Print Community Forum & Tradeshow

Why this tradeshow?
According to Industry Canada, “printing is generally a regional business, with significant dependence on a few large customers. Typically, a printer’s five largest customers account for almost half of all sales dollars.” With this in mind, Graphic Arts Magazine (GAM) is organizing the Print Community Forum & Tradeshow event. The regional tradeshow, endorsed by the CPIA, will be held Thursday and Friday, November 13 and 14, at the elegant Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, a northern suburb of Toronto.
Why attend?
This event will be your chance to learn from ten of the printing industry’s most knowledgeable veterans who will cover topics crucial to today’s commercial printer and graphic arts professionals. It’s your opportunity to chat one to one with them and with exhibitors in a smaller, more casual and accessible environment. You’ll discover what exhibitors will be showcasing and discover products, services and expertise that can take your business to the next level. Finally, you’ll meet and connect with fellow industry professionals from every sector of the printing industry. Come and see live demonstrations, new products and new technologies. There’ll be free parking as well as some show specials.
The focus
“For attendees, we’re going to make certain this premiere event is focused on boosting profits,” said GAM Publisher Joe Mulcahy. “Today, printing is all about adding value to your products, reducing costs and increasing productivity. This regional forum will discuss four key topics:  sales, equipment, new technologies and success stories, as well as other important areas such as marketing and mergers and acquisitions. You’ll get practical ideas you can implement quickly in your own shop. We want this event to be the most valuable two days a printer will ever spend at a tradeshow for such a small investment.”
Konica Minolta to print Dr. Joe Webb book on-site
Keynote speaker Dr. Joe Webb’s latest groundbreaking book This Point Forward: The New Start the Marketplace Demands, written with Richard Romano, will be printed on-site by exhibitor Konica Minolta Canada on the OEM’s bizhub C1100 Press.  Signed copies will be available for purchase at a special discount. The bizhub C1100 has an industry-leading output of 100 ppm in B&W and colour, and a 1,000,000-sheet monthly volume. Its 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution with 8-bit processing renders smooth, realistic colour images that “rival offset printing at a fraction of the cost.” Inline finishing options including perfect binding, saddle stitching and ring binding.
PRINT COMMUNITY FORUM SPEAKERS
Thursday, November 13, 2014
10 AM – 11 AM
Jay Mandarino: Success Stories – Mergers & Acquisitions
The President and CEO of Toronto’s C.J. Graphics has won more awards than any other printer in North America. The most recent include two Benny’s, eleven Awards of Recognition and 34 Certificates of Merit from the PIA. He’ll discuss the opportunities, advantages and pitfalls of mergers and acquisitions. How to set up your Business for Mergers, Acquisitions and Succession, will examine ways to successfully grow your business and reveal how to prepare it for a sale or an acquisition.
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM
Dr. Mark Bohan: New technologies – Printing Technology
The V.P. of Technology and Research for the PIA will evaluate how technology impacts business decisions. He has authored many publications and presented over 220 lectures. His presentation is Which Technologies Impact Small and Medium Sized Businesses Today and in the Future?  Our industry is undergoing rapid change and technology plays an important role in allowing companies to adapt and prosper. From all of the solutions available, certain ones are suited to small- and medium-sized businesses. But which ones should you adopt to boost your bottom line?
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
1 PM – 2 PM
Martin Jones: Equipment – Sales and Survival
As an Instructor with the Learning Group, Jones teaches digital printing technology and workflow to sales and technical support staff. This includes writing high-level customer sales presentations and demonstrations that teach the subtleties of the art of sales. His presentation, 10 Things I Must do to Survive and Prosper in my Print Business, will explore the key strategies that commercial printers should adopt – not only to survive now – but to thrive in the future.
2:20 PM – 3:20 PM
Thad Kubis: Sales – Sales and Marketing
His topic will be Surviving and Profiting – The Future of Print. The Founder and Chief Integration Officer at The Institute for Media Convergence will discuss Profit Advocacy, Vertical Marketing, New Business Development, Being Diligent and Lead Generation. This personal/interactive workshop will explore and apply Vertical Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and Integrated Media with the goal of generating new business, quality leads and initiating new business development programs based on Profit Advocacy and IMC.
