Printing associations offer a slew of opportunities for additional sales and positive exposure for your business. In addition to members of the print association who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other print industry association members, including peripheral businesses that support the printing organization.

Affiliation with printing organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in printing associations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional print associations offer even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Approach your membership in a printing and imaging association from a number of different perspectives.

1. Expand your network through printing organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in a screen printers association

3. Stand out as a leader at printers association events

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in an association of printers

Printing associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At print association programs and events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work with the printing industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The American Institute of Graphic Arts is a national professional print industry association that promote the graphic arts. The National Printing Equipment Association serves suppliers of printing, publishing and converting technologies.

Demonstrate your interest by joining a printing association

If you do business with the printing industry in any capacity, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in print associations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association is a print association comprised of corporate printing and distribution professionals. Get involved in the globalization of the printing industry through the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association.

Set yourself up as an industry expert at printing associations

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers and those with whom you do business. Most printing and imaging association events present opportunities to impress your peers through speaking engagements, training seminars and writing opportunities. Start in a committee and volunteer to speak or write for the group until you develop a reputation that other members of the printing organization recognize.

I recommend: The Graphic Professionals’ Resource Network is dedicated to the improvement of its members through any number of seminars and training programs in which you can participate. The National Association for Printing Leadership is a great place to shine through the many seminars and educational guides the printing association produces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Send your top management team and salespeople to various print associations so that your company is well represented at every possible venue.