Xplor Announces Changes to Annual Conference

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Lutz, FL — March 21, 2023: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced major changes to their annual conference.

In addition to rebranding the event as the Xplor CCM Summit, changes to the format and content are designed to better promote the exchange of information and ideas, introduce different perspectives, and drive strategic conversations.

“Our new Conference Committee has reimagined our annual conference, focusing on targeted content and format changes including more general sessions, discussion groups and a new, simple breakout session format,” says Skip Henk, Xplor President/CEO.  “The changes will drive even more interaction and discussion, which is the goal of the event.”

The annual Xplor event historically brings together end users, analysts, consultants, industry experts, and vendors dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the CCM industry. The two-and-a-half-day event will feature multiple keynotes and general session panels, two track options, five networking events, birds of a feather discussions and, of course, incomparable educational content.

The 2023 CCM Summit dates and location information are being finalized and will be announced soon. Check out www.xplor.org for the latest and most up-to-date information.

Questions should be directed to Xplor HQ via email at register@xplor.org or by phone at +1-813-949-6170, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET), Monday through Friday.

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Canon Solutions America Returns for 2023 as an Xplor International Silver Association Partner

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Lutz, FL – March 16, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that Canon Solutions America has renewed their Association Partnership for 2023.

“I am very grateful for the continued support from Canon over the years,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s president and CEO.  “Their support of our Association Partnership program helps provide funding for educational programming and scholarships that we provide to our members and the industry throughout the year.”

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

“Canon Solutions America is proud to support the Xplor International association.  We believe educational opportunities are essential to supporting and helping to grow our industry. Xplor does an excellent job in providing these opportunities for print industry members and we are happy to play a role in moving our industry forward with Xplor.” ~Francis A. McMahone, Executive Vice President, Canon Solutions America, Production Print Solutions.

Those interested in learning more about the Xplor Association Partnership program should contact Skip Henk via email at skip@xplor.org or you can also contact us at +1-813-949-6170.

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:

Chad Henk
Director of Marketing
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc. provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. Canon Solutions America, Inc. helps companies of all sizes discover ways to improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs in conjunction with high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America, Inc. is headquartered in Melville, NY and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

Gimbel & Associates Renews Platinum Association Partnership

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Includes Prominent Recognition as a Diamond Conference Sponsor

Lutz, FL — March 8, 2023: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that longtime member and supporter Gimbel & Associates has once again renewed their Platinum Association Partnership and Diamond Conference Sponsorship.

Gimbel & Associates works with domestic and international clients to help them achieve their business goals by leveraging the power of print and digital technologies. The company offers customized professional solutions on sales, marketing, and workflow strategies to organizations that produce print and digital applications for their customers.

Additionally, as part of their partnership, Gimbel & Associates will play a prominent role in this fall’s annual Xplor conference as a Diamond Conference Sponsor.

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

“Once again, we saw value from last year’s sponsorship and we were able to introduce our clients and partners to the Xplor Community. A real face-to-face conference creating the ability for interaction is the key to success!”, says Roger P. Gimbel, EDP, President of Gimbel & Associates.

“Gimbel & Associates continues their support of Xplor through their partnership with the association, including sponsoring both the annual conference and scholarship opportunities,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. “We look forward to continuing the partnership and growing the association, as well as the industry.”

Those interested in learning more about the Xplor Association Partnership Program should contact Skip Henk, at Xplor HQ, directly at +1-813-949-6170 or email him at skip@xplor.org.

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including the 2023 annual event, please visit www.xplor.org.

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

About Gimbel & Associates

Gimbel & Associates is an international management consulting firm working to ignite business growth through digital technologies. As an independent company, they offer clients customized consulting services to achieve their sales and marketing goals. With an extensive background in print services, print production, digital, marketing communications, database management, training, and direct marketing, Gimbel & Associates helps their clients accomplish their growth and efficiency goals.

Gimbel & Associates Hosts Attendees from XPLOR22

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Gimbel & Associates hosts what has become an ‘Annual Dinner‘ meeting in Delray Beach, Florida on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. 

