2012 Graphic Users' Association Conference Announces Three Industry Leaders as Keynote Speakers

The Graphic Users' Association (GUA) announces three industry-leading keynote speakers for the 2012 GUA North American Conference, January 16 through 20 at the Hotel InterContinental in New Orleans. The 2012 keynoters include Chris Payne, Vice President, B2B Marketing, Eastman Kodak Company; Dr. Joe Webb, Director, WhatTheyThink; and Jim Hamilton, Group Director, InfoTrends Production Group.

The keynote addresses complement the 2012 GUA conference theme, "Sharing Knowledge to Drive Results." In addition, the speakers represent GUA's investment in sharing new industry opportunities with graphics communications professionals and printing businesses. At the conference, GUA attendees can learn about maximizing their investments, new solutions and industry best practices and services that enable them to drive business results.

"GUA provides our members and attendees with real, practical industry insights and perspectives to grow their business and improve their bottom line," said Tom Clifford, President, GUA. "Our 2012 keynote speakers' diverse backgrounds and extensive industry knowledge enable attendees to use key learnings from the conference, and create their own best practices."

In his session entitled "Kodak—Today and Tomorrow" on Wednesday, January 18, Payne will share an overview of Kodak's steadfast commitment to its graphic communications customers, partners and marketplace. Payne will also provide a significant preview of what Kodak will share at drupa, and other future views for 2012. In addition to his role as VP in Kodak's Chief Marketing Office, Payne leads the corporation's Strategic Planning Group.

"Getting Business—Opportunities for Commercial Printers and Their Clients," Thursday, January 19, led by Dr. Joe Webb, will focus on providing print service providers with practical strategies for making the transition into effective marketing and communication services. Insights will include how to best use these strategies through a cross-section of businesses, and how they work today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Webb, one of the graphic arts industry's best-known consultants, forecasters and commentators, serves as the director of WhatTheyThink's Economic and Research Center.

What can attendees expect to see at drupa this year? Jim Hamilton of InfoTrends will provide his predictions, findings, updates and more, in the high-level, "drupa Preview," on Friday, January 20. Hamilton will answer some highly anticipated questions, including:

• Will this be another "inkjet drupa?"
• Is now the time for workflow reinvention?
• Will this be the year that multichannel communications and mobile technologies take over the show?

Hamilton serves as Group Director for InfoTrends' production consulting services. A highly distinguished industry leader with more than 30 years in the graphic arts and publishing industries, he covers market forecasts, custom consulting, and product and market analysis reports.

"This is a time of fundamental change for the graphic communications industry," said Hamilton. "It is critical for all with a stake in this market to assess how drupa 2012, which is both a reflection and a predictor, will impact their business in the years to come."