Production Print Technology Outlook

Join WhatTheyThink contributor Patrick Henry and Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding as they assess the current state of offset and digital printing technology and look to the future. Although many have written offset off, it remains a viable and practical production process for shops of all sizes. And the capabilities of today’s presses make the offset process even more economically competitive with digital, be it toner-based or inkjet. At the same time, digital presses have been evolving, and are more competitive than ever with offset in terms of quality and economy. The old question about what process is best for certain run-lengths is becoming more complex.

What you’ll learn about:

• What are the current trends in the print market and how do offset and digital production address them?
• What are automation options and what impact will automation have on the challenge of hiring and keeping skilled press operators?
• Which new technology releases best demonstrate the potential of offset and digital production?

Labels & Packaging Technology Outlook

Tuesday, August 13 at 1 pm ET

Join WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang as he highlights the latest technology and product announcements from manufacturers of label and packaging solutions. This session will detail new product announcements, new features, capabilities, and applications in the label and packaging market, as well as prevailing and emerging trends, some of what was announced at drupa and to expect at PRINTING United.

What you’ll learn about:

• New label and packaging technology developments and trends.
• New label and packaging products from major industry vendors.
• New features, capabilities, and applications.

Software & Workflow Technology Outlook

Wednesday, August 14 at 1 pm ET

Join WhatTheyThink contributor Pat McGrew and Pixel Dot Consulting’s Ryan McAbee as they look at the latest trends in software and workflow—which are not the same things. Software is the collection of tools to support your workflow processes. Software, when used well, allows the business to succeed by improving efficiency, exceeding key performance metrics, and enhancing the customer experience. The path is to disrupt the flow of endless phone calls, emails and texts asking questions, chasing information, and looking for approval by creating solutions where customers can self-serve for most of their needs. The session, sponsored by Kodak and PrintFactory, will also offer some software-related highlights from drupa 2024 and what to look for at PRINTING United.

What you’ll learn about:

• Current trends in software and workflow.
• How is AI being integrated into print workflow software-and what the practical benefits are.
• What automation options are there-and how can printers take advantage of them.

Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel Technology Outlook

Thursday, August 15 at 1 pm ET

Richard Romano and Cary Sherburne will highlight the latest trends and technologies in display graphics, signage, and textiles and apparel. Display graphics (aka “wide-format printing”) is a maturing market, but new application areas are gaining traction and seeing tremendous growth. Meanwhile, digital textile printing is a hot new area—and in fact display graphics printers are starting to add textile printing. What are the top trends in both these areas, and how do they complement each other?

What you’ll learn about:

• New developments and trends in wide-format printing, signage, and textiles and apparels.
• New products from major industry vendors.
• New trends, features, capabilities, and applications.
• How the two sectors can complement each other

Binding & Finishing Technology Outlook

Friday, August 16 at 1 pm ET

Join Kevin Abergel and Trish Witkowski as they highlight the latest trends and technology and product announcements from manufacturers of binding, finishing, and embellishment equipment. This session will give you the lowdown on new features, capabilities, and applications that can give your business a competitive edge. Also get the lowdown on what was announced and shown at drupa 2024 and what to expect at PRINTING United.

What you’ll learn about:

• New developments and trends in binding and finishing.
• The latest in digital embellishment technologies.
• New products from major industry vendors.
• New trends, features, capabilities, and applications.