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Xplor Q&A: Annual Communication Design Competition

Xplor International’s University Communication Design Competition has completed its first stage, which included participants from California Polytechnic State University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. As stated in Xplor’s recent press release, the contest was open to undergraduate university students and was created to challenge students and promote real-life application development of a multichannel medical billing statement. Quadient has sponsored the competition since its inception in 2017 and today I had the pleasure to speak with Avi Greenfield, Quadient’s Vice President of Product Management, who took a minute to sit down and talk about Quadient’s support and generosity which allow Xplor to encourage the next generation of communications management professionals.


Skip: Avi, thanks for taking the time to talk today about the design competition. Xplor, with Quadient’s support, originated this competition several years ago. What is behind your company’s continued sponsorship over the years?

Avi: For Quadient, it is about bringing excitement to the next generation of customer communications designers. We support the competition because we believe in the mission of Xplor to continue educating and inspiring professionals in the industry. The competition is one way to expose these students to career potential and opportunities for professional growth, which is important to us, as well.

Skip: We expanded the competition to include Rochester Institute of Technology this year along with Cal Poly. What are your thoughts on that?

Avi: I had the pleasure of being on the panel of judges last year. At that time, the two teams competing were both from Cal Poly. I was excited to learn that this year the competition was open to include Rochester Institute of Technology. Both have well-known graphic design programs coming from different ends of the country, so it will be fun and interesting to see what the two final teams present this year.

Skip: As a judge, how did you evaluate the projects that were entered last year?

Avi: The direction of the project was to remake a statement. The teams were challenged with redesigning an ordinary bland medical billing statement to make it more functional, aesthetically pleasing, and expand its purpose to include a marketing opportunity. I was one of four judges who made notes and rated them on many different criteria around the design, the presentation and organization, along with making sure the statement was appropriate for print, as well as digital channels, such as email, mobile apps and websites. The students came up with interesting approaches, such as using QR codes to help the consumer easily pay their balance, along with other creative design elements to improve the readability and call to action of the communication.

Skip: Do you think being involved in the competition, in addition to being exposed to the conference, brought any added benefits to the students?

Avi: Definitely. I think it really helped to expand their perspective and horizons. It made them appreciate the impact communications have on the customer experience and how a well-thought-out communication can drive both the experience and the business outcome. While the students were experienced in doing creative projects in Photoshop and InDesign, it was great to introduce them to the breadth and capabilities of the CCM solutions represented at the event.

Skip: Do you believe the investment in this kind of project has an ROI?

Avi: Yes, since it raises awareness of CCM software and how it is used to improve customer experience and business outcomes. I don’t think any of the students participating ever really thought about the availability of software that helps produce millions of customer communications at once, such as statements, insurance policies and contracts. They also may not have known about how CCM software provides creative ways to approach other essential communications. That was something that resonated with them and opened their eyes to the ability to produce mass, personalized customer communications that still could be relevant and meaningful to the audience. They saw the need for specialized software and it encouraged them to start thinking about different opportunities. There were multiple students I talked to that said, “Yeah, I really need to look into CCM as a real career path.” That vision for the future is exciting to all of us at Quadient.

Skip: Avi, on behalf of Xplor and the industry in general I want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me and to Quadient for their ongoing support of the competition and the industry in general.


Until next interview! Take care.

skip_Henk_Photo_2011

 

Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International

Solimar Systems, Inc. Returns as a Silver Association Partner

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

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

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

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

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

Those interested in learning more about the Xplor Association Partnership program should contact Skip Henk via email at skip@xplor.org or you can also contact us at +1-813-949-6170.

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including the 2023 CCM Summit, please visit www.xplor.org.


About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Florida, with active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

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

2023 Xplor Industry Award Nominations Now Open

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Florida, with active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Vendor Forum Applications Now Accepted for 2023 Xplor CCM Summit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Quadient Upgrades Association Partnership to Gold

Lutz, FL – April 25, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that Quadient has renewed their support of Xplor and upgraded to a Gold Association Partnership for 2023.

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

As part of the year-long partnership, Quadient will play a prominent role at the annual conference, the 2023 Xplor CCM Summit, as an exhibitor and will again sponsor of the annual Design Competition which supports the Xplor University chapters. In addition, Quadient is sponsoring the Summit mobile app and name badge lanyards.

“We thank Quadient for their ongoing support as an association partner,” says Skip Henk, Xplor President and CEO. “They have been here since the inception of the scholarship program in 2010 and their involvement continues to provide programming and scholarships to the Xplor community and the industry as a whole.”

Those interested in learning more about the Xplor Association Partnership program should contact Skip Henk via email at skip@xplor.org or you can also contact us at +1-813-949-6170.

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including the 2023 CCM Summit, please visit www.xplor.org.


About Xplor International
Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

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
Director of Marketing
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org

Canon Solutions America Returns for 2023 as an Xplor International Silver Association Partner

Lutz, FL – March 16, 2023 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that Canon Solutions America has renewed their Association Partnership for 2023.

“I am very grateful for the continued support from Canon over the years,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s president and CEO.  “Their support of our Association Partnership program helps provide funding for educational programming and scholarships that we provide to our members and the industry throughout the year.”

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

“Canon Solutions America is proud to support the Xplor International association.  We believe educational opportunities are essential to supporting and helping to grow our industry. Xplor does an excellent job in providing these opportunities for print industry members and we are happy to play a role in moving our industry forward with Xplor.” ~Francis A. McMahone, Executive Vice President, Canon Solutions America, Production Print Solutions.

