Xploration 2016

5 Ways to Maximize Your Reach for Social Media Success

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Title:  5 Ways to Maximize Your Reach for Social Media Success 
Track:  Distribution
Date/Time:  Tuesday April 5th – 2:00pm to 2:50pm
Room: Bonaire 3
Presenter: Deborah Corn, PrintMediaCentr

In 2016, being on social media is no longer enough. To break through the noise, marketers and businesses must target and locate a relevant audience, and create engagement to maintain them. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, this session will provide 5 ways for attendees to implement an actionable strategy to grow their social media empire, one quality member at a time.

Attendee Takeaways:

Locating a relevant audience on social media to connect with, maintain and grow requires a viable strategy. This session will outline 5 ways to achieve those goals for social media success and longevity.

Xploration 2016

Case Study: A Successful Electric Bill Redesign Using the LUNA Philosophy

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Title:  Case Study: A Successful Electric Bill Redesign Using the LUNA Philosophy 
Track:  All Things Data
Date/Time:  Tuesday April 5th – 2:00pm to 2:50pm
Room: Bonaire 2
Presenter: Denise Fundis and Robert Linsky

When Westar Energy was thinking of redesigning their energy bill, they went to some experts for help. From start to finish, a successful collaboration between Westar Energy and NEPS resulted in a new electric bill. This case study will show how a redesign project using the LUNA™ philosophy and NEPS’ project process created a success story for Westar Energy. We will walk through the engagement, research, redesign, testing and implementation phases. Learn about customer feedback, the cross-functional team and Westar Energy’s plans for moving forward.

Attendee Takeaways:

  1. Why the LUNA™ philosophy is successful.
  2. The need for a cross functional team and a defined process.

Omni Channel: It’s More than Just Electronic Versus Print

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Title:  Omni Channel: It’s More than Just Electronic Versus Print
Track:  The Customer Experience
Date/Time:  Tuesday April 5th – 2:00pm to 2:50pm
Room: Bonaire 1
Presenter: Scott Baker, Crawford Technologies

There is one source for the truth when creating Omni-Channel distribution, and that is the print stream. This session will review the components, content and methods to consider when embarking on an Omni-Channel Distribution model. Many organizations find themselves re-creating the wheel by trying to do it all with multiple iterations of the composition tool. In addition, the multiple channels employed must address the growing requirements for alternative accessibility requirements.

Attendee Takeaways:

  1. Many people consider Omni-Channel to be a component of electronic or digital communications (Social Media, eMail, Web), in conjunction with print, but in fact Omni Channel encompasses much more. Archiving and accessibility, as well as traditional channels, will be discussed as an integral part of your Omni-Channel plan.
  2. Relying on the print stream as the primary source of your communication will provide you an easier and more accurate method to accomplish your goals.

PANEL – What’s Next?

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Title:  PANEL – What’s Next?
Track:  Evolving Trends
Date/Time:  Tuesday April 5th – 2:00pm to 2:50pm
Room: Bonaire 7
Moderator: Dan Adler, DA Digital
Panelists: Richard Losch, Stephanie Pieruccini, Donald Scrima, Matt Swain

Everyone would love to know what will happen to our industry three, five or even ten years from now, but is it possible? Can we assume the evolution of technology and predict, with a bit of certainty, what the digital document and customer communications will look like? Our panel of leading industry analysts and consultants will discuss the evolution of technology, the changes in human behavior it will drive, and how it will affect how we communicate with our customers.

Print Media Centr, Domtar Paper and Avanti to present Pre-Conference Program at Xploration® 16

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Lutz, FL —February 24, 2016—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced, a pre-conference program presented by Print Media Centr, Domtar Papers, and Avanti as part of Xploration® 16, being held April 5-7 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

Deborah Corn, Principal at Print Media Centr, Vanecia Carr, Director of Marketing, Printing & Publishing at Domtar, and Joanne Gore, Marketing Director at Avanti, will present the 5-hr workshop for printers in conjunction with Xplor International’s pre-conference offerings. The hands-on session is designed to help printers navigate and conquer the challenges of selling print and reaching new customers in today’s digital landscape through targeted messaging, marketing, and relationship-building strategies.

Tweet this: Join @PrintMediaCentr @domtarpaper @avantisystems for The Ultimate #Marketing Workshop for Printers xplor.org #xplor16

Print Media Centr provides information and resources to the global print, customer communications, and integrated marketing community. With well over 100,000 followers across social media platforms, Print Media Centr has established itself as a major influencer in the industry.

“Our workshop is designed to help printers break through the cold-call clutter, understand what today’s buyers really care about, and how to communicate with them”, said Deborah Corn. “Having Domtar and Avanti as workshop partners adds incredible value as they bring decades-worth of print industry and marketing expertise to the table. They understand how to create successful relationships with customers.”

