MAILCOM '09 To Focus on Cost-Cutting Measures

The 29th Annual MAILCOM conference will take place April 5-8 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The theme of the show is "Cut Postage Costs. Cut Distribution Costs. Cut Equipment Costs. We'll Show You How." And at a time like this, all businesses, large or small, want to implement these cost-saving measures.

According to the show's Web site, MAILCOM 2009 is an intensive learning experience, loaded with expert speakers and in-depth seminars for executives and managers responsible for their organization's mail communications. Attendees can choose from 144 seminars offering insider secrets on cutting costs, improving service, and complying with postal regulations. And, new Professional Certificate programs certify a company's expertise in 15 critical management areas. The exhibition also features the latest technology offerings from leading vendors.

"Education plays a very important role for MAILCOM and we offer numerous sessions that focus on document management and redesign, transpromo opportunities and USPS requirements, all that provide information on printing techniques and requirements," noted Lance J. Humphries, CMDSM, managing director of MAILCOM.

"In today's highly competitive environment, more managers have responsibility for end to end processes that include creating, printing, inserting, and depositing mail with the USPS. For professionals in print management, it is equally important to stay current on industry trends like transpromo, triplex capabilities, USPS automation regulations and more. Just printing the IMB brings unique challenges never faced before in the industry. Throughout the conference, MAILCOM attendees have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, and equally important, professionals that manage print to mail centers who volunteer time to share their expertise and support," he continued.

Why should printers attend this event? According to Humphries, "Just as in many industries, there is considerable downsizing in this industry and everyone needs to become more marketable to their company. The convergence of print and mail is no exception and the more a leader expands their scope, the more valuable they become, not only to the company, but should they experience a reduction in force, their opportunities are enhanced through value-added knowledge. At MAILCOM, we have classes that bring the 360 degree view to attendees, as many of our presenters are responsible for print and mail services."

Those sessions that are of particular interest to owners and managers of printing companies include:

IM320: Intelligent Mail Barcode: What Printers Need to Know

Attend this session and get all the information you need to be successful when implementing and printing the Intelligent Mail Barcode. You will learn about requirements and procedures for applying the barcode to letters, trays, sacks and containers. Instructor: U.S. Postal Service. Day: Wednesday, Round Twelve, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

IW139: Document Finishing In the Mail Center

Mail centers are feeling the pressure to do more without additional head count. How can this be justified and accomplished? This seminar will review the methods to evaluate if automation will actually save money. Come learn how to identify what you need, and when you really need it. Instructor: Bart Alvarez, sales manager Document Handling, Hasler/Neopost Technical Training Center. Day: Monday, Round Three, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

DT118: Document Redesign... It's More Than Just Making Them Pretty

Join one of the industry's leading experts, Nick Romano as he discusses the value proposition of redesigning transactional documents (such as statements and bills) to enhance the overall customer experience; reinforce your corporate brand and leverage the power of Transpromo marketing. Instructor: Nick Romano, president, Prinova Inc. Day: Monday, Round One, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

DT130: Transpromo & Intelligent Mail—The Link to Better Customer Relations

This session will show you how to maximize the link between Transpromo document creation and Intelligent Mail barcodes to create documents that truly interact with customers. Drive more business from your current customers by truly linking the document's message with the customer's address. Instructor: Mury Salls, DST Output. Day: Monday, Round Three, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

DT261: TransPromo: Bringing Marketing and Operations Together

TransPromo is so much more than color and graphics on a mail piece. It's really about relevancy. This seminar will explore the essential ingredients for developing TransPromo applications that are truly relevant to each and every recipient. Instructors: Kevin Klein, director, Production Intelligence Consulting and John Baeseman, P.E., EDP manager, Workflow Solutions, Pitney Bowes Emtex Software. Day: Tuesday, Round Six, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

DT277: Mainframe to Mailbox Workflow

Learn how Fidelity's Output Solutions team has turned their production factory into a "Center of Excellence" by charting workflow and adding new technology. You will see how they removed roadblocks by breaking down each step in the mailing process. And, you will learn how to by analyze Pre-cycle work, Post-cycle work, printing, inserting, presorting and delivery. This in-depth keynote will detail the latest technology, such as triplex printing and also give you ideas for better managing your staff. Instructor: Walter Riddock, vice president, Output Solutions, Fidelity National Information Systems. Day: Tuesday, Round Seven, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

DT283: The Mail House: Implementing IMB, Beyond the Cute Little Bars

Join in this open and frank discussion on the issues facing small to medium sized mail houses trying to determine if IMB will be beneficial and cost effective. Topics include: Equipment considerations, client education, employee education, and using this change to increase mail volumes in your mail shop! Instructor: John Krueger, CMDSM, president, Mail Works Inc. Day: Tuesday, Round Eight, 2:45-3:45 p.m.

DT292: How to Make Your Documents Sizzle in a TransPromo Environment

Learn about the new and exciting philosophy that is overtaking the transaction document world. The integration of marketing and other personalized content into transactional materials and the use of multi-channel communications to improve customer relationships and drive business are coming into the mainstream. Come learn about the opportunities and risks associated with embarking on a TransPromo strategy. Instructors: Nick Romano, president, Prinova Inc. and Ron Goglia, Cigna. Day: Tuesday, Round Nine, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

DT309: Managing a High Volume Mail Production Environment in a Time of Uncertainty

You will walk away with tools and techniques that will allow you to more efficiently and effectively manage high-volume mail production in a time of uncertainty. Instructor: David Day, director, ADF Engineering & Operations, Pitney Bowes. Day: Wednesday, Round Ten, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

DT310: How to Control Your "On Demand Variable Data Printing" At Output

This session will focus on how Output Printer Management allows companies to create Variable Printed Documents by interfacing computer databases and print devices to create high-quality documents in a non intrusive process. Instructor: Bart Alvarez, Senior, Document Handling Manager, MCQ. Day: Wednesday, Round Eleven, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

For more information, call (732) 280-8865, e-mail ljhumphries@mailcom.org, or visit www.mailcom.org.