SOUND OFF
Fujifilm’s Digital Inkjet Summit is Largest Ever
A RESOUNDING SUCCESS IN CHICAGO Big and fun. That was the vibe in the Windy City of Chicago when Fujifilm played host for their latest Digital Inkjet Summit. The grand event, which saw over 130 attendees from the print industry, was held at the luxurious Sable Navy Pier Hotel. But this summit wasn’t just another event; it was Fujifilm’s largest summit ever, offering first-class accommodations and a prime location for all attendees. Tommy Katagiri, Division President, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communication Division, kicked off the event with a heartwarming welcome message about partnership. He touched upon Fujifilm’s commitment to a “whole solution” approach for customers. Rick Brown, Fujifilm Graphics Systems Division National Sales Director, got the group amped up by introducing segment leaders with showcase presentations on digital print solutions in toner, inkjet and wide format. Renowned industry expert Marco Boer from IT Strategies delivered a robust outlook on the future of digital print, emphasizing its growth and potential. Boer shared his deep understanding of digital printing technology and identified specific opportunities for the industry to pursue. The first day concluded with an enchanting Architectural Cruise & Dinner. The evening was nothing short of spectacu-
lar, with drinks and a taste of Chicago’s deep dish pizza. But what truly stood out was the networking opportunity it provided. With a large crowd of industry professionals in attendance, the boat was abuzz with conversation, laughter, and shared insights. Such networking felt rejuvenating and was a testament to the camaraderie in the industry. Day two saw Jeffrey Nelson, Fujifilm’s National Sales Director for JPress, leading a panel discussion featuring industry stalwarts like Steve Bates of City Press, Jamie Brisendine of ASB Graphics, and Henning Rose of Wegner. Concurrently, Chris Chara moderated a wide format user panel with Todd Bricco of Delzer, Michael Magerl of the Trabon Group, and Christian Rhodes of Colorchrome in Atlanta. One of the highlights of the summit was a presentation by Fujifilm’s color experts, Ben Lubin and Don Schroeder, titled “The Money In Color.” Their insights underscored the potential for expanding revenue within a print business through color efficiency. The day wrapped up with a trip to Hanover Park, where attendees were treated to live demonstrations and Q&As. The Digital Print Summit was not just about showcasing Fujifilm’s innovations but also about fostering collaboration and the idea that, collectively, the industry can “Never Stop Innovating.” As Boer aptly summarized, “The reason
why digital print is growing is simple: It is a very accommodating technology that fits today’s customer expectations.” The event provided an intimate way to connect while getting up close to Fujifilm’s next-generation digital print technology. Attendees witnessed demonstrations explaining the core technology, what sets Fujifilm solutions apart, and got hands-on learning experiences at the remarkable Hanover Park-based Experience Center. Steve Bates, CEO of City Press, highlighted the role of technology in shaping the future of businesses and attracting new talent. He said, “Technology will and does play a huge role, not just for our organization’s profitability and ability to remain relevant to our customer base, but also in attracting new hires. Investment in advanced technology demonstrates an investment in the future. It provides a stable and sustainable work environment.” Fujifilm’s Digital Inkjet Summit was a resounding success. It was an educational and interactive platform for industry professionals to stay updated, get inspired, and understand the latest innovations. Fujifilm truly rolled out the red carpet, ensuring that their guests had a memorable experience filled with top-tier presentations and entertainment. In essence, it was big and fun!
Fall 2023
print illustrated
17