The follow up meeting consisted of some Gimbel & Associates hosted attendees from the XPLOR22 Conference in Tampa that took place in September 2022. They look forward to having the group back as Gimbel & Associates’ guests at Xplor’s 2023 annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

Denise Miano, M-EDP joins Xplor International’s Board of Directors

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Lutz, FL — February 6, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that Denise Miano, M-EDP, principal at DMM Communications Group, has joined Xplor International’s International Board of Directors.

Denise Miano, M-EDP is a market-driven business executive who has successfully launched new businesses, commercialized new technologies and built new ventures that create significant customer value in serving customer communications and content management needs. She is the founder and former president of NEPS, with a proven track record in structuring and negotiating high-level joint ventures, technology alliances and equity investments. Her expertise is in strategic planning, tactical marketing and executive-level relationship building.

“Denise has been a long-time supporter, member of Xplor, and a friend to many in the industry,” says Skip Henk, EDP, president & CEO of Xplor International. “She will be valuable asset and make an immediate impact in her new position on the board of directors.”

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:

Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Manage Supply Chain Disruption in Printing through Automation

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By Swati Sahai, V.P. Of Marketing at Sefas Innovation

The printing industry continues to face severe supply chain challenges. While sales are expected to grow, most printers do not expect it to translate into profitability due to rising costs and substantial shortages.

These problems are expected to continue into 2023 with the greatest concerns (reflected by large majority of printers) being paper shortage, labor shortage, transportation difficulties, ink and production supplies shortage, and the rising costs of each of these – in short Supply Chain Disruption.

More than 2.5 million metric tons of North American printing and writing paper capacity has been offline since the start of 2020. Today, global supplies of certain paper products are so tight that many printers can’t get the stock that they need “at any price”.

In addition, there is rising postage cost which has severely impacted the print mail business.

The need of the hour is clear ― reevaluate processes to reduce dependencies, improve efficiency and productivity, and recover rising costs. Automation can help meet all these needs. This is especially true in the CCM and CXM space that operate large print to mail facilities requiring a lot of labor and raw materials to produce physical communications.

Workflow automation can help lower the cost of printing per piece and make big gains in productivity.

According to a study by Printing Industries of America, high-profit commercial printers spend almost double the investment in hardware and software per employee (automation) than their peers. The result is 30 percent fewer employees per million dollars of sales.

An Evolution Not a Revolution!

In our experience, the approach that works best for automation is evolution, not revolution. This means to start where you are, with the legacy applications that you have been using, instead of trying to uproot all your systems.

For years, large businesses have been trying to move from physical to digital communications, but they have not had much success, particularly in highly regulated industries. There are many reasons for this but the biggest is the existence of silos in the communications technology infrastructure.

Therefore, a workflow automation layer is needed that can interface with all your systems and extract information even from legacy applications. Implementing this workflow automation layer is much simpler, cost-effective, and less risky than completely modernizing and changing your entire communication generation and delivery infrastructure.

The Elements of Workflow Automation

Job consolidation, site consolidation, householding, print suppression, digital presorting are all elements of workflow automation that individually and in combination, help produce more with less infrastructure and labor.

In this blog, we will describe householding and how it helps manage supply chain disruption.

Householding

Householding is putting two or more documents in the same envelope that would have otherwise gone in different envelopes. Householding results in savings in postage and envelopes, increases profitability, and helps companies manage the current shortage of envelopes.

How does householding work?

Householding works by normalizing all input (making it in same format), extracting the metadata, and optimizing the output. As part of optimization, the output is grouped, split, and sorted.

While sorting, we can identify the documents that are candidates for householding based on individual preference. For example, two individuals living in the same household may want to keep some communication in separate mail while for other types of communications, they may prefer to have them put in the same envelope, defined as one mail piece.

Preference management

The challenge of householding lies in determining which two documents can be put together as one mail piece. A unique identifier is required for this determination so that we can form mail pieces without violating any privacy or other regulations. This can be done through a preference and consent management application which makes it easy to get a unique profile identifier as well as preference and consent data.

