More than 2,000 digital print professionals gathered at Dscoop7, the 2012 Dscoop Annual Conference that ran March 22-24 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This turnout marked a 30 percent increase in core North American attendees from last year’s event and included attendees from 38 countries around the world. In addition, 95 Partners participated in the Solutions Showcase exhibition.

“Dscoop7 was a success in every sense of the word,” said Craig Curran, Dscoop7 chairman and vice president of sales at Nosco. “Our attendees heard exciting pre-drupa announcements from HP and Partners and received top-notch education from experts such as Sally Hogshead, Chad Dick and Josh Linkner. The ability to connect with each other is a unique benefit that only Dscoop offers.”


In addition to the more than 150 educational sessions throughout the three-day event, the organization also launched the Marketing to Win Toolkit. The idea for the toolkit grew from the member base, which expressed the need for education and turnkey tools to help them market their business.


One of the event’s highlights was the presentation from Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo Digital Press Division, Graphic Solutions Business, HP, as he opened the conference on with a musical journey through print. From Led Zeppelin to Bruce Springsteen, he gave his insights on how HP Indigo has changed the digital print industry and what is still to come with the 10000 press, which opens up a wide range of formats, including posters, book covers and folders. The 20000 and 30000 presses make inroads into the new applications of folding cartons and flexible packaging.

Also on hand was 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres, as she discussed with Chris Morgan, senior vice president, Graphic Solutions Business in HP’s Printing and Personal Systems Group, what it takes to persevere and win against all odds.

Author and marketing expert Sally Hogshead spoke about how to attract customers by being fascinating. The seven triggers of fascination are: passion, alarm, mystique, power, prestige, rebellion and trust – seven different ways to respond to customers and market your brand. She mentioned that the Dscoop7 audience over-indexed on the power trigger of fascination compared to the general population.

“Dscoop7 has once again raised the bar,” said Eric Hawkinson, Dscoop global executive director. “The excitement around drupa and the global expansion of Dscoop has been undeniable.We see great things for the future of the print industry.”