3:40 PM – 4:40 PM
Dr. Joe Webb: New technologies – Technology and the Future of Print
Consultant and economic forecaster Dr. Joe Webb started his career in the printing industry over 30 years ago. Since that time his consulting, speaking and research projects have focused on the interaction of B2B economics and technology. His latest book, written with Richard Romano, is called This Point Forward: The New Start the Marketplace Demands. He’ll discuss the urgency for shop owners to realize what’s ahead in media and communications. If you want to get a step ahead, he says, you’d better avoid “rear-view-mirror” planning.
5 PM – 6:30 PM – Mix and Mingle

Friday, November 14, 2014
9 AM – 10 AM
Ralph Askar: Success Stories – Franchising
In his over 25 years in franchising, he’s been one of the most successful area franchisees and international master licensees for Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) and The UPS Store, working to build the brands in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. He’s been a franchisee and franchisor. At MBE, he was V.P., President and CEO for Canada. In 2005, under his leadership, MBE rebranded as The UPS Store and went on to enjoy outstanding growth. In 2008, Askar became a board member of Instant Imprints Franchising and in May of 2011 became President and CEO. He’ll discuss franchising and his remarkable odyssey.
10:20 AM – 11:20 AM
Joanne Gore: Sales – Content Marketing
The Director of Marketing for Avanti and Graphic Arts Magazine columnist has over twenty years of B2B marketing and communications experience. Her presentation, Content Marketing for Effective Lead Generation, will delve into how companies can leverage existing materials to generate leads and drive website traffic. Topics include: identifying existing content and assets where you least expect; how to develop relevant content; using your content to feed the social media engine; messaging for a consistent brand experience; and delivering the right content to the right audience at the right time.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
 Sales – Online Marketing
12:30 PM Lunch Break
1 PM – 2 PM
Tim Wakefield: Equipment – Mailing, Fulfillment, Packaging
From intelligent camera systems to variable-data direct mail technology to cheque printing and packaging solutions, Insource President Tim Wakefield has consistently brought major new technologies to Canada. His presentation will examine how integrating various affordable technologies in the mailing, fulfillment and packaging sectors can be an exceptional value-add, not just for you, but for your customers. This includes intelligent camera systems, variable-data applications, the printing of colour onto envelopes, packaging technologies, entry-level and high-end equipment, and more. He’ll assess these “value-added opportunities” that will increase your profits.
2:20 PM – 3:20 PM
Natalia Lumby and Lee Eldridge: New technologies
An Assistant Professor at Ryerson University and Associate Editor at Graphic Arts Magazine, Lumby has written on topics ranging from social media to entrepreneurship to printing technology. Her research concentrates on the link between print and digital media, including infusing traditional print with the advantages of digital technology. She is currently focusing on print packaging.
Lee Eldridge, Director of Interactive Solutions at the C.J. Group of Companies, currently heads C.J.’s cross-media campaigns, variable-data marketing, web-to-print and e-commerce. Their presentation Linking Print and Digital Media will examine several case studies from a practical perspective.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Dr. Joe Webb: New technologies -Technology and the Future of Print
If you missed his talk the day before, this is your final chance to learn from one of the industry’s most renowned visionaries. Consultant and economic forecaster Dr. Joe Webb started his career in the printing industry over 30 years ago. Since that time his consulting, speaking and research projects have focused on the interaction of B2B economics and technology. His latest book, written with Richard Romano, is called This Point Forward: The New Start the Marketplace Demands. He’ll discuss the urgency for shop owners to realize what’s ahead in media and communications. If you want to get a step ahead, he says, you’d better avoid “rear-view-mirror” planning.
The exhibitors
Here’s a brief review, in alphabetical order, of exhibitors booked at press time. Additional information and a final floorplan will be distributed at the Forum.
