2024 Leadership Conference
We were thrilled to host a day full of insightful discussions focused on emerging industry trends and the evolving role of leadership in today's dynamic environment at our 2024 ENCORE Leadership Conference. Our esteemed speakers delivered impactful presentations that not only highlighted the importance of fostering innovation but also explored strategies for creating lasting leadership influence. They shared valuable insights on navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities, encouraging attendees to embrace a forward-thinking mindset. We hope everyone left the event feeling inspired, equipped with fresh perspectives and new ideas to implement within their organizations. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were high, and we look forward to seeing how these discussions will translate into positive change and growth in the industry.
The 2024 ENCORE Leadership Conference kicked off with an engaging presentation by Jim Russell of New Direction Partners, who addressed the stark contrast between the "haves" and "have nots" in the printing industry. He outlined the top ten traits commonly found in companies identified as "haves," emphasizing that growth is essential for success in today’s competitive landscape. Jim highlighted that the most successful printing companies share several key characteristics, including a strong focus on efficiency, a willingness to invest in cutting-edge technology, a commitment to omnichannel strategies and a clear differentiation in their capabilities. The insights shared by Jim set a powerful tone for the conference, inspiring participants to reflect on their own practices and explore new avenues for success.
Following Jim, our keynote speaker, Lachandra (La) Baker of LBB Edutainment energized the audience by taking the stage with pom poms, encouraging everyone to shake theirs in response to her inspiring messages. She also actively got attendees to participate by asking for meaningful "real-world" scenarios and fresh ideas. La's first presentation focused on the role of inclusive leadership. Empowering and engaging those around you involves actively listening to their needs and treating them the way they wish to be treated. It’s essential to create pathways for others and meet leaders where they are to help elevate them. Your leadership directly shapes the company culture, making it crucial to model the behavior of an ideal leader. Remember, everyone matters, and fostering an inclusive environment is key to collective growth and success.
Lachandra remained on stage to dive into her second presentation on how to embrace innovation in a traditional industry. Engaging with technology effectively requires understanding how to bring value and addressing any employee opposition to updates by discussing concerns and identifying root causes. It’s essential to assess the skills of current employees and explore how they can be redirected to support innovation, which can range from minor adjustments to significant changes. To foster a positive environment, coaching strategies should focus on eliminating negative energy and encouraging internal change.
After a delicious lunch of building our own pasta bowls, Lachandra was eagerly welcomed back to the stage for her third and final presentation, which focused on leading with empathy and emotional intelligence. While we all experience emotions, it’s important not to let them control us; effective leadership begins with understanding ourselves first. Trust can be situational, and empathy must be reciprocal, as the outcomes we desire may not align with those of others. It’s essential to comprehend your own emotions, pinpoint their causes and ensure that emotions do not overshadow intelligence.
Following Lachandra, we welcomed back a previous conference presenter, David Mauro of NetGain IT, who took the stage to address a particularly concerning topic: AI, Insider Risk and Cyber Hygiene. David presented real-world examples of cyber breaches, illustrating how these incidents are increasingly feasible and believable due to emerging threats such as deep fakes, extortion, social engineering and phishing. He emphasized the critical need for organizations to find effective ways to protect themselves and integrate security measures into their operations, as well as on a personal level for their own networks and devices. As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, it is vital for companies to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their assets and information.
Joe Carte from Specialty Print Communications gave a pertinent presentation on how to embrace new techniques for marketing your printing company. Successful printers are evolving into marketing service providers by embracing technology. He discussed the pros and cons of offering marketing services, such as increased client engagement but with longer sales cycles and investments. He also highlighted specific technologies like QR codes, personalized mailers and retargeting strategies to enhance customer interactions and increase conversion rates.
The day concluded with a special presentation from Gary Walton of the Cincinnati Type & Print Museum. In his session, Gary encouraged printing companies to integrate printed electronics into traditional printing operations, highlighting this as a vital innovation for maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving industry. He discussed various opportunities currently available, including calculators, phone components and solar panels. Gary elaborated on strategies for introducing this technology to your existing customers and transforming your business to enable the production of these electronic products. He wrapped up his presentation by showcasing real-world examples of companies that have successfully implemented printed electronics, providing inspiration for attendees to explore these advancements in their own operations.
After an insightful day of educational sessions, we all relaxed to the mellow sounds of soft rock while savoring a delicious spread of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. The atmosphere was lively yet laid-back, providing the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. Colleagues and new acquaintances alike took advantage of the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and reflect on the day’s highlights. The evening was filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and a shared sense of excitement about the knowledge gained and the opportunities ahead.
Check out all of the photos from conference
