In January 2012, Kodak's customers and users from the commercial printing, publishing and packaging industries will gather at the Graphic Users Association (GUA) North American Conference to learn about maximizing their investments, new solutions, industry best practices and services that will enable attendees to drive results. The GUA Conference is open to GUA members, Kodak customers and companies interested in learning more about Kodak Solutions.

This year's conference, themed "Sharing Knowledge to Drive Results," takes place January 16 through 20 at the Hotel InterContinental in New Orleans. January 16 and 17 will include a focus on GUA University, where classes provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to obtain in-depth training on ways to increase efficiency and productivity. Classes are filling up fast and often close out early.

In addition to university courses, the GUA Conference includes motivational keynote speakers, discussion sessions, subject matter expert roundtables and panels. The GUA Innovation Technology Lab, open throughout the event, highlights Kodak Solutions and Services, partner solutions, workflow demos and new applications. The conference represents a great investment for graphic communications professionals and printing businesses.

"This year's conference is all about expanding community and knowledge sharing," said Tom Clifford, President, GUA. "The newly designed conference enables a broader range of participants from around the graphic communications industry to share best practices, learn new ways to improve profitability and productivity and, ultimately, expand their professional network to grow their business."

Co-sponsored by Kodak, the GUA Conference is open to GUA members, Kodak's customers and companies using or interested in Kodak Solutions and Services. Attendees are able to connect directly with Kodak's product managers and executives, industry thought leaders and partners during educational sessions and in the Innovation Technology Lab. Attendees will hear about trends, business best practices, optimizing marketing campaigns, latest services and end-to-end solutions in digital print, workflow, packaging, publishing, and commercial printing. Session topics include:

·         Getting Business-Growing Your Revenue

·         Print & Mobile Media

·         Making Money from Web to Print

·         The Future of Workflow Solutions (includes PRINERGY 6 Preview)

·         Packaging Opportunities in Offset and Flexo

·         drupa preview

"The GUA Conference sets itself apart each year by providing the industry with an intimate forum for sharing best practices and on-on-one conversations with Kodak's solutions managers and executive team," said Clifford. "The GUA University Classes, roundtable and panelist discussions, and dedicated time with Kodak's technical personnel and leadership represent valuable resources that help attendees understand new workflow models and discover new ways to automate their businesses."

The first two days of the conference are dedicated specifically to GUA University classes, which include requested topics such as Rules-Based Automation (RBA) for Beginners, RBA Advanced, KODAK PREPS Imposition Software, and KODAK COLORFLOW Software. The final day will be devoted to a drupa preview-featuring a special address on what will be shown at drupa and industry trends, as well as a preview of what Kodak will unveil at the show.          

"This year more than ever, the GUA community continues to initiate knowledge sharing to help graphic communications professionals maximize existing investments and drive results in their business," said Michele Laird-Williams, GUA Executive Director. "Since the program is organized to include topics and sessions based upon input from the GUA Board, Kodak customers, Kodak's partners and industry peers, participants have access to a wide range of relevant, targeted information to address their most pressing business challenges."

GUA Special Offers:

1)   Attendees of the GUA Conference will receive a $3,000 credit toward the purchase of KODAK Solutions. A company sending more than one attendee is eligible to receive up to three credits for a value of up to $9,000. The offer expires on September 30, 2012.

2)   Attendees who register by Dec. 21 will be entered for a chance to win four nights' FREE lodging. If you win, the hotel will credit your account upon check-in. Visit www.guaconference.com for complete program details and easy online registration.

To view a video from last year's GUA Conference about the transition from print service provider to marketing services provider, please visit 2011 GUA – The Power of Community Video. For more information about the 2011 GUA Conference, please visit: www.guaconference.com.