SUPDMC Conference Successful Despite Small Turnout

Last month the Southeastern University Printing & Digital Managers Conference (SUPDMC) took place in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hosted by Broward College. The economy-related travel restrictions that forced the cancellation of last spring’s Association of College and University Printers (ACUP) conference hit SUPDMC hard. Only about 20 in-plant managers attended. Those who made the trip, though, say it was a great meeting nonetheless.
“It turned out to be a wonderful conference,” enthused Glenda Miley, of Auburn University, host of next year’s SUPDMC. “I think people that weren’t able to attend really missed out.”

She says everyone was buzzing about a session put on by xpedx on managing your in-plant in a recession. Jerry Sampson, of xpedx, discussed how to justify your in-plant to your administration by showing how much you save the university. xpedx showed off a worksheet on its Web site where managers can input their costs and the site will help them put a report together. Sampson stressed the importance of having a report ready before the administration starts looking at your in-plant. He urged managers to assess their present situation, develop a realistic game plan and look for cost-cutting opportunities.

Gary Williford, from the University of Tennessee, gave an entertaining and informative talk about why in-plants are vulnerable to outsourcing. Other presentations covered the legal side of supervision and how to become a better leader. One session covered mail design, Move Update requirements and new flat addressing requirements. And a hands-on seminar on team building got everyone involved.

The group toured Océ’s nearby headquarters to view the company’s new products and technologies. And after hours, attendees took an air boat ride through the Everglades, where some of the braver managers got some one-on-one time with an alligator.

SUPDMC 2010 is scheduled to take place October 10-14 in Auburn, Ala.