Xeikon Café has announced the 2019 schedule for its Xeikon Café Exhibition & Conference events worldwide. Under the tagline “Learn, Connect, Discover,” 2019 will feature two editions designed to help print service providers evaluate and experience new aspects of digital production. Through demonstrations, presentations, workshops and discussions, visitors will receive first-hand actionable information and advice on industry developments and trends, and learn how these can help improve their bottom lines.

“We are excited to announce the 2019 editions of our successful Xeikon Café concept, which now occur annually based on attendee demand,” says Danny Mertens of Xeikon Café. “Each year, we work hard to bring content to attendees that will inspire them to take their businesses to a new level. We take visitor and partner feedback seriously as we continue to evolve this exciting industry event year over year. And we are committed to sharing actual applications and business ideas that can immediately drive business growth. Each edition is tailored to regional needs, as popular applications, substrate choices and suppliers can differ between Europe and North America. With planning already underway, the Xeikon Café 2019 editions are shaping up to be blockbuster events.”

Mertens notes that Xeikon Café events have something for everyone. “We regularly see visitors that have not yet embraced digital production but are ready to take their first steps and want to learn about the specific advantages and disadvantages of different digital print technologies. We also offer insights to attendees that are familiar with digital production, and are now looking into new business generation ideas or innovative ways to grow their business through automation, optimization or new services,” he explains. “Xeikon customers who have attended Xeikon Café in the past tell us that the events and the information they received there reinforces the decision they made to go with Xeikon and its partners. In-depth insights into all aspects of digital production demonstrated throughout the Xeikon Café is what they appreciate most as it helps them stand out and stay ahead of the game.”

The fifth edition of Xeikon Café Europe will take place from March 26-28 in Belgium. The event will focus on the labels and packaging industry, and as established industry event, it will highlight the latest innovations in an ever-transforming world of digital production. In addition to the educational Academy with technology-driven presentations and practical workshop sessions, the conference will feature strategic high-level speakers that provide inspiration and education designed to help attendees move their businesses forward. The exhibition portion of the event will feature a diverse range of leading industry suppliers, each participating in end-to-end demonstrations of a diverse range of applications designed to provide attendees with new ideas to drive revenue.

For the first time, a Student Day has been added to the program and will take place on Friday, March 29. While the first three days of Xeikon Café Europe are open for anyone interested in digital production to attend, the last and fourth day will this year be dedicated exclusively to college and university students. The Student Day is designed to educate student attendees on the opportunities available in the exciting world of digital print manufacturing and the graphics industry in Belgium, encouraging the next generation of talent to join the industry. Xeikon Café is working closely with VIGC, the Independent Innovation Centre for Graphic Communication in the Benelux.

Now in its third year, Xeikon Café North America, taking place from May 14-16, will be a three-day exhibition and conference focused on labels and commercial printing, including the graphic arts market. This edition also will feature the latest applications using the new digital production technologies offered by Xeikon and a broad range of industry suppliers. They will share their offerings in an open venue and in conference sessions designed to inspire and educate.

“Whether visiting Xeikon Café in Europe or North America, visitors can be assured of discovering a wealth of industry knowledge, be able to view top-notch technologies and learn about inspiring applications,” Mertens says. “The true value of Xeikon Café lies in the many exhibitors we look forward to welcoming back in 2019, as this is what makes it an unrivaled industry event. By working together with leading suppliers in workflow, substrates, converting and finishing, we can really demonstrate what can be achieved by fully integrating end-to-end solutions for digital production.”

Mertens also notes that the Xeikon Café website has been revamped to include a dedicated application section where all applications that have been demonstrated at a Xeikon Café event are available online, including full descriptions and production details, offering an extensive library of business opportunities for digital printing companies. “This will increase and extend the value of the work all Xeikon Café partners put into making the Xeikon Café events unique in the industry,” he concludes.