Beyond Signage: How the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand Program Helps Print Businesses of All Kinds Succeed

For sign businesses, there are many benefits to being part of a franchise like FASTSIGNS, such as receiving technical, sales, and marketing help from the franchise, as well as specific initiatives and programs. In particular, the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand program is designed to help not just sign businesses, but print-oriented businesses of all kinds to expand into new product areas. As a part of the Co-Brand Program, businesses are able to retain their original identities while expanding their product lines and services. The program allows companies to add a FASTSIGNS center to their existing business and receive ongoing training and support from the FASTSIGNS franchise system.

Some common businesses that have participated in the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand Program are:

• Print Shops
• Camera Stores
• Trophy Engraving Businesses
• Photo Processing Companies
• Embroidering Shops
• Pack & Ship Companies

On Wednesday, August 7, join us for a special LunchNLearn Webinar, “Beyond Signage: How the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand Program Helps Print Businesses of All Kinds Succeed.” WhatTheyThink Managing Editor Richard Romano and Gabrielle Mullinax, owner of FASTSIGNS Brea and Fullerton (Calif.) and beneficiary of the Co-Brand Program, will talk about the program, how it has helped her grow her business in a challenging print environment, and how it can help print businesses of all kinds. In this webinar, you’ll learn about:

• How the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand Program works.
• What the benefits for print businesses are.
• Success stories from print business who have participated in the Co-Brand Program.

Other participants to be determined.

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 7, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook: Production Print

On Monday, August 12, at 1 pm ET, WhatTheyThink’s fifth annual Technology Outlook series of Webinars kicks off with Production Print Outlook, sponsored by Canon. 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.

So, what is the best option for your print business?

In this webinar, Patrick and Elizabeth will discuss the latest trends in today’s print environment, and where offset and digital fit. What are the capabilities of new equipment, and how do they make print businesses more efficient? How is automation changing the face of each print technology? What were some of the major announcements at drupa and what can we look forward to at PRINTING United?

What you’ll learn:

• 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?

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Other Technology Outlook webinars include:

• August 13—Labels & Packaging, presented by David Zwang.
• August 14—Software & Workflow, presented by Pat McGrew & Ryan McAbee.
• August 15—Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel, presented by Richard Romano & Cary Sherburne.
• August 16—Binding & Finishing, presented by Kevin Abergel & Trish Witkowski.

The Technology Outlook Week webinars are designed to serve as a virtual platform for suppliers to the industry to get their messages out, and for producers to more easily stay up to date with the latest technology announcements as they plan for the future of their businesses. In preparing these Technology Outlook sessions, WhatTheyThink will be relying on some of the industry’s best known and best-connected analysts and thought leaders, who have been and will continue to be in contact with industry suppliers to ensure availability of the best and most current information on each topic area.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 12, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook: Labels and Packaging

On Tuesday, August 13 at 1 pm ET, our fifth annual Technology Outlook series of Webinars continues with labels and packaging. 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:

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

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Other Technology Outlook webinars include:

• August 12—Production Print, presented by Patrick Henry & Elizabeth Gooding.
• August 14—Software & Workflow, presented by Pat McGrew & Ryan McAbee.
• August 15—Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel, presented by Richard Romano & Cary Sherburne.
• August 16—Binding & Finishing, presented by Kevin Abergel & Trish Witkowski.

The Technology Outlook Week webinars are designed to serve as a virtual platform for suppliers to the industry to get their messages out, and for producers to more easily stay up to date with the latest technology announcements as they plan for the future of their businesses. In preparing these Technology Outlook sessions, WhatTheyThink will be relying on some of the industry’s best known and best-connected analysts and thought leaders, who have been and will continue to be in contact with industry suppliers to ensure availability of the best and most current information on each topic area.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 13, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook: Software & Workflow

On Wednesday, August 14 at 1 pm ET, our fifth annual Technology Outlook series of Webinars continues with software and workflow. 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:

• 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.

A complete archive of—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Other Technology Outlook webinars include:

• August 12—Production Print, presented by Patrick Henry & Elizabeth Gooding.
• August 13—Labels & Packaging, presented by David Zwang.
• August 15—Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel, presented by Richard Romano & Cary Sherburne.
• August 16—Binding & Finishing, presented by Kevin Abergel & Trish Witkowski.

