Sponsors Announced for Xplor Breakfast Panel at PRINTING United

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Lutz, FL – October 5, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the sponsors for their complimentary breakfast panel during the PRINTING United event in Atlanta, GA.

Sponsors include Crawford Technologies, Quadient, and Solimar Systems.

The breakfast panel will be co-moderated by industry experts Pat McGrew, M-EDP and Ryan McAbee and is titled ”Efficient Workflows Make Your Press Run Faster.” This panel will explore the ways printers waste money with outdated workflows and it begins with how you create the print files and continues through every task. Panelists will be answering the hard questions about how they help printers save money.

The event will take place October 19th from 7:30-9:30am and will include a complimentary full breakfast, a brief industry overview and a panel discussion.

“I’d like to thank Crawford Technologies, Quadient, and Solimar Systems for their support of this event,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. ”Their participation allows us to put on a high-quality panel while providing a relaxing networking opportunity over breakfast.”

For more information or to register for the event visit: go.xplor.org/printingunited

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 Florida, with 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

An Interview with Roger P. Gimbel, EDP, President, Gimbel & Associates

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By Skip Henk, President/CEO, Xplor International

Roger Gimbel and I have known each other for almost 30 years. For the last 20, through Xplor as Gimbel & Associates is a staunch supporter of the association as a Platinum Elite Partner, Diamond Event sponsor, exhibitor, speaker and much more. Recently I spoke to him on a variety of technology topics and asked him to share some of his thoughts with our readers.

Skip: For our readers who are not familiar with Gimbel & Associates give us your 15 second elevator pitch.

Roger: The uniqueness of Gimbel & Associates lies in several key aspects that set us apart in the highly competitive landscape of our industry:

With decades of experience in the field, Gimbel & Associates boasts a team of seasoned professionals who have encountered and successfully addressed a wide range of challenges in various sectors of the print graphics and marketing industries. Our depth of knowledge and extensive industry insight is a testament to our expertise.

Gimbel & Associates does not offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering highly customized strategies and plans that address the unique circumstances and objectives of each client.

Our team of highly experienced consultants thrive on staying ahead of the curve by embracing the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. We’re not just reactive; we’re proactive. Our commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that our team is always at the forefront of industry trends.

We don’t view our clients as one-off projects. Instead, we aim to build long-lasting partnerships, providing ongoing support and guidance to help them navigate the complexities of the business world.

Skip: How important is color management in the inkjet world?

Roger: Color management, such as that of our partner, ChromaChecker, is of paramount importance in the inkjet production print world for several key reasons:

  • Maintaining consistent color from one print job to another is critical. Customers expect the colors in their marketing materials, packaging, and other printed products to match their branding and design specifications precisely.
  • Consistent and faithful color reproduction in inkjet production helps ensure that printed materials accurately represent a company’s brand, which is critical for brand recognition and customer trust. Certain industries, such as packaging and labeling, have strict color accuracy and consistency requirements due to regulatory standards.
  • Quality Control: Color management helps identify and rectify color discrepancies before the final output, reducing waste and rework. Efficient color management processes can save both time and resources.
  • Inkjet production print environments often handle a wide range of substrates and print applications. Color management systems can adapt to various substrates and ink formulations, ensuring accurate color reproduction across different media.
  • In a competitive print market, the ability to consistently deliver high-quality, color-accurate prints can give a business a significant edge.

Skip: Have toner-based production printing systems reach their “end of life”?

Roger: Toner-based production printing systems had not reached their “end of life.” They have been a mainstay in the printing industry for many years and are known for their high-quality output, speed, and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including commercial printing, transactional printing, and packaging. However, it’s important to note that the print industry is continually evolving, and technological advancements can lead to changes in the popularity and prevalence of various printing technologies.

Several factors influence the continued relevance and adoption of toner-based production printing systems:

  • The demand for short-run, variable data, and personalized printing has continued to grow. Toner-based systems excel in these areas due to their digital nature.
  • Ongoing developments in toner formulation and printing processes have led to improvements in print quality, color accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Toner-based systems are versatile and can handle various print substrates, including paper, synthetic materials, and labels, making them suitable for a broad range of applications.

