Popular Pre-Show Technology and Marketing Trends Update Conference to Feature Hot-Button Topics Explored by Top Industry Leaders 

Reston, VA - An annual highlight of GRAPH EXPO and PRINT is the pre-show EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference which showcases the issues most relevant to graphic communications professionals. This year's program at PRINT 13, with co-located CPP EXPO, is no exception. 

The half-day EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference will be held on Saturday, September 7 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, IL and will feature top industry experts discussing the latest industry trends. It also will be the venue for the announcements of the 2013 MUST SEE 'EMS "Best of Category" and "Legacy" Awards and 2013 Positively Print Award.

The conference, sponsored by EFI, Xerox and OutputLinks Communications Group, kicks off at noon with "The Economy and Print" presented by keynoter Alan Beaulieu of the Institute for Trend Research. That will be followed by Black Canyon Consulting's Wayne Peterson with "The Importance of 'Brand' to your Printing Company." NAPL President Joseph Truncale will then discuss "Merger and Acquisition Strategies for Printing Firms." The first segment of the conference will be capped off by Consultant Hal Hinderliter's discussion of "Engaging Print," which will present ideas on what print service providers can do to increase the cost-effectiveness of ink-on-paper messaging and "win the war for eyeballs."

Following a networking break, Rochester Institute of Technology Gannett Distinguished Professor Chris Bondy will present "Rounding the Wheel...Getting Your Technology Right." The technology emphasis will continue with consultant Steven Schnoll's presentation "Rethinking Technology," which will explain why "smart graphic communications companies must stop looking at technology just as a feature." Next, InfoTrends Jim Hamilton will explore "Functional Printing-What is it and Why Should I Care?" Henry Freedman, Editor of Technology Watch will then discuss "Constructing a Census of Production Color-If Your Press Went to School What Grade Would It Get?"

After the final presentation, "Beating the Odds: Finding New Opportunities in the Printing Industry" by JohnHenry Ruggieri of Sun Dance Marketing Solutions, Hinderliter will announce the 2013 MUST SEE 'EMS "Best of Category" Awards for the foremost compelling and innovative products that will be on display at PRINT 13. GASC President Ralph Nappi will then announce the 2013 Positively Print Award, recognizing one organization for its company-branded promotional activities that promotes the enduring value and effectiveness of print, to be followed by a networking reception.

For more information on EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK and to register, go to the "Sessions & Events" tab at: www.print2013.com. For more information about PRINT 13 and to register, visit: www.print2013.com.