Print & Beyond 2019 – Focus on technology, business models and innovations

In the glitzy ambience of Holiday Inn Cochin located along the busy NH 66, the Kerala Master Printers Association (KMPA) proudly held the fifth edition of Print & Beyond, setting a new benchmark for the years to follow. Over 225 delegates participated in the event held on 16^th March, 2019. KMPA has gradually improved the quality of their programmes in line with empowering its members to blossom from a mere printer into a recognised product creator. This philosophy has guided in shaping the events till date, with varied and exciting themes.

Kick-started by KMPA in 2014, the aim was to familiarize the printing industry in Kerala to the latest technological innovations taking place in the global scenario. The seminar was decided to be held every year as a tribute to late Jose Joseph, founder of Printers Castle, for his invaluable contributions to the association and the printing industry in general.

The theme this year was ‘Make in India: Success Stories in Print’. The event had all the ingredients of a national programme with some great speakers and the overall plush milieu.

1. Gopakumar, President of KMPA, welcomed all the dignitaries, delegates and guests to the day long event. G. Venugopal, Chairman, Organising Committee – Print & Beyond 2019 introduced the seminar to the delegates.

The seminar was inaugurated by Raveendra Joshi, President, All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), who shared his ideas about the federation activities and its benefits to the printing fraternity. He also emphasized on the importance of printers joining hands to form a force which will be noticed by any government while framing policy decisions.

The keynote speaker was none other than Gautham Pai, MD, Manipal Technologies Ltd, which is the country’s largest print, digital, and technology solutions provider. One of the stalwarts of the printing industry, he spoke about the challenges and opportunities to set a goal for a print firm’s future. He spoke on lengths about the economics of print, diversifying print, evolution to meet print needs, the changes and growth of business. His message about investing more in customer relation and man management was indeed thought provoking.

Bhagawath Prasad, MD, Printech Digital Imaging Pvt. Ltd., the doyen of large format digital printing and Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertisement media, shared his experience and expectations of his company and the future of large format digital printing. His ideas about the future of large format printing was crisp and clear.

Later, Prakash Shetty, Director, Partner-Growth, Bizongo, had his session on how digitilisation and voluminous data improved efficiency and profitability, in the print and especially packaging industry. He shared his insight on how the Bizongo model can help a new business segment and help this industry flourish.

Advocate A.V. Vaman Kumar, a well known international corporate trainer cum motivational speaker stressed upon entrepreneurs and the importance of their social commitments. He also made everybody laugh and think alike, with his session which awakened the curiosity of the balance between life and trade.

Before the tea break, an interactive session with the speakers was moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, Editor of PrintWeek India and WhatPackaging? Magazine, which helped participants to learn more from the best in the business.  Right from the selection of subjects and choosing speakers, Ramu has been a guiding figure to the office bearers of KMPA. A regular supporter of all programmes, his inputs have been of utmost importance in the successful planning of Print & Beyond.

Business sessions conducted by Pramod V.S., Zonal Sales Manager, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India; Ashok Pahwa, Sales Manager, HP India; and Priyatosh Kumar, Head – Product Marketing, Xerox India were very useful for members who were in the process of taking decisions for future investments.

The seminar concluded at 5pm with Biju Jose, Gen. Secretary of KMPA thanking all the dignitaries, delegates, sponsors and members. It was a proud moment for KMPA to witness such an overwhelming response to the event. All this would not have been possible without the sheer dedication and hard work put behind by all members of the association. The organising committee Chairman G. Venugopal and his team worked tirelessly for weeks to make this event a success. The conference was also a grand success due to the continuous patronage by the sponsors with their invaluable contribution, both content-wise and financially. Sponsors included Aerofine Polymers (P) Ltd., Autoprint Machinery Manufacturers (P) Ltd., Avery Dennison India (P) Ltd., Bobst India (P) Ltd., ePrint Machinery (P) Ltd., Fujifilm India (P) Ltd., GVG Paper Mills (P) Ltd., Heidelberg India (P) Ltd., HP India – Redington India Ltd. Insight Print Communications (P) Ltd., Konica Minolta Business Solutions India (P) Ltd., Monotech Systems Ltd., Pandiyan Meena Paper Company, Provin Technos, Redlands Machinery (P) Ltd., Siegwerk India Ltd, Suba Solutions (P) Ltd., Technova Imaging Systems (P) Ltd., Toyo Ink India (P) Ltd., and Xerox India Ltd.