The choice between toner-based and inkjet production printing systems depends on the specific needs of a printing operation, including print volume, substrate requirements, color quality, and budget considerations. It’s advisable for businesses in the printing industry to regularly assess their equipment and technology options to determine the best fit for their evolving needs.

Skip: Can interactive print change how people view the printed page?

Roger: Yes, interactive print has the potential to change how people view the printed page by adding new dimensions of engagement and interactivity to traditional printed materials.

Printed materials often have limited space for text and images. Interactive print provides a way to overcome this limitation by offering readers the option to access more in-depth information, supplementary content, or links to external resources.

Interactive print can be used to deliver personalized content or experiences based on the reader’s preferences or location. For example, a magazine might provide customized content recommendations or special offers tailored to the reader’s interests.

Marketers can use interactive print in campaigns to create memorable and interactive advertisements. QR codes and AR experiences can provide customers with product demonstrations, discounts, or additional product information directly from printed ads.

By creating interactive print printers have the potential to breathe new life into the printed page by blending the benefits of traditional print with the interactivity and richness of digital media.

Skip: Roger, thank you for your time and insights. For those that would like to learn more about Gimbel & Associates you can visit their website at: http://www.rogergimbel.com/ as it contains a wealth of information that I am sure you will find helpful. Roger will also be at the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, November 14-16th in Orlando. Stop by and say hello.

Xplor Auction Benefitting the Scholarship Program Returns for 2023 Event

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Lutz, FL – September 1, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced they will once again host an online auction with the winners announced at the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, being held November 14-16, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

For information about the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, visit: go.xplor.org/23summit

Due to the generosity of Gimbel & Associates, RenderX and Rio Crest Wines, we are offering two unique experiences for auction. This is a great 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. Hatteras that has 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 soft drinks/snacks. The starting bid is $3,000 USD.

The second item is a day in Sonoma wine country. Up to 10 guests will engage in the wine country lifestyle for the day where they will savor Rio Crest’s award-winning wines and treats from the wine cellar, including locally sourced cheeses and olives. Sponsored by RenderX, Inc. and Rio Crest Winery, the guests will also indulge in tastings at two other local wineries before concluding the day with a five-course dinner at Rio Crest Winery in Guerneville, California. The starting bid is set at $3,000 USD.

Those looking for additional information about the items or to bid, can do so at go.xplor.org/2023auction. Winners will be announced at the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit.  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 Florida, with 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

Overcoming Common Challenges in CCM

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This blog originally posted by MacroSoft and can be found here

Overcoming Common Challenges in CCM

By Pavithra Joy

In today’s business landscape, effective communication with customers is essential for success. As organizations strive to improve their customer experience, many are turning to Customer Communication Management (CCM) solutions. These solutions streamline and automate customer communication processes, resulting in personalized, consistent, and engaging interactions across various channels. However, implementing a CCM solution can present challenges that need to be overcome for a successful deployment. In this blog, we will explore some common challenges in implementing a CCM solution and provide strategies to overcome them.

Defining Clear Objectives and Requirements:

Challenge: One of the initial hurdles is defining clear objectives and requirements for the CCM solution. Without a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, it becomes challenging to select the right solution and design an effective implementation plan.

Solution: Start by evaluating your current communication processes and identifying pain points or areas for improvement. Engage stakeholders from different departments to gather their requirements and expectations. Define measurable objectives, such as reducing turnaround time or improving customer satisfaction. This clarity will guide your decision-making process and ensure alignment throughout the implementation.

Additional challenges addressed in the Full Blog hosted by MacroSoft

  • Data Integration and Accessibility

  • Designing and Personalizing Templates

  • Change Management and User Adoption

  • Compliance and Security

  • Conclusion

 

Xplor International Awards Five University Scholarships for 2023

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Lutz, FL – August 25, 2023 – Xplor International today announced that they awarded five member scholarships for the 2023-24 school year. The recipients include:

  • Jasmine Alcantara, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Haaziq Altaf, University of Calgary
  • Collin Brown, San Jose State University
  • Eric Dennis, EDA, Georgia Southern University
  • Sarah Sykora, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

In 2010, Xplor decided to go beyond its traditional member offerings to help promote and support the next generation of industry professionals. The Xplor Member Scholarship program was founded to provide financial assistance to Xplor members and their immediate families who are pursuing careers in the field of document and communication technology including such studies as web design, marketing, IT, business, print, cyber security, etc.

