LAS VEGAS—The 2009 Offset and Beyond Conference completed its three-day run here at Caesars Palace with an optimistic view of approaching a changing market and economy. Presented by the Web Offset Association (WOA) and the Printing Industries of America (PIA), the event featured a host of guest speakers who examined themes such as technology, the future of printing and adapting in troubled times.
Day one saw "Winds of Turbulence" author and former Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam admonish his audience to "have a clear and concise vision if you want to survive in today's turbulent times."
Among the highlights of the second day was Bruce Biegel's keynote, "Making the Transition from Printer to Marketing Communications Provider." Biegel, managing director of the Winterberry Group, stressed that in order to be a marketing communications provider, "you need to know where the money is when meeting with your potential clients."
Rounding out the conference on the third day was Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president, technology and research for PIA, who gave an overview on how the InterTech Technology Awards have been successful at identifying innovations that succeed in practical application.
