There has been a lot of chatter the last couple weeks about the acquisition of GMC Software by Neopost. (The Xplor LinkedIn Group has certainly been a buzz) After receiving many calls and emails asking what my thoughts are on the subject, I figured I would chime in.

I certainly was not surprised that GMC was sold. GMC has grown and prospered over the years and like many companies was ripe to be acquired by any number of large suitors. What did surprise me initially was who the suitor ended up being, but when you step back, it makes way too much sense.

GMC – I have had the pleasure of working with GMC over the last 15 years. Their products are solid, innovative and highly regarded in the industry. Their people are top notch.

A big part of GMC’s success has been their culture of innovation and a large talented pool of people, both of which have been cultivated over the years by GMC Software Technology CEO René Müller. René has been at the helm for a while, has grown the company and as he has stated, “looking towards” retirement.

It is my belief that René sought out a company that would continue the legacy of product innovation and professional growth for his employees . A company that is a reflection of what GMC has become over the years. Culturally, Neopost seems to fit that bill.

Neopost – One can see from this transaction and other strategic moves that Neopost has made over the last 24 months that they continue to position themselves for growth.

With a large presence in the US (approx. 40% of revenue in 2010) Neopost is ranked as the number one company in Europe and second in the world in mailroom solutions, designed to optimize mail workflow. Neopost has 5,500 employees all over the world and markets products and services in 90 countries with subsidiaries in 18 countries.

Complimentary Culture – I think he Neopost Strategic Vision says it all in terms of Mr. Müller’s selection.

“….  engaging in constructive and mutually profitable working relationships with our partners, respecting environmental, quality-of-life and safety standards as well as supporting local communities.

We provide assistance to local communities where we have a business interest and support employees in their charitable work and actions. We call this being “Close to our customers, close to our communities”.

For a complete write up of Neopost’s Strategic Vision:
http://www.neopost.com/

As I reflect a bit on the events of the last few days here in St Pete Beach I sigh a bit of relief that the 2012 Conference and Vendor Forum is over, but at the same time feel a sense of loss.

Over the last several years I have seen diminishing “face to face” interactions, with trends favoring webinars for education, web meetings, tweets, SMS and other “non-personal” forms of communications.

Facebook is great, particularly connecting with people you have not heard from in years, but when is the last time you picked up a phone and called one of these so called “friends”.

Spending the last three days at the conference has re-enforced my belief that there is absolutely no substitute for personal interactions and networking. While here I was able to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and particularly I was afforded the luxury of really spending quality time getting to know people from both a business and personal perspective.

You can’t get that in an email (and if you do it is either too long or you are disconnected), SMS, tweet, facebook, etc. There is no voice inflection, no locking eyes, no handshakes and no hugs.

So, what is the answer? Technology advances will continue. People will adapt and embrace new means of communications. But long lasting and enduring relationships will be that delicate balance between virtual and real time interactions.

Come to the 2013 Xplor conference in St. Pete Beach, April 16-18, 2013 and connect “real time”.

Xplor events have always been known for networking and specifically “breaking bread” over lunches and evening networking events. This year however, food is actually creeping into the conference content.

Two very interesting presentations evolve around food and how they relate to our industry. These sessions are destined to be a hit, knowing most people’s appreciation for culinary delights.

The Celebrity Presenter

Check our Erik’s Lobster Mac and Cheese 

The first, presented by Erik Holdo, Senior Vice President, Production Print Solutions, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, will actually feature cooking during the presentation. (assuming the hotel allows it, which we are working on)  The main dish recipe, is sealed in a vault and you have to attend to partake.

What makes this special is that Erik is a culinary celebrity, co-host of the Chef and the Fatman Radio Show – reported to be the only live cooking radio show in the world.

His presentation is Marketing: The Secret Ingredient  (Wednesday, March 28 from 3-3:50 PM) and will go beyond the “basic recipe” of a personalized name and tailored message to create the biggest impact.

Erik will Xplor the five essential ingredients for effective one-to-one marketing, including new concepts behind the utilization of color, images and social media to enhance your “dish” and increase response rates. This presentation will be unique, as we will be cooking up both new concepts and great food! Enjoy as Erik ties new concepts to the familiar concepts of eating!

