It is interesting to think about how the media and others continue to debate on how digital transformation and the internet are going to replace so many things. Everyone has heard that print will go away and will be replaced by digital communications. Although there is erosion in certain areas for print, the printing industry has stayed strong in many sectors. Two Sides North America, an organization dedicated in promoting print, has conducted several studies on print vs. digital, and the results show that people still prefer print in many situations (even younger readers) – especially when reading magazines and books. I always have made the point that people certainly do not receive the latest news from print, but for educational and informative matters of interest to readers, printed materials still are preferred by many. There also was a study during the pandemic that showed the purchase of printed books rose nearly 15% and the purchase of digital books stayed flat during the same period of time when compared to book purchases before the pandemic. That is a powerful statement about print and it’s importance in connecting messages and audiences.
This also applies to in-person meetings and events, as I discussed in my last Viewpoint. I wrote about it before NPE, but it is worth highlighting the success of the show and the support by both exhibitors and attendees at NPE. Conferences continue to stay strong as well. We already have secured several tabletop exhibits for the Plastic Product Decorating Summit, being held on September 18 – 20 in Milwaukee, sponsored by both Plastics Decorating magazine and the In-mold Decorating Association (IMDA). We expect a great crowd again for the event and you can see the full details at www.productdecoratingevent.com.
The bottom line is that human tendencies still outduel the growth of digital technologies in many situations. From my point of view, I hope it stays that way.
I look forward to seeing our readers this fall at our Plastic Product Decorating Summit, as well as other events, including Printing United and Pack Expo International. Have a great fall. I hope to see many of you soon!
