State of the In-plant Address at Graph Expo

As September approaches, in-plant printing and mailing professionals across the nation are preparing to make their way to Orlando, Fla., for Graph Expo. In addition to learning about the industry’s newest cutting-edge technologies, on Monday, Sept. 26, guests will have the chance to hear analyst Dr. Joe Webb deliver the final report of The State of the Industry: Outlooks, Challenges, and Opportunities survey.

Dr. Joe Webb

Sponsored by Canon U.S.A, Inc., the survey was created to collect a broad range of feedback from in-plant professionals. The State of the Industry: Outlook, Challenges, and Opportunities survey asked participants a series of questions that helped assess the industry’s present state and identify what lays ahead. The responses from the survey will be used to create innovative strategies and tools that in-plant professionals need in order to become effective leaders, and help their facilities reach sustainable, long-term success.

When asked about the report, Dr. Webb said, “Well-managed in-plant departments enhance their host organization's flow of internal and external communications. Whether they're part of the campus life of a major university, the operations of a government agency, the outreach of a non-profit organization, or in the back offices of a multinational corporation, their roles are being redefined in today's dynamic media environment.

"That challenge is being met by offering new kinds of services and products, combined with insightful internal marketing and promotion, and proactive internal relationships. These actions cultivate a perception of reliability and creativity that ensures their departments are considered vital to their organizations. This study will assist departments to define the right road map for relevance that's appropriate in their organizations.”

Dr. Joe Webb speaking at the recent IPMA conference.

The final report, given by Webb, will discuss fundamental areas that are of high importance to in-plant professionals in every vertical of the industry. The information detailed in the report will help department managers make critical decisions for their facilities that will influence their bottom line. Graph Expo attendees and survey participants will receive a copy of the full report following Dr. Webb’s presentation at Graph Expo. Register here to attend this free in-plant luncheon.

Jimmy Vainstein, senior project manager at The World Bank Group’s Printing and Multimedia Services unit.

Also appearing at the luncheon will be Jimmy Vainstein, Senior Project Manager for The World Bank’s Printing and Multimedia Services unit, who will detail how in-plants can use omni-channel technology and virtual reality to guarantee a seamless integration between print and digital media.

In June, Dr. Webb presented the Executive Summary for the report at IPMA’s 2016 Annual Conference. His forward-thinking report was received remarkably well by conference attendees who were able to gain a world of insight from this initial statement and set the stage for what will come in the final report in September.

Dr. Joe Webb is a notable consultant, analyst, and forecaster for organizations ranging in size from multinational companies to local businesses. He is a 35+ year veteran of the graphic arts industries. He is also the co-author with Richard Romano of several books, including Renewing the Printing Industry, Disrupting the Future, Getting Business and This Point Forward.