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Xplor International Announces 2017/2018 Xplor USA Board

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Lutz, FL— May 2, 2017– Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced their 2017/2018 Xplor USA Board that were voted in by association members during the election earlier this year.

For 2017, the Xplor USA Board includes:

Officers:
President – Donald Scrima, M-EDP, AFP Education & Consulting
Vice President – Franklin Campbell, M-EDP, Canon Business Process Services, Inc.
Treasurer – Stephen Wowelko, M-EDP, AFP Application Design & Education

Additional Board Members:
Bryan Baker,  Solimar Systems
Gina Ferrara, Madison Advisors
Sheri Jammallo,  Canon Solutions America, Inc.
Kevin Roman, Canon Solutions America, Inc.

“The support of our volunteers is integral to the association and its success”, said Donald Scrima, M-EDP, President of the Xplor USA Region. “I look forward to working with the new Board in growing the association’s USA Region membership and to an excellent year of educational programming.”

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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

Legendary L.A. Lakers Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti to Deliver Xploration 17 Keynote

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Sponsored by RICOH USA, the 32-Year Team Veteran Will Tell You Winning Starts from the Top on Down

Lutz, FL — January 11, 2017—Xplor International, today announced their Xploration 17 keynote presentation will be delivered by Gary Vitti, Legendary L.A. Lakers Athletic Trainer. The presentation titled You Can Never Have Enough Talent…. But it is the Most Overrated Thing in Life will be on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.  The Xploration 17 conference is being held at the Caribe Royale Orlando from March 28-30th. For more information or to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/5vqky8

Tweet this: Gary Vitti, 32-Year Athletic Trainer for the @Lakers, to present keynote address at #Xplor17 http://bit.ly/2idH1nC

“We are excited to have Gary as part of our event and thank RICOH USA for their sponsorship and making it possible.” says Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International. “Gary is a motivating force both on and off the court. His time as the Lakers Athletic Trainer, accomplishments as a lecturer, writer and TV personality, along with his extensive philanthropic work, makes Gary a great choice for our 2017 keynote speaker.”

Mr. Vitti has worked in the healthcare field for over 35 years, spending the last 32 years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the storied Los Angeles Lakers. During his tenure he has worked with basketball Hall of Fame greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, and future Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant.

In addition to his tenure with the Lakers, Vitti lectures internationally, has written a syndicated column for the L.A Times, created an exercise video, published articles in peer reviewed journals, and appeared in two Hollywood movies.  He has been featured by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Fox News Sports, The Doctor’s Show, Hoop Magazine, NBATV, CCTV China, Tencent China and Time Warner Cable Network as well as several international publications.

Gary is also known for his philanthropic work, creating the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association Foundation. During his tenure as chairman, he was involved with organ and tissue donation, the Miami Project for paralysis, the National Kidney Foundation, and provided countless scholarships for young athletic training students.  He served on the board of a Window Between Worlds, an organization that uses art as a healing tool for survivors of domestic violence and is currently is on the advisory board of Team Heal, an organization that provides health care and education as well as scholarships in underserved communities.

“I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with Xploration 17 attendees” says Gary Vitti. “I hope to offer many stories, both funny and sad, that will provide profound motivation for attendees to find their path and be the best!”

About Xploration 17: The the two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events. Other features include:

  • 60+ Educational Sessions
  • Panel Discussions
  • Keynote Speaker – Gary Vitti, Legendary L.A. Lakers Athletic Trainer
  • Vendor Forum
  • Evening Networking Events (Tue/Wed)
  • Networking Luncheons (Tue/Wed)
  • Thursday Breakfast
  • Analyst Workshop (Thursday)
  • Production Workflow Basics Course by acadami  (included in the price of registration)

For more information regarding Xploration® 17, or to register, visit www.xplor.org/xplor17. 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 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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

Complete Xploration® 17 Agenda Goes Live

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All 60+ sessions posted with titles, descriptions, and presenters

Lutz, FL – December 19, 2016 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that their full educational agenda for Xploration® 16 is now live at http://www.cvent.com/d/5vqky8/6X. Xploration® 17 is being held March 28-30, 2017 in Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int #XPLOR17 agenda populated! All 60+ sessions complete with topics, descriptions and presenters! bit.ly/2i1SGW6

For 2017, Xplor has brought in more case studies, best practices, and industry trends to be presented by a diverse group of end users, industry analysts, consultants, and vendor subject matter experts.

