Expanded and Updated!

For years there has been hype that personalization and the production of one-to-one marketing collateral was going to be the future of short run color production. The future is today! Printers are now incorporating VDP into their main production workflow and for many, it has become one of their most significant value-added markets.

Since the pricing for variable data printed pieces (VDP) is based on a well designed, well-executed campaign, profit margins are typically higher than standard commercial print jobs. The caveat is that variable data printing requires new skills and knowledge to be successful. It also has become more than just printing?as the work grows, so must the printer?s knowledge of mailing services and the development of webpage submission.

Variable Data Printing Boot Camp is a must for those considering a move into the VDP arena, for VDP beginners, and printers who are actively seeking VDP growth options in their area. Attendees will gain intimate knowledge of the process by producing their own VDP piece using various personalization and database software, from entry-level to high-end.

You Will Learn

• How to manipulate databases for variable-data imaging and convert existing printed pieces into VDP projects
• The importance of proofing and process control to avoid costly errors
• How to merge multiple databases and cleanse for duplicate records
• Ways to minimize postal costs and undeliverable addresses
• How to plan your mail sort to identify the least expensive mailing option
• The type of product best suited for webpage submission
• The basic procedure and plan for developing a webpage storefront to receive submission of VDP projects

Who Should Attend

• Print Executives Planning to Compete in the Personalization Market
• Production Personnel Responsible for Preparing Databases and Imaging Files
• Sales Managers and Representatives Seeking a Complete Understanding of VDP
• Customers Evaluating Personalization for their Marketing Campaigns.

Workshop Leader
Dr. John Leininger, professor of Graphic Communications at Clemson University, has been teaching courses in digital printing, flexography, lithography, and production management for over 25 years. Leininger?s 2003 study was one of the first in-depth attempts to quantify the effect of different levels of personalization on response rates. He is expanding this study in 2006 to 200+ live jobs from companies actively producing VDP jobs.

Hands-On Experience Using
Most of the training will take place on computers, each loaded with over $200,000 of VDP software. These unmatched resources were made possible by a VDP Consortium, consisting of 20 hardware and software suppliers, coordinated by Clemson University.

Workshop Duration
This three-day program offers hands-on experience putting together a VDP project from start to finish.

Note: Due to its hands-on nature, seating is limited for this workshop.

Hotel Information.
PIA/GATF?s host hotel is the DoubleTree Hotel Pittsburgh-City Center.  For reservations and more information, go to http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/private_groups/pitdtdt_vdp/index.jhtml