New Marketing Forum Explored JETvarnish 3D Sensory Print and Accurio-based Omni-Channel Campaign Strategies

Melbourne, Fla. – MGI and Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc. were Platinum Sponsors of the first BRAND United University “Digital Print for Professionals” certification conference, held in Dallas, Texas, from October 23rd – 24th. This unique new industry education program, from NAPCO Media and the international SGIA trade group association, was designed to introduce and present exciting new graphic arts technologies for corporate print buyers, marketing agencies and the creative design community.

BRAND United was a companion event co-located with the inaugural PRINTING United Exposition, another new event that encompassed all segments of the combined printing, finishing and packaging economic sectors. The dual new initiatives connected together all elements of the marketplace.

Digital Print for Professionals

The MGI JETvarnish 3D digital embellishment and Konica Minolta Accurio digital print solutions portfolio includes a complete spectrum of production devices designed to help in-plant, commercial and packaging services providers deliver targeted high-impact brand marketing communications. Various JETvarnish 3D and Accurio technology features and benefits were highlighted in presentations, print samples and industry peer discussions in two focused learning sessions for attendees entitled “The Finishing Touch” and “From Concept to Client Delivery”.

Konica Minolta was a PRINTING United Exposition Diamond Sponsor and showcased a number of major new Accurio product introductions. Together with MGI, they also presented a full range of JETvarnish 3D series of sheet-fed and roll-fed digital special effects presses, which feature 2D/3D UV dimensional textures as standalone finishing hubs for digital, offset, gravure and flexo printed materials.

The MGI sensory enhancement presses demonstrated included: JETvarnish 3D Evolution (29x47”), JETvarnish 3D Web (17” roll width) and the JETvarnish 3DS (14x40”), which also feature embossed variable data foiling capabilities. The event also served as the worldwide debut of the new JETvarnish 3D One, a simple, compact and affordable version that provides sensory print applications for printers of every size. The MGI JETvarnish 3D One represents a major new advancement in bringing digital special effects to the mainstream of the commercial printing, finishing and packaging industries.

BRAND United University

The goal of the BRAND United conference was to connect and integrate all aspects of the corporate brand marketing experience with the printing industrial supply chain and eco-system. This special forum explored the latest innovative brand management strategies, audience engagement tactics and business development opportunities available with a focus on the role of printed material as the optimum physical touchpoint for developing customer relationships in an omni-channel world.

Chris Lyons, BRAND United & NAPCO Media Target Marketing Group President, stated “The mission of our program was to educate, inform and inspire the creative professionals who develop brand marketing campaigns and communications strategies. We were delighted to have MGI and Konica Minolta contribute their knowledge and expertise in digital printing technologies to our attendee discussions.”

Erik Holdo, Konica Minolta Vice President of Graphic Communications & Industrial Print, commented “Our Accurio, JETvarnish 3D and business partner product strategy is to provide a complete portfolio of hardware and software solutions that can be available to both printers and their customers, the brands and agencies looking to integrate ideas and ink together to create memorable marketing campaigns.”

John Dembia, Konica Minolta Product Marketing Manager, explained “This event was an ideal venue to match the entire Accurio solution set – from color toner and inkjet printers for product brochures to retail wide-format display signs, packaging and label applications – with the decorative dimensional designs and sensory print special effects of the JETvarnish 3D Series. It was a perfect opportunity to connect our entire product family to the corporate brand and consumer marketplace.”

For more information, please visit www.mgiusa.com and www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us. Follow MGI on Facebook @MGIonline and Twitter @MGI_USA for the latest printing industry technology news. Follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter @konicaminoltaus.