The workshop will cover topics including: how to create internal and external messaging; marketing and communication best practices; becoming a partner and trusted resource for customers and prospects; and creating tangible relevance with Millennials through relationship building and targeted messaging. The workshop will culminate with attendees putting their learning’s into an actionable plan to earn the business of a new (mock) company seeking print partners.

“This pre-conference program is relevant to what is going on in the industry and a great addition to Xploration 16”, says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International, “This five hour workshop is packed with information that will provide ideas and actionable steps to help printers drive sales and customer relationship results.”

The Ultimate Marketing Workshop for Printers: Solid Strategies for Sales Success takes place Monday, April 4, 2016 from 10:30AM-4:00PM and is open to printers and printshops of all sizes. Attendees can see full workshop agenda and register from: www.xplor.org/ultimate

Pricing
Registration for The Ultimate Marketing Workshop for Printers: Solid Strategies for Sales Success can be purchased independently, or as an add-on to Xploration 16 conference registration for $99.00 USD, and includes morning and afternoon coffee service, and lunch.

About Xploration® 16
The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z #xplor16

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

About Domtar
On the surface, Domtar makes paper. But beyond that, we like to think we make answers. We ask, “What’s possible?” We ask, “What’s important?” We talk to businesses, printers, creatives, and others. We listen. We think. And we ask more questions. The result is much more than a broad, varied collection of paper products — it’s a response to what’s happening in our industry and our society.

So, no matter which Domtar product you choose, you’re making the right call — for your customer, your client, your message, and your story. www.domtar.com www.domtarblueline.com @domtarpaper

About Avanti
Since 1984, Avanti has provided innovative, award-winning Print MIS solutions that help print shops and marketing communication organizations automate all facets of their business and cultivate a more meaningful customer relationship. Avanti’s award-winning solutions are the most open in the industry, are JDF-certified, fully integrated, and extend from web-to-print through to production and billing. www.avantisystems.com @avantisystems #askavanti

Personalized Video … where does it fit?

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By Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International
*Cover photo compliments of  Pitney Bowes EngageOne® Video mentioned in post

Personalized Video … where does it fit?
My Grandson recently participated in a “fun run” to help raise money for his school. He ran 39 laps with friends and relatives pledging $$$ per lap. Not a new concept as it has been going on for years. What was unique is that the event actually was organized and managed by an event company who provided all the marketing collaterals, prizes, the online payment portal, etc.

As part of the marketing effort, the event company created a personalized video for the participant to help promote the event to family and friends. The video, albeit a bit too long in my opinion, was a great marketing tool as it features several shots of the participant embedded in the video, which every grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin and/or family friend watched, because it was cute and personal.

To view a sample video click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvQiUyaLPU

Cute, but there is much more!
The application as it relates to the “fun run” was cute but only reached the tip of the iceberg of what I have found personalized video is capable of.  In preparation for our upcoming conference, I researched various products offered by the likes of Sunday Sky, Pitney Bowes, etc. to find a speaker for our event.

What I have discovered in the bit of research that I did is that a well done personalized video can allow an incredible exchange of information, almost creating a “virtual relationship” with a customer or prospect.  As part of a multi or omni-channel strategy personalized video can significantly enhance the customer experience.

I was able to find a demo by Pitney Bowes online and viewed it at least six different times.  I had several opportunities to select different options that took the video in different directions, all of which extrapolated various responses and information from me.  After I closed and returned to the demo site it “welcomed me back.”  The possibilities appeared endless and I certainly could see the potential in terms of engaging a customer or prospect.

In the scope of multi-channel communications, personalized video certainly offers some unique capabilities to engage someone in a truly personal and interactive manner.  As the technology is embraced it will be interesting to see the various applications and uses.

Pitney Bowes will present “The Future of Customer Engagement is Video. And the Future is Now.” at Xploration 16 in Orlando on April 5th. Along with their presentation, we have fifty-four others that deal with the technologies, processes and best practices that are driving multi/omni-channel communications as well as the customer experience.

I invite you to check it out at www.xplor.org , click on events, then Xploartion 16 Conference. If you are an end user* and have not attended an Xplor conference in the past, I still have a couple complimentary registrations as part of our First Timers Recognition Program.

Look forward to receiving your thoughts on personalized video.

Any questions contact me at skip@xplor.org. Hope to see you in Orlando.

skip_Henk_Photo_2011

 

Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International

 

*End users are identified as users/buyers of technology. Includes, but not limited to, banking, insurance, healthcare, government, utilities, commercial printers, service bureaus, etc.

Xploration® 16 to Feature Three Industry Keynotes

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Lutz, FL — February 15, 2016—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced their complete lineup of keynote presentations for Xploration® 16 being held April 5-7  at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The keynote presentations will take place the second and third day of the annual event, April 6th and 7th.  Attendees can register at www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z.