The Whole Enchilada

Not to be outdone, Beth Allen, Computer Systems Analyst, Barr Systems will be presenting Create Your Own Enchilada… Using Multi-Channel Communications  (Tuesday, March 27 4 – 4:50 PM)

Beth will talk about multi-channel communication and the best way to communicate with people inside and outside your company from printers, portals, websites, databases, mobile devices, email addresses, and more.

Do you need the Whole Enchilada?  Attend this session and find out if you need the Whole Enchilada, or just a couple of bites.  In addition to a great presentation, Beth will be sharing her Enchilada recipe. If history holds true, there may even be some incentive for you making the dish.

But Is This Healthy?

The presentations are definitely healthy for your top and bottom line. The food, that one is up to you.

Anyway, I am headed for lunch. Might go Mexican today.

For more information about the culinary correct Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum click here or copy and paste www.tinyurl.com/844lau3

Hope to see you in St. Pete Beach!

Two of the most difficult questions as President and CEO of Xplor:  What is Xplor and why should I become a part of it?

Seems odd as one would think that as the President/CEO of the association for the last seven years the words would just roll off the tip of my tongue. Many times they don’t.

I belong to several associations, mainly to get information, education and to keep abreast of what others are doing. One association in fact is “an associations for associations” but anyone can belong to an association.

What makes Xplor different?  It is a community, not just an association to belong to. It is a place where someone can get the information and support they need to excel at their jobs. Where end users can their share experiences with each other, interface with vendors and find the solutions that drives their business success and makes their life easier.

For newcomers, it is a place to learn and be mentored. For seasoned professionals, a place to expand their knowledge and professional network. Xplor is more than a name, it is a feeling, a level of comfort that you have because you know you are part of a community.

So, don’t take it from me, listen to what others say…

Why I Keep Coming Back to Xplor! – by Pat McGrew, M-edp, CMP

When I mention Xplor to industry colleagues I generally get one of two reactions. The first is “I’ll see you at the next Global!” The other is “You mean Xplor is still around?” I want to talk about both reactions for a moment. I’ve been an Xplor member for more than 25 years, earned my edp certification in 1992 and my Master edp certification in 2011. I’ve presented at most of the Xplor global meetings for the last two decades, and co-chaired the conference with Scott Baker in 2011. You might look at that last sentence and think – “Well, sure Pat stays involved because she is an Xplor groupie!”

You wouldn’t be far wrong, but let me tell you why.

Every year since I have been involved with Xplor I have learned. I have gained information that I use almost immediately. I have met people who have become life-long resources. If I have a tough AFP question I have a network of people that I can reach out to who are always happy to help. If I hit a wall on a workflow problem, need a recommendation of a print stream viewer, or need an introduction to an organization I haven’t work with, there is always an Xplor member ready to extend their hand and walk me to the door.

Over the years we’ve massaged our emphasis and grown beyond just the bills and statements we originally discussed. We’ve stretched to include electronic document delivery and direct mail. We’ve grown to include market trends and management issues. We have sought out the best presenters from the user community and the vendor community.

Xplor, as an association, has done all of this in the face of dramatic changes in our industry. In the 1980s and 1990s as the association was growing we hosted an exhibition that was well supported by industry vendors and THE place to introduce new products and services. As times changed and big show floors were harder to support Xplor partnered with some of the best shows in the industry, but in the end came back to a dedicated education conference format. Through all of the changes the core education mission has not changed, and is stronger today than it has ever been.

If you haven’t been to an Xplor conference in a while, this is a good year to come back. It’s a strong agenda with strong presenters and dedicated track chairs making sure that you will get a high return on your investment to attend. If you have never been to an Xplor conference, you owe it to your professional development to come to the best place to take in the smorgasbord of offerings that cover technical, marketing, design and management topics from people who are daily practitioners.

Come home to Xplor. We’ll make it worth your time!

Pat is the Production Mail Evangelist for HP IHPS. 
Follow Pat on Twitter 

For information on the 2012 Xplor Conference and Vendor Forum click here