“78% of our 2017 agenda is presented by end users which include seven industry analysts and nine industry consultants.” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “The only session we have yet to announce is our celebrity sports keynote session, but be on the lookout for that announcement after the first of the year!”

About Xploration 17: 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. Other features include:

  • 60+ Educational Sessions
  • Panel Discussions and General Sessions
  • Keynote Speaker
  • 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum
  • Two Evening Networking Events (Tue/Wed)
  • Two Networking Luncheons (Tue/Wed)
  • Thursday Breakfast
  • Analyst Workshop (Thursday)
  • Production Workflow Basics Course by acadami as the Fundamentals track

For more information regarding Xploration® 17, or to register, visit www.xplor.org/xplor17. 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 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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

Registration Now Open for Xploration® 17

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Customer Communications Conference to be Held March 28-30, 2017 in Orlando, FL

Lutz, FL – November 17, 2016 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that registration is now open for Xploration® 17 being held March 28-30, 2017 in Orlando, Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.

Tweet this: @Xplor_Int announced that registration is open for Xploration 17 in Orlando, FL at @The_Caribe! More info: http://bit.ly/2f4Mc2B #XPLOR17

Xploration® 17 will provide information, best practices and insight into the changing customer communications industry. The event will feature over 60 educational sessions presented by end users, industry analysts, industry consultants, and subject matter experts who will share real world examples and case studies.

The event will take place at the Caribe Royale Orlando which boasts more than 53 lush, tropical acres, over 1,300 spacious suites, and an expansive state-of-the-art meeting and event facility. The Xplor group rate has this tropical all-suite hotel is locked in at $179 per night for a standard room, including resort fees. It is truly a great value at a great venue.

If you are involved in the design, creation, production and distribution of customer bills, statements, direct mail or policies, no matter what channel(s) of distribution, the Xploration® 17 conference program is relevant to your organization.

“Xplor conferences are traditionally known for great educational content and the 2017 event will continue that tradition” says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor International. “We are certainly pleased and grateful to the end users, industry analysts, industry consultants, and subject matter experts who are willing to share their experiences. I invite and encourage you to check out the conference web page.”

Conference Program: The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events. Features include:

  • 60+ Educational Sessions
  • Panel Discussions and General Sessions
  • Keynote Speaker
  • 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum
  • Two Evening Networking Events (Tue/Wed)
  • Two Networking Luncheons (Tue/Wed)
  • Thursday Breakfast
  • Analyst Workshop (Thursday)
  • Pre-Conference Program by Print Media Center (separate purchase)

For more information regarding Xploration® 17, or to access the registration site, please visit www.xplor.org/xplor17. 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 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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

2016/2017 Xploration Tour Premiers in Dallas

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Latest Trends and Best Practices in Customer Communication Management

Lutz, FL – October 5, 2016 – Xplor International, today announced the 2016/2017 Xploration Tour that will premier in Dallas, Texas on November 10, 2016.

The Xploration Tour is a joint-venture with Xplor USA designed to provide educational programming, information, and networking opportunities to members as well as industry professionals across North America.

The 2016-2017 Xploration Tour speakers will delve into the latest trends and best practices in Customer Communications, sharing trends in the industry as well as what they have learned dealing with their own CCM strategy.

The one-day events will each feature an industry analyst overview, four educational sessions, and a speaker panel discussion. Registration includes a continental breakfast, all six sessions, lunch, and in selected cities, a facility tour.

“With multi-channel and omni-channel communications playing a more integral role in the discussion of the Customer Experience, CCM is no longer an option”, says Skip Henk, President/CEO of Xplor International, “Whether a company already has or is looking to implement and/or enhance their CCM strategy, these one-day sessions will provide insight and direction.”