4over
Trade-only leader 4over began filling orders from its Mississauga, Ontario plant in December of 2011 – and since then the volume of jobs printed has “exploded,” as witnessed by a recent Komori press installation. 4over offers a huge array of print products, from business cards to posters, linen stock to magnets and more. Its services have attracted print brokers, graphic designers, quick printers, photographers and others. 4over is “redefining the meaning of quality, speed, service and delivery in the Canadian print market.” The California-based company has introduced dozens of products to Canada, most notably 4D lenticular prints, Akuafoil, gift boxes, window graphics and many more.
All Graphic Supplies
For over 22 years, All Graphic Supplies has been supplying and servicing sign-making equipment, wide format and digital printers, cutters, laminators, finishing equipment and more. It also specializes in consumables, used equipment and digital sign solutions. It’s an authorized dealer for sales and service of Roland, Mimaki, Rollsroller, Royal Sovereign, Rite-Media, Fletcher Terry, Impulsa, Hotronix, Oracal, Hexis and UltraFlex equipment. The company has locations across Canada and in the Caribbean. Its head office is in Mississauga, Ontario.
AM Transport
Serving the printing industry for 17 years, the company’s slogan is “We go that extra mile for you.” The company offers: direct, rush and same-day service; straight trucks, tandems and power tailgates; vehicles equipped with GPS technology; a radio-dispatched fleet available 24/7; and live-person dispatch call receiving. Serving the printing, paper, mailing, automotive and construction industries, its fleet of vehicles is meticulously maintained and AM “often handles orders others refuse.” Warehousing services are also available.
Avanti Computer Systems
Since 1984, Avanti has been innovating industry-leading and JDF-certified print management software for commercial and in-plant print shops, providing comprehensive, fully integrated, and easy-to-use Print MIS software exclusively for the Graphic Arts industry. Its technology automates all facets of a printer’s business, reducing waste, downtime and other common inefficiencies. Its solutions are the most open in the industry and extend from web-to-print through to production and billing. At the Forum, Avanti will demonstrate Avanti Slingshot, its next-generation Print MIS.
Bard Business Solutions
For 19 years, Bard Business Solutions of Toronto has provided management software for various segments of the printing industry. It allows business owners to organize and manage their complete shop processes from one efficient and easy-to-use program. The result is elimination of duplication and reducing costly errors and downtime by seamless information sharing. Clients enter data once and use it many times – organizing, managing and speeding up all processes from one program. All products come bundled with FileMaker Pro 13 software and can operate on Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, iPhone and iPad OS.
Business Exchange
The Business Exchange specializes in lead generation in the printing, franchising and business opportunity industries online and in person. Today, it’s a successful magazine that connects buyers and sellers of established businesses for sale, franchises for sale and business opportunities. It also produces the Business, Franchise & Investment Expo in Toronto twice a year. The Business Exchange “is dedicated to being a great resource for entrepreneurs who are passionate about finding their perfect business opportunity.”
C.P. Bourg
Represented by exhibitor Robert E. Thistle, C.P. Bourg’s high-end binders – like the BB3002, a fully automated perfect binder for short and long runs – are recognized as the benchmark in single-clamp, hot-melt binders for coated media used in digital colour printing. The OEM has also developed an award-winning high-speed sheet feeder (BSF) that acts as a production gateway for inline and offline applications. Its high-end booklet-making products have won numerous awards. In the last few years, workflow automation has been integrated into its inline and offline finishing solutions. For over 50 years, C.P. Bourg has continued to make a huge impact in the finishing sector worldwide.
Graphic Whizard
The Burlington, Ontario-based company has dealers across Canada, the U.S.A, and in more than 40 other countries. It specializes in manufacturing and distributing the latest creasing and numbering machines and cutting-edge print finishing equipment including UV coaters, bindery equipment, folding machines and more. Established in 1987, over the years it has increased its machinery offerings in response to market demand. It has installed thousands of systems worldwide through its global network of dealers and distributors who also provide local, hands-on tech support.
