By DPS Staff
User programs provide print professionals with an outlet to connect with both vendors and peers to discuss the triumphs and challenges they experience daily. This year marked the first gathering of thINK, an independent community of Canon Solutions America production print customers, solution partners, and print industry experts.
Designed to assist businesses in achieving growth and productivity, the thINK community is a collaborative effort that provides a forum to network with peers, share best practices, and learn from industry leaders and solution partners. “Our customers were the driving force for this user group, and it is being led by some of the most successful inkjet service providers in the country,” said Eric Hawkinson, director of marketing, production print solutions division, Canon Solutions America. “As the leader in both continuous feed and cutsheet inkjet, we are proud to support our customers in this effort. We believe this user group will provide long-lasting benefits to the entire print industry,” he added.
The community’s first event took place from September 8 to 10, 2015 in New York, NY, alongside Canon EXPO.
Expanding Opportunities
Attendees were introduced to the conference plans by Mark DeBoer, conference chair, and Victor Bohnert, executive chair, thINK Conference.
Following the introduction, Canon Solutions America representatives, Hawkinson and Francis A. McMahon, SVP, marketing and sales operations, production print solutions, Canon Solutions America, brought the audience up to date on the latest happenings with the market and its customers. A special keynote followed, featuring Phil Simms, two-time Super NFL Super Bowl Champion and MVP/CBS sportscaster.
Kicking off the event’s second day, Jim Hamilton, group director, InfoTrends, discussed the expanding opportunities in print through inkjet.
Attendees were then invited to participate in breakout sessions, which included three tracks for technical, business leadership, and sales and marketing.
The final day opened with a welcome greeting from Toyo Kuwamura, president/CEO, Canon Solutions America. This was followed by an update on the Canon/Océ technology road map, featuring presenters Erik van Eldick, SVP, Océ Technologies; Christian Unterberger, EVP, Océ Printing Systems; and Mal Baboyian, EVP, Canon Solutions America.
Behind thINK
The first thINK Conference is just the start to a community focused on succeeding in the fast-growing inkjet market. Educational opportunities provided attendees with advice and ideas on applying inkjet technology to leverage market trends and improve business results. dps