The Technology Outlook Week webinars are designed to serve as a virtual platform for suppliers to the industry to get their messages out, and for producers to more easily stay up to date with the latest technology announcements as they plan for the future of their businesses. In preparing these Technology Outlook sessions, WhatTheyThink will be relying on some of the industry’s best known and best-connected analysts and thought leaders, who have been and will continue to be in contact with industry suppliers to ensure availability of the best and most current information on each topic area.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 14, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook: Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel

On 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:

• New developments and trends in wide-format printing, signage, and textiles and apparel.
• New products from major industry vendors
• New features, application areas, and marketing opportunities
• How the two sectors can complement each other

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Other Technology Outlook webinars include:

• August 12—Production Print, presented by Patrick Henry & Elizabeth Gooding.
• August 13—Labels & Packaging, presented by David Zwang.
• August 14—Software & Workflow, presented by Pat McGrew & Ryan McAbee.
• August 16—Binding & Finishing, presented by Kevin Abergel & Trish Witkowski.

The Technology Outlook Week webinars are designed to serve as a virtual platform for suppliers to the industry to get their messages out, and for producers to more easily stay up to date with the latest technology announcements as they plan for the future of their businesses. In preparing these Technology Outlook sessions, WhatTheyThink will be relying on some of the industry’s best known and best-connected analysts and thought leaders, who have been and will continue to be in contact with industry suppliers to ensure availability of the best and most current information on each topic area.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 15, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook: Binding & Finishing

On Friday, August 16 at 1 pm ET, our fifth annual Technology Outlook series of Webinars finishes up with binding and finishing. 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:

• 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.

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

Other Technology Outlook webinars include:

• August 12—Production Print, presented by Patrick Henry & Elizabeth Gooding.
• August 13—Labels & Packaging, presented by David Zwang.
• August 14—Software & Workflow, presented by Pat McGrew & Ryan McAbee.
• August 15—Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel, presented by Richard Romano & Cary Sherburne.

The Technology Outlook Week webinars are designed to serve as a virtual platform for suppliers to the industry to get their messages out, and for producers to more easily stay up to date with the latest technology announcements as they plan for the future of their businesses. In preparing these Technology Outlook sessions, WhatTheyThink will be relying on some of the industry’s best known and best-connected analysts and thought leaders, who have been and will continue to be in contact with industry suppliers to ensure availability of the best and most current information on each topic area.

Register to Access Webinar

Time August 16, 2024 1:00 PM Eastern Time US
On-demand Playback will be available shortly after the event.

What’s Behind the Curtain? How to Break into Décor Printing

According to Texintel, cultural trends are driving a change in the way consumers decorate their living and working spaces:

[P]eople prefer fast fashion and exclusive products that can be customized and personalized according to their specific demands. Customers are willing to pay premium prices and actively seek out platforms and brands that cater to their custom home décor needs. This trend is particularly evident due to the increasing purchasing power of Gen Z, who are more inclined towards online shopping. There is a strong demand for printed materials used in furniture. Consumers are increasingly looking for personalized and one-of-a-kind home furnishings, including curtains, upholstery fabrics, bedding, and cushions.

As a result, the market for digital décor has been forecast to grow strongly in the coming years. According to Allied Market Research, the home décor market in general is expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2032 at 4.9% CAGR. Polaris Market Research adds that digitally printed wallpaper alone is expected to reach $21.33 billion by 2032, with 19.4% CAGR. Display graphics equipment manufacturers across the board see growth in these markets, and many have been launching digitally printed wallcovering solutions. And many elements of décor can be produced on equipment you may already have. But how do you break into décor printing?

Join us on Wednesday, April 17 at 1 pm EDT, when wide-format printing consultant, columnist, keynote speaker, and masterclass educator Debbie Nicholson will offer helpful tips at how PSPs, display graphics producers, and others can take advantage of this high-growth market. Other participants have yet to be determined.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What specific elements comprise “home décor”?
• What equipment is needed to produce these materials?
• What are effective strategies for marketing and selling home décor printing capabilities—both to present as well as prospective customers?

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

You have the potential to open the curtain for the exciting possibilities of décor printing. If you are looking to expand into new markets and applications, you won’t want to miss this session, sponsored by EFI and swissQprint.

Debbie Nicholson is the owner of Think-to-Ink! She is a wide-format printing consultant, columnist, keynote speaker, and masterclass educator. She has been in the print industry for 28+ years. Debbie is passionate and committed to helping printing companies elevate their untapped potential. As the previous owner of a printing company, she understands what it takes to continually navigate change and the strength it takes to endure challenges.

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Recorded April 17, 2024

The State of the Cloud

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! In particular, they will look at how the cloud—“that big, fluffy ghost that lives in our networks”—is transforming virtually every aspect of the print business in shops of all sizes.

