers and vendors want market information at the bird's-eye view, but they are also looking for real 'in the trenches' advice on how to apply this knowledge for immediate impact. The Vision 3 Summit will provide not just industry research and trends, but also translate what it all means for their businesses and how they can take advantage of these developments to maximize their success."

Though specific educational programming is still being finalized, the unique strengths of each organization will make for a particularly comprehensive, in-depth conference. Specifically, NAPL will bring a business-management focus with its research and expertise on such areas as organizational development and performance measurement. Through its sister organization, NAPL will also provide expertise on the challenges facing small business owners and quick printers. NPES, meanwhile, will offer a vendor-specific perspective on the graphic communications industry, providing an invaluable "other" viewpoint of the printer–vendor relationship. Additionally, it will supply high-end, data-driven market research on the latest trends and challenges faced by the industry, through its Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR) arm. Finally, Printing Industries of America will provide specialized knowledge of complex areas vital to the graphic communications business, such as updates on government legislation, and environment and safety issues. Additionally, it will contribute knowledge of the challenges faced by midsize to larger graphic communications service providers.

"Today's graphic communications executive faces an overwhelming amount of business challenges based on issues that were unheard of five years ago," said Michael Makin, President and CEO of Printing Industries of America. "But in the current economic environment, they must balance their need for top-level education with their operating budgets, in terms of how many industry events they can afford to attend. Given our differing areas of expertise, it made sense for NAPL, NPES and Printing Industries of America to join forces and present a single new, fresh and inclusive conference that provides everything the savvy executive needs to know to succeed in the 21st century graphic communications industry."

As such, the Vision 3 Summit replaces NAPL's, NPES' and Printing Industry of America's individual leadership programs, including NAPL's Top Management Conference; NPES' Industry Summit that included the PRINT OUTLOOK Conference and PRIMIR Spring Meeting; and, Printing Industries of America's Presidents Conference. Both NAPL and NPES will hold their individual board of directors meetings in conjunction with this conference. NPES additionally plans to hold PRIMIR committee meetings.

In addition to the multiple educational sessions, the Vision 3 Summit will provide opportunities throughout the program for attendees to network and get to know one another in a casual environment. A number of receptions and recreational outings will also be available for attendees and spouses or companions.

As NAPL, NPES and the Printing Industries of America develop the specific program scope, the three organizations are receiving input from graphic communications service provider and vendor executives on just what they would like covered at the conference.

The Vision 3 Summit is not the first joint venture between NAPL, NPES and the Printing Industries of America. The three organizations co-own the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC), which produces the popular industry exhibitions GRAPH EXPO and PRINT.