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Xplor President/CEO Provides an Update on the XPLOR21 Conference

Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International, discusses the upcoming  XPLOR21 conference with Mark Michelson, Editor-in-chief  with Printing Impressions.

XPLOR21 Conference Update – We Are Moving Forward

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

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

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

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

2021 Xplor Industry Award Nominations Now Open

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

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

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

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

Xplor International Announces In-Person XPLOR21 Conference

November 16-18, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Lutz, FL — May 4, 2021: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the dates and location for their 2021 annual conference. XPLOR21 will take place November 16-18, 2021 at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announces In-Person Conference to take place November 16-18, 2021 at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, FL #XPLOR21 http://bit.ly/3ei8Nee

The two-and-a-half-day event will focus on The Future of Customer Communications and bring together end-users, analysts, consultants, industry experts, and vendors who will share the best practices and trends in the customer communications industry in a casual environment.

“We are excited to be holding an in-person event this November,” says Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International, “Our surveys, conversations with other event producers, and the positive outlook on the decline of the virus all indicate that people are ready to attend in-person events.”

The 2021 event will continue the tradition of the past Xplor conference events. All attendees will have access to the educational sessions, industry leading companies in the vendor forum, and networking opportunities during lunches and evening events, all while enjoying beautiful St. Pete Beach.  The event will include:

  • 40+ educational sessions and panels
  • A keynote speaker
  • 24 leading-edge exhibitors
  • Daily networking which includes lunches and evening events

The XPLOR21 Conference website, as well as the Call for Presentations, will open in the coming weeks. Check out www.xplor.org for the latest and most up-to-date information.

Interested in speaking or exhibiting? Watch for our 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 skip@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

Gimbel & Associates Joins Xplor International as a Major Sponsor

Longtime Xplor member and supporter becomes a Platinum Elite Sponsor and Diamond Conference Sponsor

Lutz, FL — January 12, 2021: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that longtime member and supporter Gimbel & Associates has joined Xplor as a Platinum Elite Sponsor and Diamond Conference Sponsor.

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 to their customers.

“Gimbel & Associates has been an active supporter of Xplor’s programs for many years,” says Roger P. Gimbel, EDP, President of Gimbel & Associates.  “As a member of the Xplor community and a leading consulting company in the graphic communications industry, we look forward to supporting Xplor’s focus on business development and knowledge sharing.”

As part of their sponsorship Gimbel & Associates will play a prominent role in the annual Xplor conference as a Diamond event sponsor, sponsoring the opening awards ceremony, the keynote speaker, the education tracks, and the beverage breaks.

The Xplor Elite Sponsor program, launched in 2006, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. The program also provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program which launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate families.

“The printing business is always changing. Learning about new technologies, trends, and best practices is essential for print industry companies and individuals. We wanted to support Xplor’s ongoing educational programs in addition to the annual conference,” said Mr. Gimbel.

“Gimbel & Associates has been a longtime member and Xplor supporter, contributing content to our annual conference as well as providing input to the association in general,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. “Their three-year commitment as an Elite Sponsor exemplifies their ongoing commitment to not only the Xplor community, but the industry as a whole.”

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

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.