The Xploration tour will target US cities across North America and include:  Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis and Omaha*. The events will begin on November 10, 2016 in Dallas and run through October of 2017.

Confirmed events include Dallas, Texas on November 10, 2016 which is exclusively sponsored by Pitney Bowes. The second event will be in Atlanta, Georgia on February 9, 2017 and is sponsored by Racami. Additional cities and events will be announced when confirmed.

For more information about the Xploration Tour, visit www.xplor.org.

For information on becoming an Xploration Tour sponsor please contact Deborah Green, Director of Sales, at +1-770-444-3845 or email deborahgreen@xplor.org

*Final city selection may vary.

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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

Xplor International Issues 2017 Conference Call for Presentations

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Three-Day Event to Host Over 60 Educational Sessions, Vendor Forum, and Networking Events

Lutz, FL – September 29, 2016 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association,  has issued a “call for presentations” for their annual event, Xploration® 17, taking place March 28-30, 2017 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The event will feature five distinct tracks which include over 60 educational sessions, 40 solution snapshot sessions, five panel sessions, a keynote, and an Industry Analysts Workshop, all in addition to the 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/2cYVNrw #Xplor17

Xplor has opened up the call for presentations with the ability to submit as either a Session Presenter or a Panelist. However, Xplor is doing things a bit different this year. Session Presenters will have the option of a 25-minute Lightning Learning or a 50-minute Deep Dive timeslot.

“Delivering educational content from those that live, work and breathe customer communications helps make our conference successful”, says Roger Chamberlain, 2017 Conference Chair.  “For the last few years, the number of submissions has surpassed available opportunities to present, so we encourage you to submit early.  Sharing your knowledge and experiences is paramount to ensuring our attendees have the best opportunity to learn!”

To view a full list of conference topics or to submit, please visit the Call for Presentations website. 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.

If selected as a session presenter or a panelist, business end users will enjoy the conference with a complimentary Platinum Passport.  Industry partners/vendors will save over 50% with a discounted rate of $499 for the Platinum Passport.

Not quite sure you want to present? Get some advice from Xplor’s President/CEO here.

Five Educational Tracks
In preparation for Xploration® 17, Xplor is seeking speakers from the business analyst and vendor communities on topics across five different tracks that encompass the entire document lifecycle and includes, but not limited to:

  • Business Management: Analytics, Business Intelligence, Business Justification, Dashboards, Data Security, Metrics, Production Control Management, Production Integrity, RFP, Workflow
  • All Things Data: Accessibility, Compliance, Composition, Data Management, Data Transformation, Design, Print Stream Engineering
  • Distribution: BYOD, Email, Mail, Mobile, Print, Social, SMS, Video, Web
  • The Customer Experience: CCM, Changing Workforce, Cross-Channel, e-Commerce, Listening/Response Management, Managing Multi-Channel, Marketing, Mergers/Acquisitions, Mobile Strategies, Multi-Channel ADF, Omni-Channel
  • Fundamentals: EDBOK Document Fundamentals taught by acadami

Five Panel Topics
Xploration® 17 will feature five panels throughout the event (that you can be involved in!) on the following topics:

  • Can Digital Transformation Revolutionize Your Business?
  • Collaboration: Expanding the Communication Ecosystem
  • Does Channel Preference Drive Results?
  • Is the Ideal Customer Experience a Moving Target?
  • What Role Does Mobile Technology Play in Delivering a Great Customer Experience?

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 2017 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 http://www.cvent.com/d/jfqb85. For more information about the conference, please visit www.xplor.org/xplor17. 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 deborahgreen@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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

Xplor at Graph Expo Registration Now Open

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Lutz, FL— June 15, 2016: Xplor International today announced that registration for their keynote breakfast panel during the Graph Expo event, September 25 – September 28, 2016 at Orlando Convention Center, is now open. Registration is available here: http://www.cvent.com/d/xfqvqg

The breakfast keynote session, moderated by Matt Swain of InfoTrends is titled “Customer Experience: A Critical Factor for Achieving Success” and will focus on the importance of the customer experience, as well as understanding customer expectations, with end user panelists sharing their insights in their efforts to create the perfect customer experience.

