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“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.

Xplor Issues Annual Call for Award Nominations

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

Lutz, FL — January 20, 2016: Xplor International, The Electronic Document Systems Association®, today issued a call for nominations for their annual awards, to be presented at their 2016 Annual Conference, Xploration® 16, April 5-7 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The deadline for nominations is February 12, 2016. For more information on the annual Xplor awards, or to nominate a company or individual, please visit www.cvent.com/d/pfqmq3 .

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int Issues Annual Call for Award Nominations. Nominate an individual/company in one of 4 categories http://ow.ly/Xk7jJ #XPLOR16

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.

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 is Xplor International’s most prestigious award; it 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.

The Brian Platte 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.

If you have any questions on the award nominations, please contact Xplor Headquarters at +1-813-949-6171 or via email at Lynn@xplor.org. For more information in regards to Xploration® 15, please visit www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z. Vendors interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor can contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green, at +1-770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen@xplor.org.

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

Full Xploration® 16 Agenda Goes Live

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All 55+ sessions posted with titles, descriptions, and presenters

Lutz, FL – December 16, 2015 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that their full educational agenda for Xploration® 16 is now live at www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z/6X. Xploration® 16 is being held April 5-7, 2016 in Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int #XPLOR16 agenda populated! All 55+ sessions complete with topics, descriptions and presenters! http://bit.ly/1m24OE7 #CX

Xplor’s annual conference will once again focus on real world examples and case studies presented by end users, industry analysts, industry consultants, and subject matter experts.

“Our new educational matrix and tracks attracted a record number of great submissions covering the technology, processes, and best practices that support digital documents and the customer experience” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “Attendees can expect to experience the best of the best.”

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
  • Panel Discussions and General Sessions
  • THREE Keynote Sessions – Look out for teasers in January!
  • 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum
  • Two Evening Networking Events (Tue/Wed)
  • Two Networking Luncheons (Tue/Wed)
  • Pre-Conference Option (Separate Purchase)

For more information regarding Xploration® 16, or to register, visit xplor.org/events/. 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 contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green at +1-770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen@xplor.org.

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 or @Xplor_Int

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

New Registration Option Available for Xploration® 16

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A Full Conference Pass & Hotel Room Starting at Only $999 USD

Lutz, FL – November 17, 2015 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced a new registration option for their annual conference, Xploration® 16, being held April 5-7, 2016 in Orlando, Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announced a hotel and conference package starting at $999!  #XPLOR16

The Platinum Passport Package includes a full-conference pass and a three night’s stay at the host hotel, the Caribe Royale Orlando. Included with the Platinum Passport Package is:

  • 3 nights at the host hotel, the Caribe Royale Orlando. (Standard King or Queen Double)
  • Admission to all of the Xplor Educational/General Sessions, Tuesday through Thursday
    • THREE Keynotes
    • Nine Panel Discussions
    • Forty-four Breakout Sessions
  • A Vendor Forum Pass, Tuesday through Thursday
  • Sponsored Lunches, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Sponsored Networking Events, Tuesday and Wednesday

“We have tried to make it as easy as possible for attendees to join us in Orlando by offering a great conference/hotel package.” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “This package provides a great conference experience at a great venue for a great price.”

The cost for the package is $999 USD for Xplor members, $1299 USD for non-member Business Users, and $2199 USD for non-member vendors. Membership can be added during the registration process to ensure the lowest possible price!

For more information regarding Xploration® 16, or to register, visit xplor.org/events/. Questions should be directed to Register@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6170 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday.

Vendors interested in being an exhibitor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green at +1-770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen@xplor.org.   

The fine Print: Xplor will request your need for a standard king or standard queen double, however, it is based on availability. The check in date is Monday, April 4 and check out date is Thursday, April 7, 2016. With the purchase of the Platinum Passport Package, the maximum value Xplor will provide to the Caribe Royale for your hotel room is $536.63 (Xplor rate for 3 nights plus tax). If you decide to upgrade your room or lengthen your stay, you must contact the Caribe Royale directly after receiving your reservation confirmation from the Caribe Royale. Sorry, no refunds.

