Survivor wrap-up

The verdict is in: Printing Survivor 2011 was “well worth the trip”

Graphic Arts Magazine (GAM) held its first-ever town-hall-style Printing Survivor 2011 event Thursday, October 13 at Le Jardin Conference and Event Centre in Vaughan, Ontario. Judging by what most in attendance had to say afterwards, the afternoon was “well worth the trip.”

“We wanted to put on an event filled with strategies from successful printers and business entrepreneurs that every single person in the room could take back with them and begin implementing right away in their own businesses,” said GAM Publisher Joe Mulcahy. “With our line-up of exceptional speakers, the important topics they covered, the opportunity for audience questions, and from comments after the event, I genuinely believe we accomplished our goals. We plan on staging a similar event next year – and I can tell you that its date, times and topics will be determined by the feedback we got, and will get, from printers,” he added.

Speakers included John Foley Jr., founder and CEO of interlinkONE, who discussed how printers can grow their businesses through print, email, web, social media, mobile and more. During his uplifting talk, he gave away some free copies of his book “Business Transformation: A New Path to Profit for the Printing Industry”.

Jay Mandarino, President and Founder of C. J. Graphics Inc., whose company has won more awards than any other printer in North America, shared his ideas and thoughts on how companies can survive going forward. His talk included the inside story on his own company’s success.

Arjun Basu, Content Director of Spafax, one of the world’s leading providers of custom marketing solutions, assured the audience that print, especially magazines, are anything but dead. He pointed to the fact that 83% of consumers still read magazines and that 80% actually expect a multi-media experience. His message was clear: compelling content is extremely important, no matter what the channel.

Peter Muir, President of Bizucate Inc., gave a rousing close to proceedings following dinner. He focused on six basic strategies designed to help printers to help their customers. After reviewing some fascinating case studies, and great audience interaction, the evening came to a close.

Here is a cross-section of comments from some of those who attended.

“Worth my 8 hours of travelling time back and forth from Windsor.”

Cary Wheeler, Wheeler’s Printing & Copying Ltd. (Windsor, Ontario)

“Great job organizing the mix of speakers, excellent food and venue. The event was exactly what the printing industry needs. The thousands of printers who didn’t attend missed an opportunity to learn about high-level business planning to succeed in a tight market as well as some fundamental ‘get-in-the-door’ sales techniques that don’t require a ‘born salesperson’ – at a very low event fee of $100. I will be applying some of the speakers’ ideas to my business.”

Garth Atkinson, Publication Partners Ltd. (Pickering, Ontario)

“The speakers forced you to come up with some great ideas while they were presenting. Graphic Arts Magazine did a good job holding an event with 80% content and 20% networking. Better than expected.”

Gordon Griffiths, Gordon Group Enterprises Ltd. (Toronto, Ontario)

“Just a note to congratulate you for putting on a great event. Peter Muir was the highlight. He kept everyone engaged and awake until the very end. Based on my conversations, the people who did attend seemed very pleased with the content. We certainly left with much to think about. Those who didn’t show up missed out!”

Ruby Thomas, V. P., Operations, Harmony Printing Limited (Toronto, Ontario)

“Congratulations to you and your staff for Printing Survivor 2011. This turned out to be a most enjoyable and informative event. The speakers were first-rate and delivered the positive message that those assembled came to hear. A job well done.

Wayne McHale, McHale & Associates (Dundas, Ontario)

Early-Bird Discount available for next year’s event!

Reserve your seat NOW for Printing Survivor 2012 now and save. Call 1-877-513-3999 for more information.