Learn to Love Logistics with Today’s Panel Discussion

For many — if not most — print businesses, especially those that do signage, displays and other side-format graphics that require installation, one of the biggest challenges is not printing, but logistics. Managing the project, keeping it on schedule, booking a huge team of contractors — even managing capacity are far thornier issues than putting ink on substrate.

Today, from 9 to 10:15 am, in Room 343, the session “It’s Not About the Printing: Project Logistics Case Studies” features three graphics business owners sharing their experiences in overcoming problems beyond printing. Terry Corman, Brian Hite and Rich Thompson will address specific challenges their companies have faced. From complete stadium graphics change-outs that needed to be made overnight, to managing a high volume of short-run jobs — in some cases, including store change-outs and complicated shipping — the panelists will chronicle their pain points and the steps they took to overcome them.

“For many complex graphics projects, the printing is the easy part,” says Dan Marx, Director of Industry Content at SGIA (Booth 2245). “The companies operating at the top of the industry have an undeniably strong value add with their mastery of logistical management and customized workflow innovation.”

Terry Corman purchased Firehouse Colorlab in 1989. Under his guidance, Firehouse evolved from one of the largest commercial photo labs in America into one of the premier digital graphics producers on the planet. Corman gave the business to his wife Sally in 2001. He has served as Chairman of the 500 Festival Parade and was also on the Board of Directors. He is a past President of APCI — an International Trade Association, and is on the Board of Directors for United Way, United Christmas Service. He also serves on the Board of Visitors for Butler University’s College of Education and is a long-time sponsor of Butler University Basketball. He graduated from Butler University in 1970, and served in the U.S. Army in Armor Recon from 1970 to 1971.

Brian Hite is the President and Founding Partner of Image Options. He has 37 years of experience working with and managing companies in the exhibit, event and graphics production industry. He is also experienced in driving lean production and sustainable operations. Image Options was the first large-format digital facility in California to obtain SGP Certification. Prior to founding Image Options, he was a senior exhibit industry professional.

Rich Thompson is the Founder and Principal of AdGraphics, the first company to perforate vinyl and incorporate it in large-format printing for vehicle wraps and storefront windows. He has been at the cutting edge of the large-format digital graphics industry since its inception. He has received the Pioneer Award from The Big Picture and was a faculty member with The Big Picture Conference. He was also one of original members of the Editorial Advisory Board with Digital Graphics magazine, and is currently on their Technical Advisory Board. He has served on the Board of Directors with DPI, (Digital Printing and Imaging Association) and is currently on the Board of Directors with SGIA, (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association). Thompson has been a consultant for both 3M’s Commercial Graphics Customer Advisory Panel and HP’s Customer Advisory Group. He currently is an Advisory Board member for Keiser University and a founding member of GIGA (Global Imaging Graphics Association). He has a graduate degree (M.A.) in Anthropology & Cross Cultural Studies. Most recently he was the named the first ever FESPA Hall of Fame inductee as the world’s top printer as selected by his peers.