The opportunities of cloud computing, cloud services, and cloud-enabled training bring more power to print manufacturing than we could have imagined a decade ago. The cloud offers seemingly endless storage and computing to power solutions that are changing how and where we work. Join us as we explore the current state of the cloud, how it applies to print businesses, and how to take full advantage of its opportunities.

What you’ll learn:

• How cloud-based print management systems (PMS) enable print businesses to automate and streamline their print production workflows, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency.
• How cloud-based solutions like online ordering portals and web-to-print tools enhance the customer’s experience.
• The relationship between cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications.
• How to train employees in “cloud skills.”

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

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Recorded February 14, 2024

Secure and Automated—On-Demand Job Management Made Easy

Job onboarding is a common challenge for small and medium sized in-plant and commercial printers. In fact, roughly 40% of all print jobs, regardless of submission method, require time-consuming follow-up activities before the job can even move into production.

Join us on November 8th to learn how to easily jumpstart your job onboarding with confidence while avoiding the common pitfalls in this critical production area. Automate with efficiency when running a high number of small jobs with this intuitive, vendor-agnostic print-on-demand SaaS workflow technology.

Let our panel of experts guide you with examples, so you get this right the first time. Our panelists include:

• Begum Walji, Global Software Product Manager, Ricoh Graphic Communications
• Jason Jones, Senior Solutions Engineer, Ricoh Graphic Communications
• Linnea Wolken, Senior Director, Global Marketing, Alliances & Operations, Ricoh Production WorkFlow Software and Solutions

In this webinar you will learn:

• How to reduce job onboarding time by viewing and managing incoming jobs from multiple submission sources in one secure, cloud-based location.
• Ways to improve your overall client communication resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• How to increase productivity by automating the entire workflow process of submitting print jobs, conducting malware detection, performing a pre-flight check, and ensuring print readiness without the need for operator intervention or IT expertise.

Attend this interactive webinar to learn how easily many onboarding challenges can be quickly resolved with a SaaS-based, vendor agnostic workflow solution.

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

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Recorded November 8, 2023

Labels & Packaging: Outside the Box

Digital label and packaging production still remains a small part of the packaging market, but represents strong growth opportunities. At the same time, brand and customer demand—and often governmental legislation—for more sustainable packaging is driving the development of more environmentally friendly options, as well as placing increased emphasis on packaging lifecycle analysis and what to do with packaging materials at end of life.

On Tuesday, October 31 at 1 pm ET, join WhatTheyThink’s David Zwang as he highlights the latest technology trends in label and packaging solutions. This session will detail how shifting market requirements are driving new innovations from label and packaging printing and converting equipment manufacturers.

What you’ll learn:

• New label and packaging technology developments and trends.
• How the digital transformation in both label and packaging printing are providing new opportunities for printers and converters.
• The role of hybrid or bespoke solutions.
• The latest new product announcements from such recent shows as LabelExpo Europe and PRINTING United.

A complete archive—slides and audio—will be available for download following this session.

This session is sponsored by Michelman.

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Recorded October 31, 2023

Finishing Touches: The Results of Taktiful and WhatTheyThink’s Landmark Digital Embellishment Survey

A look at the challenges and opportunities of this exploding growth opportunity.

Taktiful, the Digital Embellishment Experts, teamed with WhatTheyThink to conduct a first-of-its-kind study of digital ink and toner embellishment use. The goal of this study was to find out more about how print service providers are using the specialty inks and toners that are available as options for their digital presses. The resulting “Taktiful/WhatTheyThink 2023 Specialty Digital Ink and Toner Embellishment Study” provides insights into the size of the embellishment market and identifies areas for improvement as well as further market opportunities for vendors and print providers alike.

On Wednesday, September 27, at 1 pm ET, join the study’s principal investigators, Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel and WhatTheyThink’s Richard Romano, as they take a deep dive into how current users of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies are utilizing them, what the response from customers has been, how satisfied print providers have been with the sales and profitability of these jobs, where the challenges lie, and their general feelings about the future of these technologies. The report is based on survey responses from owners of specialty ink and toner technologies using them in conjunction with digital printing equipment from Ricoh, HP Indigo, Xerox, Kodak, Oki, Heidelberg, Fujifilm, and Xeikon.

What you’ll learn:

• How current digital press owners and operators are using the specialty ink and toner capabilities of their equipment—how often, for what print applications, and what specific colors/effects.
• The extent to which print providers find these capabilities to be profitable—and how they could be more profitable.
• What the challenges in working with these capabilities are—and how.

If you’re a digital press owner—or planning to become one—find out how you can take advantage of this potential profit center. This webinar is sponsored by Matik/SEI Laser.

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Recorded September 27, 2023