Educational Events Build Greater Community

Similar to previous years, PRINTING United will feature special community breakfasts and luncheons on the first two days of the Expo. These special educational events will allow community members to learn and network with like-minded peers. Tickets for these events are in addition to the education pass and are available while registering for PRINTING United.

Oct. 23, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Functional & Industrial Printing Luncheon

Printers and innovators interested in functional printing — often from the industrial applications and printed electronics communities — will explore the community, a collaborative environment in which to address business needs and gain valuable insight from peers. Presenter Jamie Parker from Process + Results will share the power of companies operating at the intersection of culture and continuous improvement. 

Speaker Erik Skie, principal at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, will show attendees how to unlock growth opportunities by increasing profits, reducing risks, and planning for transition.

The event will also provide a sample of the kind of programming available at the SGIA conference specifically designed to meet their needs: FP3: Functional Printing, Process & Products.

Oct. 23, Noon – 2 p.m.

Sustainability Strategies Luncheon: Inside and Out

Sustainability stories are on the agenda at the Sustainability Strategies Luncheon: Inside and Out. However, these aren’t the “sustainability journey” stories commonly heard at such events.

“We want to inspire action,” points out Mike Compton, print media product marketing manager, Top Value Fabrics, who chairs SGIA’s Sustainability, Safety, Health, and Personnel Advisory Council. “Our presenters will discuss strategies attendees can integrate into marketing plans and conversations with customers.”

Central to the luncheon are in-depth discussions about how companies are engaging around sustainable print, and how they’re addressing customers’ reactions. Attendees will hear from a functional printer, a print buyer, and a substrate supplier:

• Dale Crownover, CEO of Texas Nameplate Co., will talk about sustainability as a “given” in today’s world, describing his customers’ reactions to conversations he starts. Texas Nameplate manufactures nameplates attached to products and equipment to educate and protect users.
• Jenny Dela Cruz, COO and co-founder of Snowball Print Marketing, will explain what customers say when the topic of sustainability comes up — and what they’re really asking for when they say they want to work with a sustainable supply chain.
• Brett Thompson, sign and graphic market manager at substrate supplier Piedmont Plastics, will discuss what it means to be sustainable and how he communicates that with customers.

“The conversation will revolve around what they’re doing to move sustainability up and down the supply chain, and how they’re overcoming obstacles,” Compton adds.

Oct. 24, 7:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Women in Print Alliance Breakfast

Ariel Swedroe, a 15-year-old fashion designer, will start the day on an inspirational note as the Women in Print Alliance Breakfast’s keynote speaker. Swedroe will speak about her life’s journey, her passion for fashion, and how she brings artwork to life in the fabrics and apparel she designs.

Sponsored by Stahls’, the event will also include presentations from members of SGIA’s Women in Print Alliance advisory council on staying focused and motivated when crisis hits, knowing your value, and holding conversations with confidence.

Speakers include Kristin Lanzarone-Scribner, owner, WrapStar Pro; Heather Roden, strategic account manager, Zund Americas; Tiffany Rader Spitzer, operations and technical product manager, Roeder Industries; and Michelle White, technical market manager, Vycom Plastics.

Oct. 24, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Apparel Decorators Luncheon

Brian Adam, president and owner of Olympus Group, will address employee engagement during this special event.

“Apparel decorators want to know how to make their shops thrive,” Christina Rosado, community development manager at SGIA, says. “Employee engagement — getting people to really care about what they’re doing — is key to achieving this goal.”

Adam has been recognized by Glassdoor as one of the Top 25 CEOs to work for in the United States. He’ll share a collection of engagement-boosting practices, starting with, “Create a noble mission,” and other easy-to-implement tips.

Oct. 24, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Graphics Production Luncheon

Graphic production printers use wide-format, digital, and screen printing to assist clients with the visual communication of their messages. This luncheon will provide attendees with a chance to network with peers and get a taste of the programming available at WFX: The Wide-Format Exchange, the SGIA conference specifically tailored for this printing community.

The luncheon speaker will explore strategic challenges facing the wide-format printing industry, as well as growth opportunities emerging from new markets and applications.