The program is funded by the Xplor Association Partners and the Herman L. Gimbel and Audrey M. Gimbel Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Xplor’s annual auction also provides funding for the scholarship program.  The 2023 online auction will be opening soon and runs from September 1-November 3, 2023.  More details can be found on the Xplor website.

Qualifications for an Xplor Scholarship include being an Xplor member (or immediate family) and maintaining a 3.0 GPA at an accredited master, four-year or two-year college or university degree program in the United States or Canada. Scholarship recipients were selected based on their application submission, response to an essay question, academic achievement, participation in school activities, and service to the community.

“The Xplor scholarship program remains a great member benefit yet is one of the most under-utilized ones we offer,” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “Thank you to our Association Partners for supporting this great program and we hope to award even more next year!”

Xplor 2023 Association Partners include: Platinum – Gimbel & Associates, Gold – Crawford Technologies and Quadient, Silver – Canon Solutions America, Quantre Solutions, Smart Communications and 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 Florida, with 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

Solimar Systems, Inc. Returns as a Silver Association Partner

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Lutz, FL – August 23, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that Solimar Systems, Inc. has once again joined Xplor as a Silver Association Partner for 2023/2024.

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.

As part of the year-long partnership, Solimar Systems, Inc. will also be an Emerald Summit Sponsor at the annual conference, the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit this fall.  They will be participating as an exhibitor and sponsoring the Summit Booth Scramble, a creative way to encourage attendees to engage with summit exhibitors.

“We would like to welcome back Solimar Systems, Inc. as an association partner,” says Skip Henk, Xplor President and CEO. “Their ongoing support throughout the years is a testament to their dedication to Xplor and the industry as a whole.”

“We are happy to sponsor this annual event. I’m thrilled to have an educational session on personalized booklet creation with Mayo Clinic, “ says Mary Ann Rowan, Solimar CXO, “We are hosting a panelist at the Xplor breakfast: Eric Hollingsworth, RevSpring, VP of Operations who is a wealth of knowledge, long-time client and active member on our Customer Advisory Council. Solimar has been an Xplor member for over 30 years and I think this year’s CCM Summit is going to be the best yet!”

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.

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including the 2023 CCM Summit, 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 Florida, with 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

About Solimar Systems, Inc.
Solimar Systems enables organizations around the globe to onboard, make ready, enhance, manage and deliver print and digital communications. Commonly known as workflow software, our Chemistry™ platform optimizes and drives a variety of print and electronic requirements including transactional and direct mail printing, commercial print, carton converting and flexible packaging, labels, textiles and wide format. Solimar universally works with all types of existing and proposed software and hardware solutions. Our work-with-all nature creates the opportunity for significant ROI proven by our worldwide customer case studies and testimonials. Visit www.solimarsystems.com for more information.

2023 Xplor Industry Award Nominations Now Open

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Recognitions to include Application, Technology, as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards

Lutz, FL — August 2, 2023: Xplor International today issued their annual call for nominations to be presented at their Annual event, the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, November 14-16 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The deadline for nominations is September 15, 2023. For more information on the annual Xplor awards, or to nominate a company or individual, please visit go.xplor.org/2023awards.

Application of the Year Award
The Application of the Year Award is presented to an individual, a company or an organization to recognize outstanding achievement in the imaginative application of current technology and/or unique implementation of existing document and communication systems. This award is open to members and non-members.

Technology of the Year Award
The Technology of the Year Award honors an individual, company or organization that has conceived and developed an original concept leading to a significant advancement in the industry. This can be a new program, product or technology that notably enhances the capabilities of document and communication systems. This award is open to members and non-members.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2007, this award is given to an individual whose efforts and contributions have significantly changed the course and development of the digital document and customer communications industry. This award is open to members and non-members.

Xplorer of the Year
For over 20 years, Xplor International has honored an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the association. The Xplorer of the Year honors significant service to the association, dedication to the Xplor mission, and notable achievement promoting the interest of the electronic document systems industry.  Only current members of Xplor International, who are not on the Association Board of Directors, are eligible.

