Successful SUPDMC Conference Brings In-plants to Auburn

In-plant managers returned last week from Auburn, Ala., with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm after another successful Southeastern University Printing and Digital Managers Conference (SUPDMC). With a focus on surviving in this uncertain economy, the 35th annual SUPDMC drew 29 in-plant attendees to Auburn University.

Host Glenda Miley, manager of Auburn's CopyCat operation, planned an action-packed agenda, which included not only educational sessions, but a tour of Vulcan Information Packaging, a game show and a tour of Auburn's Raptor Center.

Sessions at the conference were keyed toward justification reports and how to stay in business. One popular session, by Kodak's Debra Benson, detailed how in-plants can use military strategy to prevail. She based her lessons on Sun Tzu's treatise "The Art of War." Ricoh's Greg Cholmedeley told managers about free Ricoh software they can use to help them write a justification report and prove their value to their parent organizations.

Attendees also went through a personality assessment to figure out which type of personality they have, so they can use that information in their work and personal lives. Miley capped off the conference by taking her fellow managers on a tour of her CopyCat operation.