Dscoop Unveils New Global Member Initiatives at Dscoop Asia 2013

BEIJING—May 15, 2013—More than 1,500 digital print professionals gathered at the sold-out Dscoop Asia 2013 conference, the fourth annual Dscoop conference for the Asia Pacific region, that ran May 12-13 in Beijing.

In addition to the more than 30 educational sessions throughout the two-day event, the conference featured 33 Partners in the Solutions Showcase, in-depth business-focused workshops and pre-event visits to print service provider sites to get an insider's look at how print service providers in China are creating business opportunities using HP Indigo and IHPS digital presses and front end solutions.

Chris Petro, Dscoop Global Chairman, unveiled Dscoop University and the Dscoop Print Directory, two new member global initiatives designed as high-value resources to help Dscoop members succeed in today‟s changing print market.

“It is truly exciting news that Dscoop is raising the bar, by offering even more value to its Asia Pacific community, via two new initiatives; making available, unparalleled and relevant domain know-how through Dscoop University and secondly, the opportunity to maximize business from brand owners and designers worldwide,” says Gido van Praag, vice president Graphic Solutions Business, HP Asia Pacific and Japan.

Dscoop University
Dscoop University, powered by HP, is a community-driven training program for print service providers. The program has a single objective: build printers' knowledge to drive business growth. The curriculum will span multiple market segments and functional tracks that include marketing, sales, operations and technology-specific topics.

The course curriculum will largely be derived from the real-world knowledge and experiences of Dscoop members, supplemented by HP resources and best-in-class industry information providers.

“A unique attribute of the Dscoop community is its 'members helping members' platform of knowledge sharing,” said Chris Petro, Dscoop global chairman. “That same element of member-driven content will significantly factor in Dscoop University's value for its attendees. It will also be a real differentiator against other business development and training programs offered elsewhere in the print industry.”

The curriculum will be continuously updated to maintain its relevance and value amid shifts in market behavior and technology advancements.

Dscoop University will offer dual-platform learning through both online and in-person venues. Through a secure Web portal, attendees will have 24/7 access to course content. Additionally, interactive instructor-led classroom sessions, based on member needs, will be offered on a range of topic tracks in various locations.

“Our members are busy running their businesses and busy people want the ability to learn at their own pace from wherever they are,” noted Petro. “Our site offers immediate, continuous and asynchronous access to rich educational content.”

Dscoop is partnering with the HP Graphics Solutions Business to develop and deliver this program.

“Print service providers pride themselves on delivering innovative, digitally printed products and are always looking to diversify their services,” relayed Stephen Nigro, senior vice president, Inkjet and Graphics Solutions, HP. “By collaborating with Dscoop to empower our customers with a wealth of knowledge, we plan to deliver the industry‟s leading, community-driven educational resource.”

Dscoop Print Directory
To further spur incremental business activity and growth, the Dscoop Print Directory will be launched as a Web-based tool for brand owners and designers. This tool is designed to provide users with a quick way to research and connect with digital print service providers. The Directory will provide more than just contact information; it will also offer qualitative information about each participating print service provider‟s capabilities. Any brand owner or designer can now efficiently source services according to their specific requirements.

The Dscoop Print Directory will be publicly viewable by any site visitor. Visitors will be able to search or browse according to print service provider name, location, print technology or capability, and other selection criteria.

“The Dscoop Print Directory is going to bridge the gap between digital print professionals worldwide,” said Gary Peeling, managing director, Precision Printing Co Ltd. “It‟s a great way for brand managers to utilize the wide-range of print marketing resources available and it will allow Dscoop members to showcase their unique and ever-evolving capabilities of digital printing to connect and share their services.”

The Dscoop Print Directory will be translated into nine different languages. Dscoop members are now able to access the directory and populate their information prior to launch.

About Dscoop
Founded in 2005, Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative) is an independent global community of graphic arts business owners and technical professionals who use HP equipment and related solutions, including HP Indigo and Scitex. Dscoop is focused on educating and connecting its members with each other and with HP to improve members‟ business growth, efficiency and profitability.

Source: Dscoop.