Managing supply chain problems

Householding helps manage supply chain problems by reducing the requirement of envelopes. As companies are facing a shortage of envelopes today, even 10% householding of a job can relieve enormous pressure from the supply chain.

By reducing postal cost, householding helps improve profitability in these challenging times.

In the next post on this series, I will talk about print suppression and how it helps relieve pressure from the supply chain.

 

To learn how Sefas can help you manage supply chain problems through householding and workflow automation, contact us.

Final Panelist Announced for Breakfast Panel at PRINTING United Expo

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The Complimentary Breakfast Session Will Take Place on October 20th

Lutz, FL – September 27, 2022 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the addition of a final panelist to the complimentary breakfast panel being held during the PRINTING United Expo event in Las Vegas.

The breakfast panel will be moderated by industry experts Pat McGrew, M-EDP and Ryan McAbee. Joining the panel is Nathan Safran of NAPCO Media. Other panelists include Adam Armstrong of Crawford Technologies and Jonathan Malone-McGrew, EDP of Solimar Systems.

The panel, “Bundling Capabilities to Sell More Print,” will focus on utilizing the right workflow along with highly capable devices to enable the lowest cost of goods sold and the highest levels of efficiency.

The panel will discuss how to evaluate your shop floor to uncover unaccessed capabilities and how to:

  • Define new bundles to promote
  • Review the workflow to extend what you can produce into logical product bundles
  • Identify data points to capture and monitor
  • Upselling your data using other channels
  • Teach the sales team that there is more to sell than ever before

The event will take place October 20th from 7:00 – 8:45 am and includes a complimentary full breakfast, an industry overview, panel discussion and reserved seating for the Postmaster General’s keynote session.

“We are excited about Nathan joining our panel,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. “His many years in the industry, depth of knowledge and global view of the industry add a unique dimension to the panel.”

For more information or to register for the event, please visit the Xplor at PRINTING United Expo website.

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.  Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Director of Marketing
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Xplor to Host Breakfast Panel at PRINTING United

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Panel to focus on: Bundling Capabilities to Sell More Print

Lutz, FL – Sept 14, 2022 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that they will be hosting a complimentary breakfast panel during the PRINTING United event in Las Vegas this October.

The breakfast panel will be moderated by industry experts Pat McGrew, M-EDP and Ryan McAbee.

The session titled “Bundling Capabilities to Sell More Print” will focus on building capabilities to sell more print by utilizing the right workflow along with the highly capable devices that enable the lowest cost of goods sold and the highest levels of efficiency.

The panel will discuss how to evaluate your shop floor to uncover unaccessed capabilities and how to:

  • Define new bundles to promote
  • Review the workflow to extend what you can produce into logical product bundles
  • Identify data points to capture and monitor
  • Upselling your data using other channels
  • Teach the sales team that there is more to sell than ever before

The event will take place October 20th from 8 am – 10 am and will include a complimentary full breakfast, a brief industry overview and a panel discussion.

The event is being sponsored by Crawford Technologies, PRINTING United Alliance and Solimar Systems.

“The Printing United Expo has become the premier event in the industry and we are excited to be part of it,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO.  “We appreciate the support of Crawford Technologies, the PRINTING United Alliance and Solimar Systems. I believe the panel will offer great insights for printers to expand their offerings and increase their revenue opportunities.”

For more information or to register for the event visit: https://cvent.me/gnQ4Dn

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Xplor Announces 2022 Lifetime Achievement Awards

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Lutz, FL — September 13, 2022: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today named the recipients of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards were presented at Xplor’s Annual Conference, XPLOR22, on Tuesday, September 13th during the awards ceremony in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2007 and is given to an individual, or individuals, whose efforts and contributions have significantly changed the course and development of the digital document industry. This award is open to Xplor International members as well as non-members.

The award is being renamed to honor Dr. Keith Davidson, EDP who passed away earlier this year. Dr. Davidson was the original Executive Director of Xplor for 11 years and is responsible for much of the influence of the association. In his honor, Xplor is officially renaming the award to the Dr. Keith Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2022 recipients are:

Mark Ferrara, who built a $200M B2B print services business through a combination of organic growth, new business development, acquisition and integration. He accelerated the performance of national digital production distribution and strategic sourcing operations which lead to a comprehensive print supply chain solutions set that resulted in the commercialization of digital print services within Office Depot.

