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HVTO Q&A:
Charles Badoian
Global Senior Program Director
Gartner Print & Imaging Summit

Question:
How successful was the recent Gartner Print & Imaging Summit, held in December 2006?

Answer:
At Gartner Events, we measure the success of an event using post event survey results that are completed by attendees and technology providers. I can tell you that the inaugural event was very well received by attendees and the technology providers who presented their Case Studies in Boardroom meetings. The Gartner analyst presentations were rated very highly, and the Peer Exchange sessions and Case Studies also received glowing reviews.

Question:
The 2006 summit was the inaugural event. Now that the premiere conference is over, what's the likelihood of future summits?

Answer:
We heard from attendees, partners and technology providers that this event was introduced at the right time and with the right format, and many expressed interest in a 2007 Summit. Gartner Print & Imaging Summit will be held December 2 - 4 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

Question:
Tell us about the format of the Gartner Print & Imaging Summit compared to other conferences? Did the format work well?

Answer:
The Gartner Print & Imaging Summit features several unique features that make it a standout in the industry. First and foremost, this is the only event in this market space that features Gartner Analyst insights, presentations and one-on-one meetings that help set future strategies.

A second key feature is the format for meeting with attendees. In private Case Study Appointments with 16 to 20 attendees, technology providers have an opportunity to discuss their solutions in detail. We also provide the Self-Scheduling System that allows attendees and technology providers the opportunity to set meetings with the people they most want to see---weeks in advance of the Summit.

The Summit also recognizes the value of peer exchange and we plan networking opportunities into the agenda such as roundtables, golf and the Gala Awards Dinner.

Question:
What was the hottest topic at the Summit?

Answer:
Interest in CRM printing ranged from enterprises that understand the benefits and were seeking advice on how to begin the process, to ones that already have CRM printing operation they were looking to expand further. Office printer and SMFP analyses were hot as companies sought ways to not simply reduce costs but to also maximize the benefits from the technology.

Question:
What did you learn at the event?

Answer:
Honestly, I was a neophyte to this space. No amount of reading research and asking questions can compare to actually talking to people in person and learning first hand about the opportunities in this market, and the impact these solutions have on business. I came away from the event excited, informed and honored to be part of this community.

Question:
What kind of feedback did you get from the technology users and technology providers who participated in the event?

Listening to the ‘buzz’ at the Summit was very exciting. I heard very positive comments about the experience, presentations and meetings that took place from both users and providers. The best way for you to get that sense is to see what they said themselves.

[editor’s note: below are some reviews from attendees.]

”The Print and Imaging Summit was incredibly valuable to me as a business decision maker. The quality of the presentations along with the face-to-face talk time was perfect. Information received is already being used in my vendor negotiations and service and equipment arrangements. That is value. I made new connections for providers and partners and professional references on ideas.”
---Phil Larson, AVP, Director of ISD Enterprise Operations, American Fidelity

”At the Gartner Summit, top executives from the vendor and buyer communities were able to concentrate on technical issues and their solutions in the comfort of a resort setting. Our team was very pleased. Next year’s event is definitely in our marketing plans.”
---Franklin J. Garner, III, President and CEO, Amgraf, Inc.

Question:
What aspect of the conference stood out to you the most?

Answer:
The two standouts from my perspective were the quality content and networking that took place.

Question:
Any thoughts on what topics might be good contenders for sessions at the 2007 conference?

Answer:
Our clients, sponsors and attendees will provide guidance, of course. But, most assuredly, Automated Document Facility (ADF 2.0) implementation, CRM printing, SMFP developments and managed print service evaluations will be on the list.

Question:
Thanks for your time! Last question. Because this high-level event only accepts a certain amount of attendees, how soon can technology users begin inquiring about registration for 2007?

Answer:
The short answer is immediately. We plan to have up to 150 fully-hosted attendees at the 2007 event in Tucson. Those interested in attending should complete the on-line qualification form on our website: www.print-imagingsummit.com/eventinterestform. Interested Technology Providers should contact Rob Whitehurst at 203-316-1733.