Tweet this: Three great industry keynotes featured at #Xplor16 @PeterMuir  @RickParrishGCX @JeffreyHayzlett http://ow.ly/Y5OaL

“We are certainly honored to have these three industry icons as part of the Xploration 16 program” says Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International. “Each speaker is very different, with different styles and different messages. Conference attendees can look forward to being both inspired and entertained.”

Opening Keynote – Jeffrey Hayzlett is a global business celebrity, primetime television and radio show host, and best-selling author. He shares his executive insight and commentary on television networks like Bloomberg, MSNBC, Fox Business, and C-Suite TV. Hayzlett is a former Bloomberg contributing editor and primetime host, and has appeared as a guest celebrity judge on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump for three seasons. With a strong following in business and social media communities, he’s recognized as one of the top 10 c-suite Twitterers and a key influencer in the social media landscape.

His keynote, Think Big, Act Bigger, will focus on the attitude needed to overcome the obstacles that face businesses every day. “No one is coming to save us, none of us will win the lottery. Everyone can think big, the art is in acting bigger” says Hayzlett.  The opening keynote presentation is being sponsored by RICOH USA.

Technology Keynote – Rick Parrish is a Senior Customer Experience Analyst at Forrester Research. With over 14 years of experience, Rick helps clients in all industries overcome the unique challenges they face in developing successful and innovative customer experiences. Rick is Forrester’s leading expert on the CX ecosystem, the complex web of behind-the-scenes interactions that influence the quality of the customer experience.

His presentation, The Rise of the Customer Experience Ecosystem, will answer:

  • What is a “CX ecosystem”? Why does it matter?
  • What does it mean for you, as an individual, to be part of your company’s CX ecosystem?
  • How do you know what your current CX ecosystem looks like and where you fit in?
  • How have leading firms transformed their CX ecosystem to improve business results?
  • How can you help your company strengthen its CX ecosystem to achieve similar results?

The technology keynote presentation is being sponsored by GMC Software

Closing Keynote – Peter Muir, President of Bizucate, Inc., is an educator, consultant, marketer and motivator that helps individuals and organizations find profitable opportunities through multi-channel communications. He is a self-professed “student for life”.

With more than 22 years of educational design and business coaching experience, Muir is well known within the Graphic Communications industry as a source of information and inspiration. He initially started Bizucate as a way to channel his passion for and knowledge about Graphic Communications toward helping companies learn, grow and increase their profits. Over the years, his expertise has expanded to encompass technology, strategy and marketing in a variety of vertical markets and other industries.

His keynote, Without a Listener, There is No Communication, will focus on critical communication components that he has gathered and are being lost in modern communications and will share them in this closing keynote. The closing keynote presentation is being sponsored by Neopost.

About Xploration® 16
The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

 

Rick Parrish, Senior Analyst at Forrester, to Present Technology Keynote at Xploration® 16

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Lutz, FL — February 8, 2016—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced their technology keynote presentation will be delivered by Rick Parrish at Xploration® 16 being held April 5-7  at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The presentation titled The Rise of the Customer Experience Ecosystem will be on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.  Attendees can register at www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z.

Tweet this: @RickParrishGCX, Senior #CX Analyst @forrester, presents The Rise of the Customer Experience Ecosystem at #Xplor16  http://ow.ly/XRk3F

“Rick is an incredible analyst with both a unique background and perspective in the area of the Customer Experience” comments Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International. “His presentation on the The Rise of the Customer Experience Ecosystem is not only relevant, but timely.”

Rick Parrish is a Senior Customer Experience Analyst at Forrester Research. With over 14 years of experience, Rick helps clients in all industries overcome the unique challenges they face in developing successful and innovative customer experiences. Rick is Forrester’s leading expert on the CX ecosystem, the complex web of behind-the-scenes interactions that influence the quality of the customer experience.

Previous Work Experience
Rick was previously an analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, where he helped pioneer high-profile improvements in the CIA’s customer focus and gained an appreciation for the unique hurdles governments face in such efforts. He also earned awards for his rigorous, influential analysis and engagement with a range of senior officials. Prior to his government service, Rick was a professor of political science at Loyola University New Orleans and West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and director of the political science graduate program at WTAMU.

Rick holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he focused on international relations and political theory.

An overview of Rick’s presentation:
In 2016, 83% of executives are focused on making their company a leader in customer experience. Why? Because CX – how customers perceive their interactions with a company – is one of the few sustainable sources of competitive advantage left. But it’s extremely hard to get CX right all of the time because the business environment has gotten so complex. Thousands of employees have to coordinate across dozens of touch points to meet the needs of millions of customers, all of whom have slightly different expectations. Forrester has a name for all of that complexity – the customer experience ecosystem. We’ve been studying what a healthy CX ecosystem looks like and how leading firms like Delta Airlines have re-engineered their CX ecosystem to leapfrog their competition.

