XPLOR21 Conference Update – We Are Moving Forward

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The cancelation of PRINTING United Expo, which had been scheduled for October in Orlando, has caused some questions about the XPLOR21 event, scheduled for November 16-18 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. At this point, Xplor International is electing to move forward with XPLOR21 for a variety of reasons:

  • XPLOR21 and Printing United are two very different industry events.
    • XPLOR21 will have a limited number of attendees between 275-325 whereas Printing United would have thousands.
    • XPLOR21 booths are pretty much “all inclusive” with most vendors just bringing popups, brochures and a couple support staff. Conversely, at a large show like Printing United, vendors have to ship equipment well in advance in addition to sending large support staffs.
    • Unlike larger shows, XPLOR21 is “self-contained.” All activities, including sessions, exhibits and networking events are held at a single site, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, with most attendees staying at the property.
    • Smaller events such as the Inkjet Summit and ING did well.
  • Enthusiasm remains high.
    • Full agenda – Between Aug 12th and Aug 15th (once again during the peak of things) we received (28) speaker submissions. Our agenda is now populated.
    • Growing Exhibits – Vendors continue to sign up to exhibit. We have filled 17 of 24 booth with ongoing discussions with many others. We expect to sell out.
    • Attendees continue to sign up for the event – Historically we are tracking with past years at 10 weeks out.

The safety of our attendees is a priority and we will follow all CDC guidelines, provide masks and access to sanitizing stations in addition to all of the other safeguards taken by the TradeWinds.

With vaccination rates increasing and new cases in decline, we remain optimistic that the Delta variant is on the decline and hope to see you in St. Pete Beach.

We will be monitoring things over the next couple of weeks and will keep you updated should things change.

For an event preview, check out our short conference video or visit the XPLOR21 Conference site for more information.

Conference Agenda Populated for XPLOR21

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Sessions and speakers posted

Lutz, FL – August 26, 2021 – Xplor International today announced that their full educational agenda for XPLOR21, being held November 16-18, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Florida at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, is now live at http://cvent.me/BQ1Py1.

Tweet this:  The #XPLOR21 agenda is now populated! All sessions/panels are now posted with topics, descriptions and presenters – Check out the 2021 @Xplor_Int annual event that you won’t want to miss! www.xplor.org/XPLOR21

“Our 2021 Education Committee has researched the topics that are dominating our industry and they have selected the very best content from this year’s Call for Presentations. Their research coupled with Xplor surveys resulted in three tracks that will cover 21 areas of focus,” says Skip Henk, EDP, President and CEO of Xplor International.

Those tracks include Industry Trends, Technology, and Engagement. Sessions include Accessibility, Analytics, Design, PDF, Inkjet, Compliance, Omni-Channel, Customer Experience and much more. Presenters are a diverse group of end users, industry analysts, consultants, and vendor subject matter experts.

About XPLOR21: Starting at $899 USD for a full-conference Platinum Passport, the two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events. Features include:

  • 40+ Educational Sessions & Panels
  • Keynote Speaker
  • 24 Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum
  • Evening Networking Events
  • Daily Lunches

Xplor is also providing 50 complimentary conference passes as part of their First Timers Program. For more details visit: http://www.cvent.com/d/tjq6sh

If you have any questions, please contact Xplor Headquarters at +1-813-949-6170 or via email at register@xplor.org. For more information regarding XPLOR21, please visit www.xplor.org/XPLOR21. Vendors interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor can contact sales@xplor.org.

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association that provides thought leadership to the customer communications industry. As a community, Xplor provides advocacy, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Our members are decision-makers and recommenders who are involved in the conception, design, implementation production and delivery of multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

Xplor’s mission is to enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, publications, industry certification, professional development, web-based events, and conference programming. 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 or @Xplor_Int

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

Shifting from CCM to CXM: What Does This Mean for Direct Marketing?

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Are you part of the transformation?

