The HP users group’s Asia conference, running for two days at the Big Site exhibition centre in Tokyo, has attracted over 20 Australian industry professionals to join hundreds more from the region to forge collaborative networks.
Ahead of a plan to allow all HP technology users to gain membership of the co-op, Dscoop is promoting the value of joining by promising that at least 5% of engaged companies’ top line revenue will come from the group. A line-up of speakers emphasized the worth of collaborating with fellow members while reinforcing that now “everyone can be a member."
Held in conjunction with IGAS, the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) conference represents HP users from over 13 countries. It is one of the most disparate communities of the organisation throughout the world. Political, cultural and developmental disparities mean that not all member countries have made it to Tokyo.
Organisers declared the first day a success, with Melbourne-based Shadi Taleb in the role of chairman of the organising committee for the first time. He launched the session by hosting an echelon of fellow members, including John Rogers, global executive director, Gary Peeling, Dscoop global chairman as well as HP executives that included Mike Boyle introducing himself to the community in his new role of vice president and general manager, HP’s graphics solutions in the region.
Always a hybrid organisation with HP’s sponsorship a vital element to it success Dscoop nonetheless seems to have acquired a life of its own in different regions. Very strong in Japan, which is reflected by the good turnout of local HP users, it is also enjoying revived popularity in Australia and New Zealand, largely due to the enthusiasm of the executive.
The success of the event in Tokyo is important due to the emphasis on forming networks. This is best done face to face, but of course, language barriers are sometimes intractable. There is no doubting however the commonality of business interests and the eagerness to learn how everyone else is going.
Covering the range of HP Indigo and wide format users there are many seminars, workshops and product tracks to choose from. In the informal setting lively discussions are par for the course with members ready to question and explore topics. This is mostly very new stuff, focusing on the effects of disruptive technology on printing markets.
Listening to the speakers gives me the recognition that things are changing fast, faster than I usually suppose. Not only in printing, but across the spectrum of business and society. And now that's worth something, when you think about it.
More to come…