Dscoop and HP enjoyed another banner event, as more than 1,700 people descended upon Orlando, FL, USA to attend Dscoop Edge. With a theme of “Turning Ideas Into Reality,” 38 countries and 35 states were represented at the HP users conference–with Dscoop Americas celebrating its 14th annual event.

From March 24-27, the Gaylord Palms Convention Center hosted Dscoop Edge, which included an in-depth education track and a jam-packed Solutions Showcase. Dscoop provided attendees with three keynote presentations, 75 educational sessions, a technical track and partner sessions, totaling more than 70 hours of educational content.

Meanwhile, the Solutions Showcase welcomed 14 new exhibitors to its roster of 87 solution, media and workflow partners. With the concept of printing more, smarter and profitably, the Showcase covered 100,000 square feet.

“We want you to connect and build relationships that go beyond these few days and last throughout the years,” said Amanda Free, Dscoop conference chair. “Connection is a core and a foundation. We’ve got some speakers to discuss innovation and how to bring them to life. We also have to inspire each other. We can make those connections last a lifetime.”

With technology driving change in various industries throughout the world, Dscoop Edge explored creating a more connected community–one that will benefit and collaborate using all the latest printing innovations.

“What changes businesses are networks,” noted Keith Wilmot, CEO of Dscoop. “Let’s do the same thing with print. Networks disrupt. Imagine if every company you represent were connected and sharing ideas, capacity and innovation.”

As part of the event, Dscoop officially launched membership-based services: Dscoop Plus and Dscoop One. They are designed to provide a global support network for HP users to develop print solutions that pop off the shelves. Dscoop has also unveiled its new website, dscoop.com. The organization’s goal is to provide year-round support for its members.

“We want to deliver value to Dscoop next week and the week after next and the week after next. It’s the power of Dscoop online but every single day of the year,” explained Wilmot. “With a partner like HP, we think we can do it and do it in a powerful way.

“We can now open up our network to a slew of creatives, brands and agencies and showing them what print can do for their business,” he added. “We believe dscoop.com can be a real catalyst to drive that on a global basis.”

Dscoop Plus, available for $99 per month, allows users to create profile and upload content into the profile. Creatives, designers and printers can subsequently share ideas and concepts in a forum atmosphere. Dscoop One, on the other hand, retails for $249 per month and serves as a full business concierge. Additional tools available to subscribers include the marketing of projects through social feeds and various channels, access to events and other resources with HP.

“These are great tools for small-to-medium sized business owners, providing great exposure,” said Wilmot. “It’s an exciting time in Dscoop’s journey where we deliver value every day of the year. HP is an incredible partner of Dscoop. We’re very closely linked and they use this brand, this community to showcase their great technology.”

According to Wilmot, only 25% of HP digital press owners are actively involved with Dscoop, and the establishment of these various tools will push that number closer to 80%.

In order to connect with the next generation of printers, Dscoop also announced initiatives with various partner schools, ranging from Clemson and Florida to Michigan State and Wisconsin – Stout. Dscoop Academia is intended to create a symbiotic ecosystem of future talent and growing print and packaging businesses needing resources. A student portal facilitates the posting of resumes in an attempt to secure internships or full-time positions within the industry.

Solutions Showcase
The Dscoop Solutions Showcase, featuring 14 new exhibitors in 2019, highlighted a range of new products to hit the labels and packaging scene. HP highlighted its diverse fleet of presses, as well as the accompanying end use applications possible with the company’s technology. The new HP Indigo 6900 digital press and HP Indigo 20000 digital press were featured prominently, displaying personalized applications such as labels and flexible packaging.

The Showcase floor featured samples and displays from a wide range of suppliers. Label Traxx exhibited its Siteline module, while K Laser promoted its new Kold Foil One. AB Graphic, meanwhile, showcased its finishing solutions when used with an HP digital press. Delta ModTech, Kurz and RotoMetrics were also prominently displayed at the event.

At acpo’s booth, Tom Dupont discussed the company’s latest specialty overlaminate films and flexible packaging offerings. The Glitter Laminate has been constructed to add dazzle and depth to labels. He also detailed the steps necessary to create flexible packaging without adding any additional equipment. acpo also has options to turn printed material into pouches or bags.

Actega announced a new aqueous primer, ACTDigi LEP Primer AQ1409610 for use inline with the HP Indigo 30000 digital press for folding carton production. The ACTDigi LEP Primer AQ1409610 is scheduled for commercial availability beginning June 2019.

Matik highlighted its range of “true” digital finishing solutions from SEI Laser. SEI Laser offers digital finishing solutions that completes the digital production process, delivering speed to market, die-free cutting, kiss-cutting, marking and micro-perforating.

S-One, meanwhile, displayed its flexible packaging and pouch solutions printed on HP Indigo digital presses. The company’s pre-laminated flexible packaging films can be used for a variety of applications, ranging from cookies and crackers to cosmetics and gardening supplies.

Ralph Giammarco and Tom Hauenstein also presented in the educational track, discussing how to get into flexible packaging and what’s required. The company’s flexible packaging solutions can provide smart capabilities and anti-counterfeiting features. With growing demand in flexible packaging, more applications are available to converters than ever before.

“Understand what it takes to get SQF qualified if you want to get into food packaging. If you go that route, the biggest growth we see in flexible packaging is food and cannabis packaging,” said Hauenstein.

“Everyone here wants to do more with digital because they can see the trends,” explained Giammarco.

Finally, Wausau Coated Products featured its 2019 Cellar Select Wine Label Guide. The facestocks have been engineered for customized orders, with 155# Crimson Flocked Marquee displayed at the booth.