“Today’s rapidly changing technological landscape is also reshaping the market. Instant access to relevant information, personalized experiences on a preferred channel, and consistent communications in terms of style, branding, and tone-of-voice have become crucial elements of superior CX and all three of the primary dynamics behind CCM’s evolution share one thing in common: They are designed to enable business users to improve CX for the end consumer.”

Will Morgan wrote those words about the evolution of customer communications management (CCM) to customer experience management (CXM) in a 2020 What They Think series of articles.

We are increasingly CX led. Our customer outreach is increasingly CX focused.

How can the transactional printing industry embrace the CXM led revolution? And what is CCM’s role now?

The Meet Up is August 18, at 4pm.

✅ How has COVID changed Customer Experience and what is CCM’s value in the post-COVID world of CXM?

✅ What is the impact of direct marketing converging with CCM?

✅ Does leveraging direct marketing strategies within transactional business communications set the stage for privacy concerns?

We invite you to share your insights into how CCM and CXM and we share our own practical recommendations on providing the best possible customer experiences in transactional printing.

Subscribe to Xplor International updates.

PODCAST: 30 Minutes with the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse!

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Last week I had the privilege of being interviewed by Deborah Corn, internationally known as the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse. You can check her our at www.printmediacentr.com.

As always, I had a great time.

Check out the podcast to hear about what’s new at XPLOR21, being held in St. Pete Beach, November 16-18th as well as some insights into the status of Xplor as it navigates the pandemic.

Until next time! Take care.

skip_Henk_Photo_2011

 

Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International

TRANSPROMO Using Video: Deliver Marketing Messages and Increase Revenue with Personalized Video

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Why is video more important now than ever before? How can the transactional printing industry USE video?

Digital customer journeys have a key glaring gap; providing personalized education for each and every customer to help them progress with confidence in choosing their financial products. Using a combination of real-time interactivity, math and logic processing, and visual storytelling, customers can make better financial decisions at all points in the customer journey.

Essential customer communications, such as statements and bills, can be the most successful — and cost-effective — way to deliver marketing messages and increase revenue. You all know that.

But how many of your customers are including video to reach out to their audience? BlueRush based in Toronto and Montreal, is a leader in video marketing and customer communications, and leading the conversation at Xplor Canada’s July 2021 Virtual Meet Up on Thursday, July 22, at 4pm.

Join us, ask questions, and participate in the conversation – at this month’s Xplor Canada virtual meetup. We will discuss:

  • Leveraging video within customer communications
  • How to use highly personalized video
  • Best practices for using video to engage customers

And don’t forget to subscribe to Xplor for the latest in multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

2021 Xplor Industry Award Nominations Now Open

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

Lutz, FL — July 8, 2021: Xplor International today issued their annual call for nominations to be presented at their 2021 Annual Conference, XPLOR21, November 16-18 at the TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach. The deadline for nominations is September 15, 2021. For more information on the annual Xplor awards, or to nominate a company or individual, please visit http://cvent.me/Rby39v.

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.

If you have any questions on the award nominations, please contact Xplor Headquarters at +1-813-949-6170 or via email at register@xplor.org. For more information regarding XPLOR21, please visit www.xplor.org/XPLOR21. Vendors interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor can contact Xplor HQ, at +1-813-949-6170 or via email at sales@xplor.org.

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association that provides thought leadership to the customer communications industry. As a community, Xplor provides advocacy, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Our members are decision-makers and recommenders who are involved in the conception, design, implementation production and delivery of multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

Xplor’s mission is to enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, publications, industry certification, professional development, web-based events, and conference programming. 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 or @Xplor_Int

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

Xplor International Celebrates 40 Years

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Special membership rates available for monumental anniversary

Lutz, FL – June 22, 2021 – Xplor International has announced that June 1, 2021 marked the 40th anniversary for the association. Xplor began as a Xerox 9700 User Group in the late 70s, becoming a not-for-profit association in 1981, opening the doors for other vendors to participate. The name XPLOR is an acronym for Xerox Printing Liaison ORganization and over the years has evolved into an industry-wide association.