Buck Crowley has spent 20 years automating Commercial Web Presses. He put the first computer control on a web press eventually automating every process, reducing waste and the number of people to run a press. This process was covered by 20 of his US patents. He was responsible for the first jam-free sheet feeder for the Xerox 9700 as well as roll feed in, cutsheet out for the 3800.

Scott Draeger, M-EDP has spent over 20 years at companies such as Exstream, HP, GMC and Quadient. His passion for the industry reflects his enthusiasm and innovation to CCM. His innovative thinking led to several significant technology breakthroughs that resulted in new CX software capabilities and the Remote Collaboration product at Exstream Software, HP, and Quadient.

He has funded and mentored dozens of people to help them receive their EDP industry certification. Scott is executive mentor in the Quadient “Empowerment Program” and also sits on the Advisory Board for the Customer Experience Certification Program at both Rutgers and Seton Hall Universities.

Dr. Jacob Aizikowitz founded XMPie in 2000 which he led to become a global leader in data driven, cross media personalization until it was acquired by Xerox in 2006. Before founding XMpie, his career included time at Scitex, IBM Research, and EFI.

Due to his work in promoting highly personalized business communications, the digital print industry was able to transition from low-value transaction output to higher value and larger volumes of business communications. This transition to business communications accelerated the growth and recognition of digital print as an alternative to offset print.

Dr. Aizikowitz volunteers for the Graphic Communications Education Association and speaks at university student forums.

“Our 2022 recipients represent a diverse group of individuals each contributing to the industry in very unique ways,” says Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International. “We thank them for their contributions and congratulate them for being the first recipients of the Dr. Keith Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Other Xplor annual awards, recognized and announced at XPLOR22, include:

Technology of the Year

Winner – Smart Communications for The Conversation Cloud™

Honorable Mention – Papyrus Software for their Business Designer software

Honorable Mention – Crawford Technologies for their AccessibilityNow® Validator


Application of the Year

Winner: MetLife for the creation and implementation of their Customer Engagement (CE) Portal

Honorable Mention – State of Tennessee Print Site Consolidation and Hyperautomation Workflow submitted by Crawford Technologies

Honorable Mention – State of Washington DES Print & Mail Services submitted by Solimar Systems

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.
Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Xplor to Host Auction Benefitting the Scholarship Program

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Lutz, FL – August 23,2022 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced they will host an online auction which leads to a live auction during the XPLOR22 annual event, being held September 13-15, at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

For information about the XPLOR22 event, visit: https://cvent.me/wMz1ba

Due to the generosity of Gimbel & Associates and RenderX/Rio Crest Winery, we are offering two amazing items for auction. This is a unique opportunity to treat employees, customers or prospects to a one-of-a-kind experience.  All proceeds will benefit the Xplor Member Scholarship program.

The first item up for auction is a private luxury day cruise on the Hattrick Yacht, which is an 82 ft. yacht that had been featured on The Apprentice and Princesses of Long Island. Sponsored by Gimbel & Associates, the winner will cruise from Pompano Beach, Florida for the day with up to 20 guests. The captain and crew are included as well as boxed lunches, soft drinks, and snacks. The starting bid is $2,800 USD.

The second item is an exclusive winemaker dinner, overlooking the beautiful Russian River in Sonoma County, California. Sponsored by Rio Crest Winery and RenderX, Inc., the winner will treat 10 guests to a five-course dinner and enjoy Rio Crest’s award-winning wines as well as locally sourced cheeses, olives, and other products from the wine cellar. The dinner will take place in Guerneville, California at the Rio Crest Winery. The starting bid is set at $3,000 USD.

Bidders can begin bidding online now or wait until the live portion of the auction, where the highest online bid will become the starting bid.  For questions, please reach out to register@xplor.org.

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.
Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: twitter.com/Xplor_Int or @Xplor_Int

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Director
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org