There’s a new trend being embraced by label industry suppliers. The concept itself isn’t new, but what is new is the current proliferation. What I’m talking about is what I’ll call the “Open House Event Trade Show Users Group.”  That sure is a mouthful, but it sums it up.

Everyone knows about Dscoop and its series of annual events. It is now-long-running, and sets itself apart due to the sheer number of HP Indigo technology users and the backing and support the association gets from HP.  The annual Dscoop event in the US can fill out a small but major city’s convention center. It’s pretty remarkable, but keep in mind the audience spans the entire graphic arts industry – label printing accounts for just a fraction of the attendee and exhibitor lists. (For more on Dscoop Edge in Orlando, turn to page 70 of this issue.)

I’m writing this page from Digital Printing Spectrum 2019, hosted by Domino in Gurnee, IL. Last week L&NW associate editor Greg Hrinya attended Xeikon Café North America, in Itasca, IL, and he’ll head to Nashville in a few weeks for EskoWorld. Mark Andy, Omet, Channeled Resources, Nilpeter, Screen, Colordyne, Kodak, Bobst and AB Graphic all come to mind as suppliers that have recently announced or concluded events, and I’m sure I am missing some others.

Size and scales of these events vary, but there a certain elements they all have in common: a focus on education, equipment demonstrations, table-top exhibits from supplier partners, and opportunities for peer-to-peer Q&A sessions.

Domino’s third “Spectrum” event is its largest to date. I can say this confidently since I’ve attended all three. Spectrum checks all the boxes. Among the several presentations we’ve seen over the last couple days, according to the feedback I’ve gotten, the most valuable – from the converter perspective – are the presentations from peers. Whether the topics are digital press purchasing and adoption, workforce development, or detailing sales growth, the sessions become lively Q&A sessions. Not to downplay the importance of press demonstrations and technical education, but there is a lot of value in these candid peer-to-peer conversations. The audience asks great questions, and converter presenters answer them with nothing hide.

If you are interested in adopting a certain type of equipment or technology, and it’s an odd year, meaning a year without a Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, I suggest accepting an invitation to one of these events. That is, if you can get away for a few days.

But if you can’t get away, and you’re interested in learning about technologies that can help your business, you’re in luck, because you’ve got L&NW’s annual International Buyers Guide issue. Peruse the Buyers Guide Company Listings and Cross Reference sections. Through these pages we help to put you in touch with the industry’s best suppliers. If you have questions about a press, software, or a consumable of some sort, pick up the phone or send an email – get the ball rolling. There is no time like the present, and as we all know, innovation in our industry moves fast, so do yourself a favor and be proactive.


Steve Katz, Editor
skatz@rodmanmedia.com
Twitter: @LabelSteve