The association is dedicated to providing programming and services designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the digital document and customer communications industry. Xplor’s members are both transaction and commercial printers who design, produce, and deliver high volumes of print as well as electronic communications via web, mobile, or social media.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Xplor is offering special membership rates which include $40 off individual membership and $400 off corporate memberships. Additionally, conference registrants can save $400 on XPLOR21, Xplor’s annual event, using promo code SAVE400. This promotion will last 40 days through July 31, 2021.

To take advantage of this promotion, simply visit www.xplor.org/membership and click on ‘Purchase Membership.’ All promotional pricing is automatic and will reflect immediately. For conference registration, visit www.xplor.org/XPLOR21 and click on the registration site where you will be asked for the promo code.

About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association that provides thought leadership to the customer communications industry. As a community, Xplor provides advocacy, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Our members are decision-makers and recommenders who are involved in the conception, design, implementation production and delivery of multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

Xplor’s mission is to enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, publications, industry certification, professional development, web-based events, and conference programming. 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 or @Xplor_Int

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

XPLOR21 Call for Presentations Now Open

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Lutz, FL – June 1, 2021 – Xplor International has issued their annual call for presentations for XPLOR21, the premier event for the Customer Communications industry. The event is taking place November 16-18 at the TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Florida and will feature 40+ educational sessions, general sessions, a vendor forum and daily networking events.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int has opened the 2021 Call for Presentations! Share your knowledge and expertise with industry peers and enjoy growing your network. Speaking could net you a free pass too! #XPLOR21 http://bit.ly/34Gm3DA

The call for presentations is open through July 15th, with speakers being able to choose a 45-minute deep dive session, a 25-minute lightning learning session as well as the opportunity to participate on different panels. Xplor is seeking speakers from the business, analyst, consultant and vendor communities.

To view a full list of conference topics, or to submit a presentation, please visit the Call for Presentations website. Due to past demand, we can only accept one entry per person for session presenters, so choose your best one! Those selected will be notified of the status of their submission in mid-August.

For more information or to apply as a speaker, please visit http://cvent.me/8wMbK5. For more information about the conference, please visit www.xplor.org/XPLOR21. Any questions should be directed to register@xplor.org.

Interested in exhibiting? Please email sales@xplor.org.

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 that provides thought leadership to the customer communications industry. As a community, Xplor provides advocacy, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Our members are decision-makers and recommenders who are involved in the conception, design, implementation production and delivery of multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

Xplor’s mission is to enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, publications, industry certification, professional development, web-based events, and conference programming. 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 or @Xplor_Int

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

Registration Now Open for In-Person XPLOR21 Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida

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Lutz, FL – May 25, 2021 – Xplor International has announced that the conference website and registration are now open for their annual conference. XPLOR21 will take place in person November 16-18, 2021 at the TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Attendees can register here: http://cvent.me/gRg97O

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announces #XPLOR21 registration is open for the in-person annual conference on November 16-18, 2021 which will be held at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort (@TWResorts) in St. Pete Beach, FL http://bit.ly/3yC3Ox1 

Hailed as “The Future of Customer Communications”, the two-and-a-half-day conference brings together end-users, analysts, consultants, industry experts and vendors who will share the latest best practices and trends in the customer communications industry.

For the 2021 conference, we are picking up what we wanted to do for last year’s event by going back to basics where many Xplorers say the ‘best years’ of Xplor’s modern conferences were.  The event is being held at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in sunny St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Xplor events are known for great educational content and XPLOR21 will be no exception. The conference features a blend of general, panel and breakout sessions that address best practices and processes driving the industry.

Rapid changes in technology are driving industry trends and best practices. Understanding the technologies, trends and how to best engage your customers and prospects is critical to your success. Our 2021 Education Committee has researched the topics that are dominating our industry. Their research coupled with Xplor surveys resulted in three tracks that will cover 21 areas of focus. Those tracks include industry trends, technology, and engagement.

For more information regarding XPLOR21, or to access the registration site, please visit www.xplor.org/XPLOR21.