This sponsored breakfast session is presented at no charge, thanks to sponsors Canon Solutions America, Compart North America, and Xerox Corporation. Space will be limited to the first 200 people who register.

When:  September 27, 2016
Where: Orlando Convention Center
Time: 7:30 AM-10:00 AM
Registration Fee: Complimentary (Registration Required here: http://www.cvent.com/d/xfqvqg)

Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to Xplor Headquarters via phone at +1-813-949-6170 or via email at info@xplor.org. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain open for the event. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Deborah Green, Director of Sales, at +1-770-444-3845 or 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 Manager
+1-813-949-6171
Chad@xplor.org

 

Xplor Canada Adds Xplor Ryerson Intern

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Intern to Support Membership Programming and Activities
Submitted May 12, 2015 – Cross Posted from Xplor Canada

Xplor® Canada, an affiliate of Xplor® International, today announced the addition of intern Jim Phan to support membership programming and activities within the Canadian Region.

Jim PhanIn his a 3rd year studying in the Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program at Ryerson University, Jim takes an active role in his Course Union (GCMCU) serving as the President – and in the past as Vice President of Events. He also took part in planning events for the Ryerson International Experiential Learning Program as well as contributing to the Ryerson Communications and Design Society campaign team. With the coming 2016/2017 year, Jim hopes to be able to get students in GCM involved in more academic, professional, and social events.

“It is a very exciting to be able to work with so many members with such diverse backgrounds,” says Phan. “Currently I am working towards planning out the logistics of Xplor Canada’s annual Golf Day. I also look forward to showcasing Xplor in creative ways in order to support Xplor’s mission of opening more Xplor university student chapters.”

Mr. Phan is an active member of the Xplor Ryerson University chapter, in Toronto. Launched two years ago, Ryerson became the first university chapter of Xplor International.

“We are very happy to support the Ryerson GCM program, especially since they were the inaugural Xplor student chapter” says Paul Abdool, Xplor International Board Member focused on student chapter development. “When I interviewed students at the Ryerson University GCM Job Fair, there were many great candidates, but I knew Jim was our guy. I liked his energy and his ‘make something from nothing’ attitude.”

Xplor Canada Media:
+1-905-469-9062
info@xplorcanada.org

Madison Advisors Returns to Xplor Conference to Share CCM Insights

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Half-Day Pre-Conference Event Helps Kick Off Xploration® 15

Lutz, FL —February 24, 2015—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced that the Madison Advisor’s Pre-Conference Intensive will once again be part of Xplor’s Annual Conference, Xploration® 15, April 14-16, at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive in Orlando, Florida. The pre-conference program will take place April 13, 2015, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.

Tweet this: @Madison_Advisor Pre-Conference Intensive again returns to Xploration® 15 in Orlando, Florida #Xplor15

Madison Advisors provides thought leadership, strategic consulting, and market research to clients in the customer communications management (CCM), electronic delivery, and print industries. Their industry-neutral expertise enables end-user organizations, service providers, and vendors to achieve their strategic objectives around transactional customer communications and publishing services.

This year’s pre-conference program will feature three sessions that include:
• Archives: Not Just for Documents Anymore
• Measuring What Matters: Dashboards and KPIs
• Minding Your Print & Queues: Job Scheduling, Tracking & Optimization

Pricing
Attendance to the Madison Advisors pre-conference program is not included with the conference’s Platinum Passport. However, attendees can purchase this pre-conference program during the registration process for Xploration® 15. For Xplor Members, the cost is $200 USD and non-members, $225 USD.

About Xploration® 15
Xploration® 15 is being held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive from April 14-16, 2015. Pre-Conference Programs will take place on April 13, 2015.

For questions about Xploration® 15, please contact Xplor Headquarters at +1-813-949-6710 or by email at register@xplor.org.

Registration to the three-day event includes access to all of Xploration® 15’s 60+ educational sessions, panels, keynotes, general sessions, evening networking events, networking lunches and a breakfast on Thursday.

