Graphic Arts Magazine columnist and print sales expert Dave Fellman has launched an important initiative called “The Printing Sales DNA Project” and is asking for reader input. Sponsored by trade printer 4over, this timely research study will determine what skills, attitudes and personality traits are most important to printing salespeople. Each survey participant will receive a free copy of the basic findings along with a discounted offer on a more comprehensive report. To participate please visit www.printingsalesdna.com.
Along with our regular news and new products pages, you might want to read Diane Brown’s fascinating page 18 report on some amazing concepts in book covers, as well as an equally interesting feature by our wide format specialist Peter Dulis on the magic of inkjet media on page 22. Tony Curcio’s page 12 interview with Steve Cory of Canadian 3D printing studio Objex Unlimited explores ways to add this emerging technology as a new revenue stream, in addition to shattering some common myths. Watch for a more detailed follow-up feature in the April issue. Speaking of emerging new technologies, The Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association (CPEIA) will be hosting the 2015 Canadian Printed Electronics Symposium in Montreal for the very first time. The event takes place in Montreal April 21 – 22 and we’ll have it covered for you.
Graphics Canada, Canada’s largest and longest-running printing tradeshow, is heading into its 52nd year – and we’ll be there April 16-18 to cover its events, people, activities and exhibitors. In addition to this month’s preview, you can keep up-to-date on the latest developments and other news by visiting www.graphicartsmag.com. Please stop by our booth (2011) at the top of Hall 2, say hello, and enter our free draw for a fabulous prize. While there, you can also subscribe for free to our printed editions. The show has moved from its traditional fall date to the spring, so we’ll see how that plays out. Another event that’s changing dates is drupa, which will be held every three years after its 2016 tradeshow May 31 – June 10 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
With so much negativity in this industry, it’s always nice to hear success stories. Manroland sheetfed reported modest profits in 2014, Canadian proofreading leader Global Vision is celebrating 25 years in business this year, Konica Minolta earned three more BLI awards, and the Allegra Network chose Avanti Slingshot MIS workflow for its 270 locations across North America. Congratulations to all and let’s hope we hear more good news in 2015.
As always, stay positive and stay focused.