ACUP Brings University Print Managers Together Again

LAST MONTH, in a small hotel outside of Charlotte, N.C., 45 in-plant managers finally heard the words they had been waiting two years to hear: "Welcome to ACUP 2010."

After its cancellation last year due to low registration numbers, the Association of College and University Printers (ACUP) conference was back with a vengeance this year. Attendees this year hailed from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Scotland, and included managers from all over the U.S., from Oregon to New Hampshire, with a large contingent from Texas.

Host Richard Griffin , director of Campus Printing at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), put together an excellent program. It started with a poolside reception on Sunday evening, which also drew several retired and current managers from the area who were not able to attend the full event.

Though sessions covered topics like "Using Social Media to Grow Your Business" and "E-mail vs. Print Communication," it was the peer evaluation workshop that drew the most group discussion. Managers shared problems they're facing, and others chimed in with suggestions.

At another session, a panel of digital press users discussed their experiences with their own machines, and audience members asked specific questions, to help them in making their own choices. The "State of the Industry" presentation by IPG Editor Bob Neubauer drew one of the largest audiences, as he revealed the results from a major in-plant industry survey, and discussed the reasons behind several recent shop closures.

An evening boat cruise offered great food, animated discussions and a spectacular sunset. On another evening, the group visited a renowned local fish restaurant for more food than anyone could finish.

Watch the next issue of In-Plant Graphics for more details on the successful ACUP conference.