In-plant Regional Meetings Going Strong

Today in St. Louis and Fort Worth, Texas, several dozen in-plant managers are gathering for the latest of six networking workshops organized by the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA). Nestle Purina Petcare's in-plant is hosting managers in St. Louis, while Freese and Nichols is the Texas meeting place. The free regional meetings were designed to bring in-plants together with others in their areas while spreading the word about the benefits IPMA can bring to them.

"Many in-plant managers are not able to attend the annual conference or participate with one of IPMA’s chapters," explains IPMA President Rob Lindard, "so IPMA’s sponsorship of regional meetings is an effort to provide a venue where this interaction and discussion can take place without the expense of travel or time away from busy schedules."

The meetings started earlier this month at Oregon State University, in Corvallis, and Moorpark Community College, northwest of Los Angeles. Last Friday nearly 35 managers converged on the University of California-Davis for the third regional meeting, which included a tour of the Repro Graphics operation (after an optional tour of the state printing operation in Sacramento), a discussion on augmented reality by sponsor Konica Minolta, and a presentation by California State Printer Jerry Hill about justifying new equipment purchases for the good of the parent organization.

"It was a great meeting," remarked Laura Lockett, assistant to the director at Sacramento State Reprographics & Mail Services. "We had a chance to talk to UC-Davis production staff about the garment printer they are using. This is valuable to us as we move forward looking to add this service."

After today's two gatherings, the one remaining in-plant meeting will be next Friday (Halloween!) at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, in Charlotte, N.C. Hosted by IPMA President Elect Alvin Griffin, along with sponsor Konica Minolta, it will take place 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Costumes are optional.) View the full agenda and register for this free in-plant event here.