Canadian In-plants Gather at Niagara Falls

The College and University Print Management Association of Canada (CUPMAC) held its annual conference June 28-29 at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Hosted by Sue Moorcroft (McMaster University) and Ryan Solomon (University of Guelph), CUPMAC drew more than 40 attendees this year, including 28 in-plant managers from four Canadian provinces (Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario).

In a departure from the usual format of plenary speakers, this year’s program consisted of a two-day workshop, “Managing in Turbulent Times,” presented by Catherine and Ray Chambers of Chambers Management Group. Objectives for the workshop included:

• Understanding the changing environments for print and what can be done to address them.

• Understanding how the in-plant can assist university leaders with cost savings.

• Understanding the strategic importance of non-academic support services.

• An introduction to using social media and other online tools for marketing and other in-plant functions.

Vendor exhibits were well attended and included Pitney Bowes, Xerox, Cascades, Coast Paper, Spiral Binding, GBC, International Bindery and Lamination, Océ and Rochester Software Associates.

“After seeing what has transpired in the industry over the past few years, having a peer group like CUPMAC has been invaluable in providing a sounding board for issues within our individual operations,” declares Boyd Cranford, CUPMAC president. “Through our own experiences, as well as great advice from Ray Chambers and Howie Fenton, we are better prepared to address the issues as they arise and run our shops more efficiently.”