Interested in speaking or exhibiting? Watch for the XPLOR21 Call for Presentations announcement or email register@xplor.org to be notified once we are accepting applications. If you are interested in exhibiting, please email sales@xplor.org.

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 that provides thought leadership to the customer communications industry. As a community, Xplor provides advocacy, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Our members are decision-makers and recommenders who are involved in the conception, design, implementation production and delivery of multi-channel client, member and customer communications.

Xplor’s mission is to enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, publications, industry certification, professional development, web-based events, and conference programming. 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 or @Xplor_Int

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

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

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By: Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International

I recently had a chance to catch up with a longtime Xplor supporter and our newest Elite sponsor, Roger Gimbel of Gimbel & Associates.

Roger has been involved with Xplor for almost 25 years as a frequent speaker at Xplor events. He received his Electronic Document Professional (EDP), certification 21 years ago. He recently decided to participate in the Xplor Elite Sponsor program so I wanted get to know a little bit more of what Gimbel & Associates does, a bit of history and Roger’s views on the direction of the industry.

Skip:  Roger, I would like to thank you for both personally and on behalf of Xplor International for your support over the years and now as a Platinum Elite associates sponsor and Diamond Conference Sponsor.

Roger:  Roger:  I am happy to have the opportunity this year to enhance our relationship with Xplor as the association has been a valuable resource of information for personal and business growth. Gimbel & Associates joined Xplor in 1996 making this our 25th year in membership and support for the EDP (Electronic Document Professional) program, a valuable certification for all print professionals.

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

Roger:  Gimbel & Associates is a print industry international consulting firm that works with both print service providers and enterprise corporations to help them with strategy planning and implementation of business development projects.  The G&A team consists of SME’s that each have 25+ years’ experience with hands on participation and knowledge of the industry.

Skip:  The Gimbel family has been part of the printing industry for a long time.  If I am correct, starting in 1942.  Tell us a little bit about the company itself, a bit of history.

Roger:  The Gimbels in Print family has been in the printing business with over 80 years as of 2021.  The company evolved from manufacturing print products to helping develop new applications and technology products which has expanded into our current international consulting group. We use all the experience we have learned over the years to help others in printing and related industries succeed.  This ultimately saves them time, costs and promoted ROI.  There’s a newly published eBook on our site titled “Gimbels in Print” which goes into greater detail.  You can download this eBook and other publications at www.rogergimbel.com/.

Skip:  Your new book, “A Printer’s Perspective & Guide to Digital Printing and Variable Data,” along with the “Guide to Better Business,” provide insights in how to succeed in a changing industry.  Looking 2-4 years from now, what do you think our industry will look like?

Roger:  I believe that printing will be an industry of service providers that will be providing very specialized services, less commodity print and will incorporate targeted, analytic marketing. Multichannel delivery of information will be in the forefront of advertising and social communications. 

Skip:  What emerging technologies do you believe with further change the industry?

Roger:  Inkjet technology will continue to evolve and be the foundation and benchmark of all quality print.

Skip:  For our closing question, are print centers going to disappear?

Roger:  Print centers will not disappear, they will become hybrid locations where a print center in enterprise corporations will be producing immediate, required, same-day projects and more complex projects will be outsourced to print and service providers.

Skip:  Roger, thank you for your time.  Do you have any closing thoughts?

Roger:  I thoroughly believe that it is extremely important to be assessing your current operations to set up a strategy and plan that is managed by an internal champion with the backing of corporate commitment to create the “new” norm of the future.

Skip: Roger, once again, thank your thoughts and support. If anyone would like to more information Roger can be reached at: Roger P. Gimbel, EDP, roger@rogergimbel.com, Office 646-472-1932, cell 917-415-3125 or in case they can’t reach Roger; Gail Gimbel, Executive Director, gail@rogergimbel.com , Office 646-472-1950, cell 516-521-9522

Until next interview! Take care.

skip_Henk_Photo_2011

 

Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International