Rochester Software Associates

To help in-plant managers share information and learn from one another, Rochester Software Associates has started an informal chat session called "In-Plant Print Leader Chat." This bi-monthly 45-minute call is led by a different in-plant leader each session, and is designed to be a quick way to share information with other in-plants in an intimate setting.

Chelle Palmer was going about her day at the Richland School District Print Shop, in Richland, Wash., last month when the phone rang. It was local TV station KNDO. They wanted to send over a TV crew to do a story about her in-plant—in 15 minutes.

In-plants that have not invested in VDP should consider the value-added service opportunities that it has to offer. Integrating variable data services within existing production operations allows in-plants to offer faster turnaround times and reduce the costs associated with outsourcing jobs that require personalization. Having a VDP solution will allow them to stay relevant and serve the printing needs of multiple departments within their organization.

It was hard for in-plant managers not to feel special at Graph Expo this year. After years of being included seemingly as an afterthought, in-plants were given the spotlight this time around, with numerous sessions focusing specifically on in-plant issues and a new networking hub called "The InPlant Place" where they could gather and mingle. Some vendors set aside special areas devoted to solutions for in-plants, and one (Rochester Software Associates) offered daily in-plant networking receptions.

On Tuesday, IPG Editor Bob Neubauer spoke at an in-plant open house event held at Konica Minolta Business Solutions' facility in Pittsburgh, Pa. In-plants from around the region attended the event, which featured several seminars plus an opportunity to see demos of equipment from Konica Minolta and its partners.

Graph Expo wrapped up its four-day domination of Chicago's McCormick Place on Wednesday, leaving memories of a surprisingly busy show floor. The crowds were augmented by hundreds of in-plant managers, scouting out equipment and attending the numerous in-plant-focused sessions. IPG Editor Bob Neubauer chatted with dozens of managers on the show floor, at the sessions and in the "InPlant Place" area, hosted by the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association.

Graph Expo starts on Sunday, and in-plants are expected to play a major part in the graphic arts trade show. As we've noted several times in recent weeks, the Chicago show will be packed with seminars exclusively for in-plants, along with receptions and networking opportunities. In-plant managers from all over the country are expected to be at the four-day event.

Graph Expo is only nine days away, and the show is expected to draw an impressive number of in-plants. One reason for this is the strong focus on in-plants this year, to include sessions, receptions and networking opportunities specifically for in-house print managers.

The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association conference brought 150 in-plant managers together in Kansas City recently.

In-plants will have a dedicated, multi-function "oasis" of their own on the show floor at Graph Expo. Sponsored by the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association (IPMA), the new networking hub will be located in booth #3461 and will offer in-plant-specific education, networking and relaxation opportunities. The InPlant Place is part of the expanded Graph Expo emphasis on in-house education, government and corporate printing professionals by the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC).