Frank Romano, professor emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology and Great Debate chairperson says, “The printing industry needs more debate and discussion. We are at a crossroads in terms of new printing technology, changes in customer marketing and challenges to print.”

He continues, “We need to band together to develop new markets, new print products, and new ideas – and convince the world that print is still an important and viable form of communication.”

During the debate, four pressing questions will be considered:

• More than ink on paper: how should printers be selling print?

• What will the printer of the future look like?

• Will an Ipod for publishing kill printed media?

• Green print: is it worth it?

Also commenting, Sean Smyth, Pira Consultant and Great Debate chair says, “The industry is in an unprecedented period of change, exacerbated by the deep recession. Cash conservation is a short-term tactic, not a strategy to build a successful business.”

Smyth continues, “These debates provide an opportunity for industry players to put their heads above the parapet and think about how their businesses, and their careers, might progress satisfactorily under new conditions.”

According to organisers, audience participation and interaction using simple polling technology will allow real-time feedback and drive the questioning of the panel chair, pushing the experts out of their comfort zone.

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