A limited number of exhibit spaces are still available. Vendors interested in becoming an exhibitor or event 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. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.

Facebook: facebook.com/XplorInternational
Twitter: @Xplor_Int

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

About Madison Advisors


Madison Advisors, an advisory firm, exists to advance the print and electronic communications objectives of Fortune 1000 companies. The company’s analysts provide advisory services for a range of content delivery strategies, particularly those addressing enterprise output technologies and customer communications. Through short-term, high-impact engagements (measurable in days or weeks, not months), Madison Advisors offers expertise and advisory services that directly help clients achieve hard and specific return on investment (ROI) related to their enterprise output goals and objectives. The company’s analyst team has an extensive background in the enterprise output industry, enabling Madison Advisors to offer its clients unique, objective perspectives and unparalleled guidance for their print and electronic communications initiatives. For more information about Madison Advisors, visit the company’s web site at www.madison-advisors.com or call (817) 684-7545.

What Was “Old, Stale, and so 1990s” Is New Again!

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Submitted by Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International
February 24, 2015

The roar from our members had finally reached a crescendo that it was time to do something. I find Inaction under the guise of “not enough time” could no longer be an excuse.

And so it goes for www.xplor.org

The “Ah-hah” Moment

Over the last two years I have received comments about our website. Comments such as: “The site looks old”, “you need to be mobile friendly”, “stale”, “so 1990’s” to name just a few. BUT we were busy, did not have enough time and really could not deal with it at the time. (A bit short sighted)

The “ah-hah” moment came when one of our members called me and flat out told me she was frustrated with the site and would not recommend any of her colleagues or friends to visit the site.

That simple phone call hit home. When your own member would not recommend your site your credibility is called into play and the logical assumption is you are not acting in the best interest of your members, whether intentional or not.

“For every customer who bothers to complain, 26 other customers remain silent.” Source: White House Office of Consumer Affairs”

Your Website Is the Face of Your Company

A company website is many times the “first impression” one will have of your company. Since many people opt first to go to a company website to get information your website design needs to meet their needs. (Not yours) If the design of your website is unappealing, information is not readily available or hard to find, you most likely will lose a potential customer (or member).

• According to business2business community: (46%) of people say a website’s design is their number one criterion for determining the credibility of a company.

• “94% of people cited web design as the reason they mistrusted or rejected a website.” – ironpaper.com

Getting it Done

Like any project you have to commit, come up with a plan, allocate resources and execute. An organization must also realize its limitations and sometimes look outside for a solution.

That is what we did. We committed and incorporated outside resources into the plan. Turning things over is a difficult thing for most organizations but looking back me getting out of the way was the best thing that could have happened.

Our Marketing Coordinator was tasked with getting it done. He worked with Deborah Corn of Print Media Center, who coordinated the project with our web designer, Elementary Digital.

A Statement of Work was created, reviewed and agreed to. Work began and as much as I would like to take you through the process, I received occasional updates and assurances things were going well, and continued to stay off to the side.

The site was launched last week, they still are doing a bit of tweaking, but I feel Xplor has arrived and our “face” to the industry is new, fresh, intuitive and serves our membership.

Things to Think About

• Listen to your customers, they know what they want (and what they don’t)
• No excuses, short-term savings equals long term loss. Commit.
• Get people involved that do it for a living, you don’t have to do it all
• Spend time on the Statement of Work. What the end product will be.
• Do your homework, there are a lot of web designers. They are not all created equal.
• Do it … and enjoy the results

Your plan needs to be forward thinking and include not only viewing on a PC but tablets and mobile devices.

“Only 22% of marketers say they’re ahead of the curve when it comes to responsive design. 29% say they have “average” experience level, 23% say they’re behind the times, and 4% say they’re hopeless. (Source: eMarketer)”

Special Thanks to Deborah Corn at PrintMediaCentr, Andy Holland of Elementary Digital, and Chad Henk of Xplor for making what was old, new again.

And a big thank you to you for stopping by! We would love to hear your comments on the new site! Sound away!