In this session you’ll hear Rick answer questions from their research like:

  • What is a “CX ecosystem”? Why does it matter?
  • What does it mean for you, as an individual, to be part of your company’s CX ecosystem?
  • How do you know what your current CX ecosystem looks like and where you fit in?
  • How have leading firms transformed their CX ecosystem to improve business results?
  • How can you help your company strengthen its CX ecosystem to achieve similar results?

About Xploration® 16
The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

“What happens if we don’t and they stay?”

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By Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International

Every year around this time I have the opportunity to speak with people about attending our annual conference. Generally questions include fees, the hotel, content, schedule, networking opportunities, and so on.

I also have conversations with people who tell me that they are unable to attend because it is not in the budget. My personal favorite is “my company does not believe in conferences.” The same has held true when I talk about industry certification. “We have no budget, or our company does not see the value.”

One has to ask, why do companies not want to develop their people? I received something from a friend of mine at Print Media Center the other day that makes a great deal of sense…

CFO asks CEO: “What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave?”
CEO to CFO: “What happens if we don’t and they stay?”

It is costly if you don’t!

Investing in employees is a good investment. It makes employees more productive, speeds up their growth, increases employee satisfaction and retention and is good for your customers.

One year we had an attendee say that he returned with several new ideas for his company that resulted in several millions of dollars in savings. His company invested less than $1500 for him to attend a conference. He also received a cash bonus. The company benefited, he benefited, and his customers benefited.

Investments go beyond attending conferences. One of our members and sponsors put out a challenge to their employees to get an industry certification or designation. The company, GMC Software, made the investment in time and covered all certification fees. As a result, 124 of GMC’s employees obtained either an EDA designation or EDP certification. That is 20% of their employees in one year!

Why did GMC do it? Because they want to developed their people and make them more valuable to the company and subsequently, their customers.

We want to invest in you!

I have attended dozens of conferences over the years and when I do, I have only one objective: leave with one idea or contact that not only paid for the conference, but made me money. Over the years, I have made a lot of money for the companies I have worked for.

Xplor conferences are filled with a wealth of knowledge, great ideas, and great contacts. As such, I would like you to attend the conference free as my guest. (Sorry but you will have to cover travel and hotel)

Xploration® 16 will take place April 5-7, 2016 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida. – featuring 55+ educational sessions, 3 keynote speakers, 2 networking lunches, 2 evening networking events and 35 exhibitors.

For more information, click here.

To receive a complimentary conference pass (Value $1199) simply meet these three simple criteria:

1. An end user* (no vendors please)
2. Have not attended an Xplor annual conference for the last eight years
3. Stay at our host hotel, the Caribe Royale Orlando, a beautiful resort property for $159/night.

To apply, click here.

Any questions contact me at skip@xplor.org. Hope to see you in Orlando.

 

skip_Henk_Photo_2011

 

Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International

 

*End users are identified as users/buyers of technology. Includes, but not limited to, banking, insurance, healthcare, government, utilities, commercial printers, service bureaus, etc.

Peter Muir, Educator, Consultant, and Student for Life, to Close Xploration® 16

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Lutz, FL — January 28, 2016—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced their closing keynote presentation will be delivered by Peter Muir at Xploration® 16 being held April 5-7  at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The presentation titled Without a Listener, There is No Communication, sponsored by RICOH, will be on Thursday,

April 7, 2016 from 10:00 AM–11:00 AM.  Attendees can register at: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z

Tweet this: @PeterMuir, Student for Life, Teacher, Researcher, Entrepreneur, to present closing keynote at #Xplor16  http://ow.ly/XE7xp

Peter Muir, President of Bizucate, Inc., is an educator, consultant, marketer and motivator who helps individuals and organizations find profitable opportunities through multi-channel communications.

With more than 22 years of educational design and business coaching experience, Muir is well known within the Graphic Communications industry as a source of information and inspiration. He initially started Bizucate as a way to channel his passion for and knowledge about Graphic Communications toward helping companies learn, grow and increase their profits.

Over the years, his expertise has expanded to encompass technology, strategy and marketing in a variety of vertical markets and other industries.

His keynote “Without a Listener, There is No Communication” will focus on critical communication components that he has gathered are being lost in modern communications and will share them in this closing keynote. Attendees will reflect on the way they communicate today and how they could communicate even more effectively tomorrow. Peter will challenge you to develop your own learning path after the conference that could include listening skills and much more.

“I have had the opportunity to listen to Peter many times and each and every time I have walked away challenged.” said Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International. “I want to thank RICOH for sponsoring the closing keynote as it will be the perfect close of the event.”

About Xploration® 16
The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Xplor International Media Contact:
Chad Henk
Marketing Coordinator
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org