Harrison Mailing
The Pickering, Ontario-based company has dozens of efficient, affordable mailing service options. It specializes in data processing, polybagging, inkjetting, labeling, Cheshire labeling, laser printing, full lettershop, folding, clip sealing and manual fulfillment. It also offers services for all Canadian, American and international classes of mail – including file preparation, fulfillment, and distribution – from its 25,000 sq. ft. facility. Turnaround time is generally 24-48 hours, but varies depending on the complexity and quantity of a project.
Ingenious Media
This marketing specialist helps printers boost business via Internet and social media, digital signage, print media and promotional premiums and apparel. Two of its most powerful solutions are Social WiFi and digital signage. Social WiFi allows businesses to offer free WiFi to customers via social media logins, instantly expanding opportunities for targeted marketing. The ROI is “well beyond the norm.” It also delivers an affordable digital signage solution driven end-to-end by Toshiba Canada hardware, SaaS and financing. It also provides trade printers and end-user businesses with substrates from CPD Coatings and Blanks/USA.
Insource
The Canadian mailing and fulfillment leader will be making a big splash with experienced consultants on hand, state-of-the-art product videos, and an overview of its brand-name, worldwide vendors including footage of their booth activities at Graph Expo in Chicago.  Best of all, the entire booth will welcome visitors in a non-formal, yet information-intensive way – sort of a “Mailing and Fulfillment Café” – said Insource. “We invite show attendees to stop by, relax, have a coffee and discover how to get into mailing and fulfillment as a new and profitable service you can offer your clients,” Insource added.
Jelly Labels
Trade-only Jelly Labels Inc. produces domed decals from either its own custom-printed full-colour designs or supplied artwork. Its customers are constantly creating innovative ways of using its tough, scratch and scuff resistant, UV-coated labels. Popular uses include appliances, binders, badges, boats, car hubcaps, cellphones and other mobile devices, computer cases, giftware, key rings, nameplates, office products, refrigerator handles, retail displays, signage, sporting equipment, stickers, tags, tools and many more applications.
KBR Graphics Canada
KBR has been a major force in making Canadian printers more productive for over 35 years. Its customers range from small printers to large multinational corporations and provincial and federal governments. Its factory-trained technical team is renowned for its expertise and commitment to service. Established in 1977 by Karl Belafi Sr., KBR represents multiple equipment manufacturers that sell the best digital and offset pressroom equipment, a wide range of finishing equipment, as well as parts and supplies.
Konica Minolta Canada
When you think of printing industry awards, Konica Minolta’s renowned bizhub production lines are in a class of their own. These digital devices bring new levels of productivity to production printing. They’re compact, efficient, flexible and cost-effective with “unsurpassed image quality, superior consistency over longer print runs and advanced screening.” Especially for high-volume, in-house printing, Konica Minolta’s versatile bizhub Digital Press and bizhub PRO systems deliver dependable high-speed, professional quality production print as well as scanning, document management, workflow tools and more, all from a single “hub.”
Minuteman Press
Minuteman has developed a unique business model that offers services and products that every business requires for its daily operation and marketing and advertising efforts. Its owners are professionals who know the needs of their local business community and can enjoy a long-term repeat relationship with their clients by providing outstanding quality and service. It has grown to over 925 locations worldwide including 75 locations across Canada. Minuteman offers normal business hours, a wide variety of business services and dedicated support. The company will also assist franchisees with advertising and marketing.
MPI Full-Web, MPI Sheet-Fed and MPI Turbo
MPI Full-Web, MPI Sheet-Fed and MPI Turbo – along with its new $12 million Mississauga-based Web Press facility – can now serve west-end GTA clients in the Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo areas more efficiently. The trade printer now has two locations:  its head office in Concord and MPI West in Mississauga. MPI West currently includes a new 10-Colour Mitsubishi Diamond Tandem Press with dual coaters; a new 8-Colour Mitsubishi Diamond Perfector UV Press with dual coaters and Spot UV option; and a new KBA 215 8-Colour Web Press with QI Colour Control System featuring inline perf, gluing and stitching.