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 or @Xplor_Int

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

Registration Now Open for Xploration® 16

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Lutz, FL – October 29, 2015 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that registration is now open for Xploration® 16 being held April 5-7, 2016 in Orlando, Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announced that registration is open for Xploration 16 in Orlando, FL at @The_Caribe! More info: http://bit.ly/1jUxlLf #XPLOR16

One of the big changes to this year’s event is the venue. Xploration® 16 will take place at the Caribe Royale Orlando which boasts over 150,000 square feet of meeting space with 54 spacious meeting rooms and three elegant ballrooms. The Xplor group rate has this tropical all-suite hotel locked in at $159 per night for a standard room, including resort fees. It truly is both a great value and venue.

Xplor’s annual conference will feature 55+ educational sessions with a focus on “real world examples and case studies” presented by end users, industry analysts, industry consultants, and subject matter experts from the vendor community. All presentations will follow pre-determined tracks & topics as outlined on the event website.

“There is a great deal to be excited about with Xploration 16. Not only will we be at a beautiful new venue but the Education Committee has made dramatic changes to our content matrix expanding both the scope and depth of the conference program.” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “We also have an exciting new registration option that includes a full conference registration plus three nights stay at the host hotel for under a $1000*.”

Conference Program: The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events. The Vendor Forum will feature over 35 of the industry’s best solution providers. Other features include:

  • 55+ Educational Sessions
  • Panel Discussions and General Sessions
  • THREE Keynote Sessions 
  • 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum
  • Two Evening Networking Events (Tue/Wed)
  • Two Networking Luncheons (Tue/Wed)
  • Pre-Conference Options (Separate Purchase)

For more information regarding Xploration® 16, or to register, visit xplor.org/events/. Questions should be directed to Register@xplor.org or +1-813-949-6170 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday.

Vendors interested in being an exhibitor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green at +1-770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen@xplor.org.   

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 or @Xplor_Int

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

*$999 USD for Xplor members, $1299 USD for non-member Business Users, $2199 USD for non-member vendors.

 

Xplor International Issues Call for Presentations

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Three-Day Event to Host Over 55 Educational Sessions, Vendor Forum, and Networking Events

Lutz, FL – October 5, 2015 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association,  has issued a “call for presentations” for their annual event, Xploration® 16, taking place April 5-7, 2016 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The event will feature eight distinct tracks which include 46 educational sessions, 9 panel sessions, and 3 keynotes, as well as a vendor forum, and daily networking events.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int has opened up the call for presentations! Share your knowledge in Orlando on various topics! http://bit.ly/1Q18G1p  #Xplor16

Xplor has opened up the call for presentations with the ability to submit for one of three positions: Session Presenter, Panel Moderator, or Panelist.

“We are looking for great content, made up of real world experiences, delivered by people who have lived it.”, says Roger Chamberlain, 2016 Conference Chair, “I highly encourage people to submit quickly if they are interested in participating as over the last three years we have had many more submissions than speaking opportunities.”

To view a full list of conference topics or to submit, please visit www.cvent.com/d/nrqgp0. Please feel free to sign up as both a panelist and a session presenter. 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 November.

Panel moderators and session presenters will receive a complimentary full-conference pass for sharing their time and talent. Panelists receive a discount on published pricing and can attend the event for $499 USD.

Eight Educational Tracks
In preparation for Xploration® 16, Xplor is seeking speakers from the business analyst and vendor communities on topics across eight different tracks that encompass the entire document lifecycle and includes, but not limited to:

  • System Controls: Analytics, Archive, Business Intelligence, Dashboards, Metrics, Production Integrity, Production Control Management, Workflow
  • All Things Data: Accessibility, Compliance, Composition, Data Management, Data Extract, Data Hygiene, Design, Print Stream Engineering, Segmentation
  • Distribution: Email, Mail, Mobile, Print, Social, SMS, Video, Web
  • The Customer Experience: CCM, e-Commerce, Geo-Targeting, Managing Multi-Channel, Mobile Strategies, Multi-Channel ADF, Omni-Channel
  • For Executive Eyes Only: BYOD, Compliance Auditing, Data Security, Mergers & Acquisitions, RFPs, The Changing Workforce, The Need for Mobile
  • Career Development: Getting Hired or Promoted, Industry Certification, Job Security in an Unsecure World
  • Fundamentals: EDBOK Document Fundamentals taught by acadami
  • Evolving Trends: Views from leading analysts and consultants

