Printers and digital agencies have now ‘got it’

Many printers are now looking to take advantage of collaboration opportunities with digital marketing agencies, with events like the Visual Media Conference providing a platform to understand these opportunities.

The conference organised by CDi (Creative and Digital Industry) Yorkshire, previously known as CDi Print Yorkshire, features a range of speakers including Dan Nelson, President of Visual Media Alliance, San Francisco.

Robert McClements, chief executive of CDi Yorkshire, told The Yorkshire Post: “You can see that the digital agencies and the printers who have ‘got it’ are now collaborating with each other and we’ve got speakers from Epiphany and Bloom at a conference with printers.

“A few years ago I would have been accused of being a heretic or sleeping with the enemy, now they realise they’ve got to be able work together and they do work together.”

Mr McClements admits that the transformation for some printers has been tough. “But by having events like this we are providing the evidence, experience and expertise to understand that this isn’t a threat,” he added.

The second ever Visual Media Conference will be held at The Rose Bowl, Leeds on March 31. Mr McClements said: “The purpose is to build on the success of the first one, last year.”

He added that the response so far had been excellent. “We are ahead on expectations for ticket sales, people keep ringing up asking if they can come. I’m really delighted with the response,” said Mr McClements.

Bruno Maag from typeface designers, Dalton Maag, will also be a speaker at the event, alongside Stefan Casey from The Retail Institute.

For more info visit www. visualmediaconference.com