by DPS Magazine Staff
To find success in a rapidly growing and competitive market, it is essential for print providers to stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and technologies. One of the ways Canon inkjet customers can do this is through thINK, an independent community of Canon Solutions America production inkjet customers designed to provide a forum for members to network, gain knowledge, discuss common challenges, and access tools, training, and resources.
The organization convenes annually for the thINK Ahead event, which took place this year from July 15 to 17 in Boca Raton, FL.
Ten Years Strong
Attendees were given insight into Canon’s market strength, with Francis A. McMahon, EVP, Canon Solutions America, reporting a record-breaking first half for its Production Print Solutions group.
Throughout the conference, visitors were able to catch a shuttle over to the nearby Canon Americas Customer Innovation Center for tours and demonstrations of the latest production print equipment. This year, thINK Ahead 2024 guests were among the first to see four new Canon inkjet products making their U.S. debut after premiering at drupa—the ProStream 3160, ColorStream 8200, varioPRINT iX 1700, and the LabelStream LS2000.
The main attraction of the thINK Ahead conference is its informative and topical sessions. Over three tracks, session topics covered sales, marketing, and pricing strategies; human resources considerations for print providers; direct mail initiatives, outlook, and opportunities; navigating taxes post Wayfair; artificial intelligence response optimization and future uses; opportunities in wide format; and mergers and acquisition activity in the printing industry.
It wasn’t strictly business. thINK attendees were encouraged to participate in wellness activities like pickleball, a 5K and fun run/walk, as well as yoga on conference mornings. Nighttime entertainment included the comedian Marcus Monroe as well as the event’s popular Cabana Nights party.
Inkjet Innovation
Canon inkjet customers have an excellent resource in the thINK community. Aside from the annual thINK Ahead conference, the thinkforum.com website and application is a non-stop resource with news and research; services; designer, marketing, and press operator tools; as well as training and events.
Sep2024, DPS Magazine