For more information regarding the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, or to register, visit go.xplor.org/23summit. Questions should be directed to register@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6170.

Vendors interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor should contact sales@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6171.

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 Florida, with 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

Xplor Returning to Host Breakfast Panel at PRINTING United

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Panel titled “Efficient Workflows Make Your Press Run Faster”

Lutz, FL – July 27, 2023 – 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 Atlanta, GA.

The breakfast panel will be moderated by industry expert Pat McGrew, M-EDP.

The session titled “Efficient Workflows Make Your Press Run Faster“ will explore the ways printers waste money with outdated workflows. It begins with how you create the print files and continues through every task. Our panelists will be answering the hard questions about how they help printers save money.

The event will take place October 19th from 7:30-9:30am and will include a complimentary full breakfast, a brief industry overview and a panel discussion.

“We are excited to once again be a part of the PRINTING United Expo,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. ”Workflow is a key element to efficient operations and this panel will help provide insight into the benefits of having an efficient workflow.”

For more information or to register for the event visit: go.xplor.org/printingunited

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 Florida, with 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

Xplor Announces Annual Communication Design Competition

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Multiple Cal Poly University Chapter Teams to Participate

Lutz, FL – July 13, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced their annual Communication Design Competition. The contest is open to Xplor University Chapter students and is created to challenge students and promote real life application development, while having a bit of fun.

Sponsored by Quadient, the winning team will be recognized at the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit in Orlando at the Rosen Centre Hotel November 14-16, 2023.

Teams will be challenged to redesign an ordinary, bland utility statement making it more functional, aesthetically pleasing and expanding its purpose to include making the communication a marketing opportunity. It is the responsibility of the team to research and determine how to integrate various options and enhancements while redesigning the statement into a final submission. The statement needs to be accessible via print, web and mobile.

“We always look forward to the participating teams presenting their solutions at the annual conference. Their unique perspective and approach to design and use of technology is pretty amazing,” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International.  “Special thanks to Quadient, who has sponsored the competition since its inception four years ago. Their support and generosity allow Xplor to support our next generation of industry professionals.”

Winners are selected based on their team’s presentation and explanation of the redesign to a panel of judges. Along with a cash prize, the winning team will be presented with a plaque at the 2023 CCM Summit during the awards ceremony.  Participating teams will receive a complimentary full-summit pass and the opportunity to present their design to summit attendees.

For more information regarding the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, or to access the registration site or the Call for Presentations, please visit xplor.org/2023ccmsummit. Questions should be directed to Register@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6170 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (ET), Monday through Friday.

Vendors interested in being an exhibitor should visit the Vendor Forum Website: go.xplor.org/23vfp. For questions, please contact sales@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.

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

Vendor Forum Applications Now Accepted for 2023 Xplor CCM Summit

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Event to Feature 20 Leading-Edge Providers of CCM Technology and Services

Lutz, FL – July 11, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced they are accepting applications for exhibit space at their annual event, the 2023 CCM Summit, which will take place November 14-16, 2023, in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

The two-and-a-half-day event brings together end users, analysts, consultants, industry experts, and vendors dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the CCM industry.

The show floor is limited to 20 exhibitors, and we are offering two “all inclusive” options to choose from: a standard 8×10 booth or an 8×10 kiosk. These options level the playing field for all vendors while providing a more intimate experience.

  • The standard booth ($4750 USD during early bird) includes a 6-foot draped table with two chairs, a wastebasket, 7”x44” company identification sign, a five-amp power drop for laptops, two employee full summit passes, as well as two complimentary summit passes for end user customers/prospects.
  • The kiosk option ($5900 USD during early bird) includes the same entitlements as a standard booth as well as a countertop and two graphic panels, with two padded stools instead of chairs.

“At the moment there are only thirteen open booths remaining due to the level of interest prior to our formal announcement,” says Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International. “The interest in the new summit format certainly seems high, both from a vendor and an attendee perspective. We look forward to a great event.”

For more information regarding the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, or to access the registration site or the Call for Presentations, please visit xplor.org/2023ccmsummit. Questions should be directed to Register@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6170 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (ET), Monday through Friday.

Vendors interested in being an exhibitor should visit the Vendor Forum Website: go.xplor.org/23vfp. For questions, please contact sales@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.

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