PDS-Pressdown
For 30 years, PDS has been supplying and servicing printing, finishing and label-making technology to Canada, including the Rapid X1, the world’s fastest digital tabletop label press. Following its release was the Eclipse LF3 Digital Label Finisher. Today, PDS is also the Canadian Master Distributor for OPUS Metal Bind Hard Cover Book Binding Systems and Gold Stamping. It will showcase the DigiXpress Hybrid 5+. This compact machine is not only an envelope press like its two predecessors, but a complete media centre capable of printing on substrates up to 16 point. The 5+ means it can accommodate CMYK + white or clear toner. Be sure to ask about its VIP Membership.
Pentagon Graphics
Montreal-based Pentagon manufacturers paper and plastic gift, cellular and phone cards, as well as monthly passes, transfers and tickets for transit corporations across the country. With roots in commercial printing for over 40 years, it produces millions of card products from one secure facility and ships them worldwide. A key partner in the creative process, Pentagon is most notable for its popular 100% bio-degradeable and compostable plastic cards that are agriculture-based, produced with renewable energy, and can be finished with a magnetic stripe, variable-data information and scratch-offs.
Printer Gateway/PrintSites2Go
Trade-only Printer Gateway is “dedicated to supply every trade client with quality and competitive wholesale pricing and rapid turnaround.” One of its most popular services is its online ordering system that speeds up production time and grows a print customer’s business. Also ask about PG’s Air Miles points program. PrintSites2Go’s $150-per-month, web-to-print solution is a turnkey platform with 35 of the most popular print products containing 65,000 price permutations. The technology is compatible with online design tools, as well as being multi-currency, multilingual and multi-tax-coded. The full eCommerce storefront also comes with user and account management, reporting and marketing features. There are no commissions, no fees and no residuals.
Robert E. Thistle
Founded in 1972 in Toronto, Robert E. Thistle has gained a reputation as a reliable provider of quality parts and maintenance support. Since then it has continually expanded its services and products – including C.P. Bourg collators and perfect binders, Challenge paper cutters and drills, ODM hardcover bookbinding machines, Hurst Chemical Smart Plate CTP systems for small offset and many more products. The company has an extensive dealer network across Canada, in-house machine shop, and large parts and equipment inventory. Be sure to check out the C.P. Bourg Single-Clamp Binder BB 3002, a totally automated perfect binder for short and long runs.
Sina Printing/Sinalite
Markham, Ontario’s trade-only Sina Printing started two decades ago with a two-colour press in a small storefront. Today it has one of the most comprehensive equipment repertoires of high-end presses in the industry, a full bindery, a 60,000 sq. ft. production facility and over 90 dedicated staff. Sina’s consulting service can create a strategic plan to reduce your costs – whether it’s a book, a product catalogue or a specialty project. Its online portal, SinaLite, offers better margins and helps printers meet deadlines “that are on the edge of unrealistic.” Clients get “the quickest print possible with easy online ordering, superior quality and precise finishing.”
Sydney Stone
In recent years, the growing importance of finishing has spread across a wide range of industries, from traditional digital and commercial printers to companies that now specialize in their own marketing, design and print production. As a Canadian leader in this sector, Sydney Stone will be showing printers how affordable finishing technology can be a huge value-add for their clients and an excellent revenue source for users. They’ll be showcasing MultiLoft products; laminating equipment and films; booklet-making and paper-cutting equipment; and creasing and folding technology, along with demonstrations.
The Printing Klub
Located in Mississauga, Ontario, this leading trade-only printer handles magazines, catalogues, brochures, annual reports, books, presentation folders, office stationery, flyers, posters, postcards, calendars, promotional materials and more. Specialists in design, prepress and a host of trade printing services means you have a variety of deadline-sensitive, cost-efficient choices on how your client’s projects can be produced. Its all-inclusive production facility has the latest printing equipment (Heidelberg, Muller Martini and MBO) as well as and an advanced bindery and finishing department. Its work is 100% guaranteed.