The annual Inkjet Summit took place over parts of 4 days this August with a virtual format.  Over 120 attendees watched and heard presentations from industry thought leaders from the comfort of their office or homes.

The goal of the event is to allow print executives to gain knowledge that will help them determine the if when and what equipment option to pursue.

The Sponsor roster included inkjet equipment manufacturers, software vendors, finishing equipment suppliers and paper producers.  Most of the sponsors recorded video case studies – testimonies from customers who have invested in inkjet technology.  In these case studies, the customers shared the trials of converting to ink jet and the benefits that the investment has produced.  The testimonies allow the sponsors to promote the contribution that their respective product has made to the success that a customer has enjoyed.  The case studies were segmented by print segment: Transactional, Direct Mail, Commercial Print, Book Publishing.  This segmentation allowed the attendees to view testimonials that most closely relate to their business.

Attendees and sponsor representatives had the option to schedule 1 on 1, 30 minute meetings with each other during dedicated hours in the afternoon.  As a sponsor, it allowed Domtar Paper to learn more about the thought process involved with making a considerable investment and how the print company will utilize inkjet.  The attendees were able to find out how inkjet paper is unique, where it is made, and what are the stock items currently available.

With the virtual format this year, nothing was really lost as far as the agenda and organized activities.  The three main sources of learning remained. Presentations from thought leaders – including peer panels, case study presentations and the one on one meetings are formats that moved from in-person to video, some live, some recorded.  What was lost is the unorganized networking and information that is exchanged through casual conversation.  When events like this are held at a Conference Center, participants have fewer distractions.  When you are confined together at an out of town locale, you have time to meet in the buffet line or at cocktail hour.

Napco Media is the host of the Inkjet Summit. They put together a well organized virtual event and attendance was on par with recent editions of the Summit.  Domtar Paper was pleased to sponsor and contribute to an event that helps the collective print community.