Nine Panel Topics
Xploration® 16 will feature nine panels throughout the event (that you can be involved in!) on the following topics:

  • Who’s in control?
  • Who owns the data and should you care?
  • I have content. Now what?
  • Is there such a thing as the perfect customer experience?
  • The great CCM debate
  • Is great marketing and innovation enough?
  • Can’t sleep? You must be an executive!
  • Plotting a course in a changing world!
  • What’s next? (Industry analysts and consultants only)

Vendor Forum

The event will also feature a vendor forum that is designed to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge within the Xplor vendor community. These forums provide an opportunity for both attendees and vendors to share ideas and information on applications, industry trends and products.

Networking Events

Xplor’s Conference is known as the number one networking event in the industry. The 2016 event will once again continue that tradition as participants can attend educational sessions during the day while networking at lunches and evening events.

__________________________________________________

For more information or to apply as a speaker, please visit www.cvent.com/d/nrqgp0. For more information about the conference, please visit xplor.org/events/. Any questions should be directed to Register@xplor.org, +1-813-949-6170, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET), Monday through Friday.

Vendors interested in exhibiting or being an event sponsor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green, at 770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen1@earthlink.net.

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. Connect with Xplor on Facebook  or Twitter.

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

Xplor International Announces Annual Conference Event

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Lutz, FL — July 28, 2015: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the dates and location for their 2016 annual conference.

Xploration® 16 will take place April 5-7, 2016 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announces April 5-7 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando for their Xploration 16 conference bit.ly/1InFrA8 #Xplor16

Also known also as The Customer Communications Conference, the two-and-a-half day event will bring together end-users, analysts, consultants, industry experts, and vendors who will share the latest best practices and trends in the customer communications industry.

For anyone involved in the creation, design and/or delivery of customer communications, this is a great event to hear the latest industry trends, best practices and to find solutions.

“Changes in technology and human behavior are rapidly changing not only how we communicate with our customers, but the whole customer experience itself. Xploration® 16 will be about the technologies and changes in human behavior that are driving these changes today and into the future.” – Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International

Interested in speaking at Xploration® 16? Be on the lookout for our Call for Presentations coming soon or contact Xplor International directly.  You can also check the official 2016 Annual Conference page at anytime for the most up-to-date information. 

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

Vendors interested in being an event exhibitor or sponsor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green, at +1-770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen1@earthlink.net.

 

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. Connect with Xplor on Facebook  or Twitter.

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

Industry Leaders Line Up in Support of Xploration® 15

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Annual Customer Communications Conference – April 14th-16th in Orlando, Florida

Lutz, FL – March 3, 2015 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the lineup of conference sponsors for their annual conference event, Xploration® 15, being held April 14-16, 2015 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive in Orlando, Florida.

“This event would not be possible without the support of our conference sponsors,” said Skip Henk, EDP, President and CEO of Xplor International. “Each year our sponsors step up allowing Xplor to put on a great educational venue not only for our members, but the industry at large.”

The vendor forum area has sold out the last four years and currently has only two remaining booths. A couple of Xploration® 15 sponsorships opportunities are still available.

Xploration® 15 Conference Sponsors include:

Conference Bags – Canon Solutions America
Lanyards – HP
Beverage Service – Solimar Systems, Inc.
Opening Reception/Trivia Pursuit/T-Shirts – NEPS, LLC
Evening Party – Crawford Technologies and RenderX
Keynote Speaker/Devon Harris – Neopost USA
Onsite Guide – Cincinnati Financial
Media Sponsors: E-Document News, In-Plant Graphics, Printing Impressions, Print Media Centr
Co-Location Sponsors: Acadami, Madison Advisors, Print Media Centr

Registration to the three-day event (April 14-16) includes access to all 60+ educational sessions, panels, keynotes, general sessions, and daily networking events that include two lunches and a breakfast on Thursday.

For more information or to register please visit the conference website.
Vendors interested in sponsoring or exhibitor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales.

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.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: @Xplor_Int

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