IKON Office Solutions, a Ricoh company, and The NAPL Network will offer two, half-day, hands-on workshops focusing on how and why printers are differentiating themselves by transitioning from traditional print shops into marketing service providers. All programs are designed for printing executives and their management teams, and will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon at an IKON facility. Locations, cities and dates are as follows:

August 5, 2009: Chicago, IL – 410 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL
August 6, 2009: Detroit, MI – 26800 Meadowbrook Road, Suite 101, Novi, MI

During the workshops, attendees will discuss current “State of the Industry” data, participate in a hands-on variable data demonstration with Objectif Lune using production equipment available from IKON, and evaluate a real-life case study that features the challenges and expectations of a commercial printer that successfully expanded its offerings while strengthening its customer base.

Rhona Bronson, Senior Vice President, Marketing, NAPL, will deliver the keynote address regarding the state of the industry and the importance of cross-media campaigns.  Howie Fenton, Senior Consultant, Production and Digital Technology, NAPL, will present a case study of a printer’s transformation in today’s environment.  Lunch is included for those who would like to tour the IKON facility.

“The printing and graphic communications industry has evolved a great deal with new technology supporting creative new approaches to business development,” explains Spencer Adamson, Vice President, Product Solutions and Commercial Print, IKON Office Solutions.  “This workshop will cover invaluable information on how traditional print shops can become a marketing services provider and create customized cross-media solutions for their customers.”

“If printers are serious about adding value for their customers and differentiating themselves, this workshop will provide the tools to get started. By joining with IKON to deliver these regional, hands-on, interactive, case study and research-based programs, we are providing attendees with the game plan they need to succeed,” said NAPL President and CEO Joseph P. Truncale, CAE.