Those interested in learning more about the Xplor Association Partnership program should contact Skip Henk via email at skip@xplor.org or you can also contact us at +1-813-949-6170.


About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

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

Xplor International Media Contact:

Chad Henk
Director of Marketing
+1-813-949-6170
Chad@xplor.org


About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc. provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. Canon Solutions America, Inc. helps companies of all sizes discover ways to improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs in conjunction with high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America, Inc. is headquartered in Melville, NY and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

Gimbel & Associates Renews Platinum Association Partnership

Includes Prominent Recognition as a Diamond Conference Sponsor

Lutz, FL — March 8, 2023: Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that longtime member and supporter Gimbel & Associates has once again renewed their Platinum Association Partnership and Diamond Conference Sponsorship.

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 for their customers.

Additionally, as part of their partnership, Gimbel & Associates will play a prominent role in this fall’s annual Xplor conference as a Diamond Conference Sponsor.

The Xplor Association Partnership program, launched in 2006 as our Elite Sponsorship program, supports year-round educational programming to Xplor members and the industry as a whole. In addition, the program provides funding for the Xplor Member Scholarship program launched in 2010, providing university scholarships for Xplor members and their immediate family members.

“Once again, we saw value from last year’s sponsorship and we were able to introduce our clients and partners to the Xplor Community. A real face-to-face conference creating the ability for interaction is the key to success!”, says Roger P. Gimbel, EDP, President of Gimbel & Associates.

“Gimbel & Associates continues their support of Xplor through their partnership with the association, including sponsoring both the annual conference and scholarship opportunities,” says Skip Henk, Xplor’s President and CEO. “We look forward to continuing the partnership and growing the association, as well as the industry.”

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

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including the 2023 annual event, please visit www.xplor.org.


About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry. Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance. Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

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.

Line-up of Vendors Support XPLOR22

Lutz, FL – August 17, 2022 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the line-up of conference sponsors for XPLOR22, being held September 13-15, at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

For information about the XPLOR22 event or to register visit: http://cvent.me/wMz1ba

“I’d like to thank our long-time partners and welcome our new ones,” said Skip Henk, EDP, President and CEO of Xplor International. “Their continued support means a great deal to the association as well as me personally, and I truly mean it when I say we wouldn’t be having an event without them.”

  • Diamond Conference Sponsors
    • Gimbel & Associates – Beverage Breaks, Welcome & Industry Awards, Opening Reception, Educational Tracks
    • Quadient – Mobile App, Lanyards
    • Crawford Technologies – Beach Happy Hour Reception Co-Sponsor
    • RenderX, Inc. – Beach Happy Hour Reception Co-Sponsor
    • Smart Communications – Tuesday Luncheon
  • Emerald Conference Sponsor
    • Canon Solutions America – Conference Bags

XPLOR22 Vendor Forum:

  • Allyant, Antenna House, Inc., Crawford Technologies, Eclipse Corporation, FCI CCM Inc., Gimbel & Associates, Macrosoft Inc., Messagepoint, MHC, Nagarro Inc., OpenText, Papyrus Software, Perfect Doc Studio Inc., Quadient, RenderX, Inc., Smart Communications, Solimar Systems, Inc.

About Xplor International

Xplor International is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the education, evolution, and success of the Customer Communications Management (CCM) industry.  Our members design, produce, implement, deliver and manage high-volume, highly regulated and highly personalized communications across all channels and in all formats.

Xplor’s mission is to provide the education and resources necessary for the development of engaging customer communications.

We enhance organizational success and advance the careers of our members by providing research, analyst access, industry certification, professional development, and educator guidance.  Global members benefit from our in-person annual conference, virtual events, and networking opportunities.

Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida, chapters in the US and Canada, and active membership across the globe.

Further information is available at www.xplor.org.
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

State of CX in 2022

From culture to employee enablement to technologies, long-time Xplor member and sponsor Quadient is sharing the six trends that enterprises should examine for success in their new eBook, ‘State of CX in 2022’. 

Download this valuable guide to learn: 

  • Expert insights into the biggest trends in Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Customer Communications Management (CCM).  
  • Technologies driving differentiating CX. 
  • Necessary business investments to make to exceed in today’s CX standards. 
  • The cultural changes that you must adopt for success in a new CX age.  

 

GhostDraft Renews Support for Xplor International as a Silver Elite Association Sponsor

Lutz, FL – March 29, 2022 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that GhostDraft is renewing their Silver Elite Association Sponsorship for 2022.

GhostDraft’s cloud-native customer communications and digital experience suite is designed for insurance. They offer a true SaaS solution, integrating with industry-leading core system vendors, delivering insurance-focused services, and continuously innovating.

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

“We are grateful for the ongoing support from GhostDraft and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship,” says Skip Henk, Xplor President/CEO.  “A large portion of the Xplor audience is in insurance and with the suite of products offered by GhostDraft, it makes this partnership a perfect fit.”

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

For the most up-to-date information on Xplor events, including XPLOR22, please visit www.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 GhostDraft

GhostDraft’s cloud-native customer communications and digital experience suite is designed for insurance. At GhostDraft we put the success of our customers first, offering a true SaaS solution, integrating with industry-leading core system vendors, delivering insurance-focused services, and continuously innovating.

For over three decades, insurance carriers have used GhostDraft to streamline the creation, delivery, and management of personalized, omni-channel communications. GhostDraft integrates into your business to create better experiences, greater efficiency, more agility, and reduced compliance risk.

Discover what you can achieve with GhostDraft: ghostdraft.com