Unique New Publishing Event Showcases the Industry's Future: From Traditional Books to Tablets

Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC, a leading provider of digital output solutions, announced its first-ever, books-driven, invitational event -- "The Next Chapter" -- aimed to bridge the gap between publishers and book manufacturers by addressing the challenging business issues facing the market. This essential gathering will tout a line-up of keynote speakers recognized throughout the print, publishing and manufacturing industries. The Next Chapter, being held March 6-8 in Boulder, CO, will feature the unveiling of survey results exploring the industry's prospects, expert roundtable sessions, and much more content designed to help improve and enhance the future of publishing -- no matter the channel.

At this exclusive event, speakers will discuss hot topics, trends and challenges the book market is facing relative to print, e-delivery and workflow. Key issues such as learning how to survive declining print runs, thriving with new applications and identifying growth opportunities will make up this inaugural agenda. Industry evangelists will also be on hand to discuss how the increased demand of digital print-on-demand (POD) book production has impacted the market and provide insight on how to not just survive the changes, but use them to get ahead.

"At Ricoh, we have a few not-so-secret weapons: our deep knowledge and understanding of software, services and output technology, which are optimal for the publishing market. Looking ahead to the proliferation of digital printing and e-readers, it is essential for us to help our customers improve their workflow abilities to better meet their customers' demands," said Richard Lloyd, Offset to Digital Offerings Manager, RPPS. "Our goal with The Next Chapter is to open a dialogue for all involved parties to contribute to the solution. Specifically for the book publishing industry, there are an abundance of opportunities that can be identified to meet the demands of the digital generation."

The experts at the event include top publishing industry executives who will talk to the value of digital workflow and print in book production. Attendees will hear from:

Jay Diskey, Executive Director, School Division for the Association of American Publishers - After being named Executive Director in June 2006, Diskey has taken on the role of directing and coordinating all the division's activities including public policy development, advocacy, and communications. Prior to joining AAP, Diskey headed Diskey & Associates, a public relations and public affairs consultancy specializing in education and workforce development. He has also served as Communications Director for the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Education and the Workforce, and as Vice President of the education practice at Hager Sharp Inc. At the Next Chapter, Diskey will lead a discussion on the U.S. educational publishing market and the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dave White, Vice President, Quark - White joined Quark in November 2008 as Vice President of alliances and emerging technology. With nearly two decades in the publishing software industry, White is responsible for leading the development of Quark's strategic partnerships and identifying business opportunities across the company's desktop and enterprise business. With extensive knowledge of a broad range of science and technology, White has helped define XML standards and has spoken at a variety of publishing conferences. White will talk about the current and future technologies for the book publishing industry.