Reflections on the Print Solutions Conference and Expo – Chicago October 2009

Tweet There was buzz in the air of the Windy City as over 1300 value added resellers, manufacturers and suppliers to the printing industry converged to share new products and approaches to the marketplace. The theme of the conference was focused on repositioning our image away from commodity oriented transactional orders to more robust and relevant offerings attractive to marketing managers challenged by a new world order.

This theme was an ideal fit for our team at AccuLink as it focused on our “sweet spot” of offerings that unite technology, marketing and production related services into one convenient solution for our customers. Our approach is to supply the needed infrastructure required to execute effective marketing campaigns. We make this available at great savings in time and expense.

The theme within our booth and the topic of my education session (awarded for the “Best Educational Value”) dealt with 2d code technology and how to monetize this offering. (Note: the power point presentation is linked to this blog and I will post another article that goes into greater detail regarding the presentation).

No doubt the 2d code education was well received and excited the visionaries who imagined all the possibilities. The light “came on” for those who recognized the value in partnering with AccuLink who not only understands the technology but can weave it into a cross media link to prospects and customers. Of special interest was the realization that the most direct medium to the emerging consumer group aged 15-35 years old is via the smart phone. The 2d code phone scanning application is a unique way to link a printed document to a virtual message via the internet. Of added value is the ability to measure responses and collect new data for the marketer.

Our new eCommerce offering www.b2vcards.com was also well received resulting in numerous orders and inquiries. This unique business card offering is also available in a format allowing a reseller to rebrand our platform and present this offering to their customers under their brand.

The PSDA event in Chicago was a great success. The networking with new friends and fellow PSDA members was upbeat and stimulating. While some complain that print is a mature and irrelevant industry, I beg to differ. I see just the opposite. We are in the business of adding value and improving business communications. The ability of an organization to adapt to change and act quickly on new opportunities will define ultimate success. That is the nature of AccuLink and I am proud to be surrounded by talented team members who share this vision.

The response to our introduction of 2d code technology to the Print Solutions audience reaffirmed my belief that the fun and growth of our business has only just begun!