DPS Magazine Staff
One positive to come from the COVID-19 pandemic is the sense of camaraderie throughout the industry. With in-person events not an option for many months, affinity groups like Dscoop stepped up their virtual game to deliver networking and educational opportunities in new ways.
Dscoop is a collaborative digital print and design community that is made up of over 10,000 members of HP Graphic Arts print service providers and solution partners. The organization is dedicated to growing the industry, businesses, and relationships with each other through in-person or virtual global and local events where the community is able to connect, learn, share, grow, and be inspired.
Like many events last year, the path to a virtual conference was unexpected. Dscoop Edge 2020 was originally slated to take place in Orlando, FL last Spring. However, Dscoop ultimately decided to postpone and host a virtual event in the Fall.
Just a few months later, the organization launched Dscoop Edge Fusion online from May 17 to 20, 2021. Total registrants for the latest virtual event topped 3,000, and attendees logged in from 84 countries.
Connect and Learn
At Dscoop Edge Fusion 2021, once visitors logged in they found themselves in a virtual reception area where they could engage in a general chat, request meetings with specific attendees, sit in on keynotes, peruse educational sessions, and attend virtual partner demonstrations. Visitors were also encouraged to visit virtual partner booths throughout the event.
HP Announcements
HP, the event’s primary sponsor, made several announcements, including the launch of the HP Indigo 35K Digital Press for folding cartons; HP Indigo Secure, a portfolio of overt and covert print security capabilities by HP and partners; the new HP Indigo 6K Secure Press, the first HP Indigo digital press especially designed for security printing, delivering multi-layered, personalized, and restricted security solutions on one press, in one pass; HP Indigo 8K Digital Press for long-run labels and shrink sleeves; HP Indigo 6P simplex web press for photo and speciality commercial applications; new levels of quality control for commercial printing; and Spot Master color automation.
Next Up
As we emerge from the pandemic in the U.S., organizations such as Dscoop are cautiously optimistic about hosting future events in person. Dscoop Edge in North America is planned for October 25 to 27 in San Diego, CA. Soon after, Dscoop members plan to convene in Denver, CO from May 6 to 9, 2022 at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center. dps
Jul2021, DPS Magazine
