By Margie Dana

Everywhere I turn, print customers ask me about digital printing. What’s changed? What equipment should we know about? Tell us about some really innovative applications. Is digital quality really as good as offset?

Digital printing is one of the topics we address at every event we produce. This year’s conference is no exception. On two different days in September, Frank Romano will enlighten and, I dare say, entertain PBI attendees with the latest and greatest news and opportunities in digital printing.

Why Frank? We must’ve done something good, that’s all I know: Frank is widely known as the expert in all-things-printing. He has 50 years in the industry and has authored 45 books. Yes, that’s 45. He wrote the first report on on-demand digital printing in 1980 and ran the first conference on the subject in 1985.

If you’ve not experienced a Frank Romano presentation, you’re in for a treat. He has a photographic memory when it comes to any and everything related to printing, typesetting, publishing and the like. He’s a Professor Emeritus at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology), and one of those icons who is admired and respected all around the globe. Trust me, such people are rare.

The first Frank Romano “sighting” takes place during Print Buyer Boot Camp on Monday, September 12^th. He’ll discuss digital printing basics for the boot campers, who are typically newcomers to print buying and graphic design.

Then, on Wednesday, September 14^th, Frank will present at 2:30 pm on the “New Wave of Digital Printing Technologies.” I purposely didn’t schedule another session in this time slot. In the past, when I did so, the unlucky other speaker inevitably complained, “Oh great. Why’d you put me up against him?” They were right. It was bad planning. Frank always draws a crowd.

In anticipation of his session on September 14^th, I asked Frank a few questions.

1. Our theme this year is “Beyond Print Buying: Empowered Roles & Sharpening Skills.” I chose this theme to reflect the evolution of the roles of print buyers & creatives who work with printers. How does your topic relate?

First of all, that’s two themes. My topic relates because it deals with the very nature of what print buyers buy. Digital printing is different from offset litho and, over time, buyers will buy an increasing volume of digital. They should understand how to deal with it.

2. What will our attendees learn from your session; keeping in mind we’ll have a mix of print buyers, creatives, and marketers?

The term “digital printing” covers a plethora of technologies and approaches, and I will cover it all in excruciating detail. They will leave with a degree in printing with dots.

3. Describe your speaking style. What can the audience expect?

There will be simultaneous translation for the buzzword impaired. I will be providing No-Doz.

4. Is there a chance you can stick around to mingle with attendees during breaks, meals, brainstorming, and the cocktail party (Tuesday)?

Call me the mingler.

5. Finally, do you have any social media accounts you want to share with our readers – so they can follow you?

I am in the phone book.

You’ll kick yourself if you pass up the chance to experience a Frank Romano event. The man knows everything about printing, digital and otherwise. Here’s your chance to soak up a ton of knowledge about digital printing. Come with lots of questions. Let’s try to stump Frank. Google him and find out where’s he’s been and what he’s done. I just did so. There were 4.3 million entries. He’s the rock star of the print industry. Maybe he’ll give autographs.

©2011 Margie Dana. All rights reserved. Your comments are encouraged. You’re free to forward this email to friends and colleagues. However, no part of this column may be reprinted without permission from the author. Comments?