With the pace of technological innovation within the print industry increasing at an almost exponential rate, the one thing that is becoming more and more evident is that those who fail to keep up are not only hurting their own ability to compete, they are also shortchanging their clients.

I’ve always been proud of Prime Data’s role as a leader in print technology, whether it be through our adoption of advanced variable data tech like the elan printer, or pushing the envelope with print projects like our work with Nutrigenomix.

This weekend I’ll be attending Graph Expo  in Orlando, Florida where I’ll be picking up the coveted Benny Award from the U.S. PIA (Print Industry Association) for the Nutrigenomix project — something I like to call the coolest variable data print project in the world.

Last year I was at Graph Expo with Delphax talking about our new elan printer and speaking to potential clients about how the low Canadian dollar can help direct mailers save over 25% on printing. It was in Chicago, and I also took the opportunity to play blues harmonica for two nights with the houseband at Buddy Guy’s Legends bar. A real kick for someone like me who has let Chicago-style blues influence his music hobby over the years.

A year later and the dynamics haven’t changed much. The elan printer is still the high-water standard for sheet-fed variable data printing and the continuing weakness in the Canadian dollar still makes a very good business case for our American clients.

But this year I’ll be prowling the sessions as an attendee/student. That’s because, in addition to picking up the Benny Award,  this event is where industry leaders gather to see the most innovative and comprehensive exhibition of its kind in the Americas. I’ll be attending sessions on Sales and Marketing, the future of inkjet and some Six Sigma discussions. Oh, and maybe I’ll try to play some harmonica at BB King’s bar in Orlando if I can arrange it, since there’s a Graph Expo party there on Monday.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, attending events like Graph Expo is something we have to do if we want to stay on top of where the print industry is today and where it’s going in the future.

I’m looking forward to connecting with old friends and making new ones in Orlando. And when I get back, I’m sure to have a long list of to-dos that will make Prime Data an even stronger partner to the clients we service every day.

If you have questions about how Prime Data can help your organization by using print technology to communicate messages more effectively, don’t hesitate to connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a note at sfalk@primedata.com