NAGASA - Forum 2000

Channel economics, e-commerce, profitability, and distribution models are key topics as we enter a new millennium where the rules of distribution are changing along with the century. The graphic arts and imaging distribution channel has evolved into a challenging, complex business environment, and at Forum 2000 we examine the specifics of how the functionality of the channel is changing and the critical technical, economic, and market drivers shaping these changes. We’ll deliberate on specific tactical actions that we need to take – as companies and as a channel – to address and anticipate this evolution. Mark your calendar today! Join your peers, your customers, and your suppliers at Forum 2000 as we make plans to manage distribution profitably into the new millennium!

Forum Mission
Forum is the annual meeting of the printing and imaging distribution industry, bringing together all segments of the channel to network, learn about, and discuss:

Forum’s goal is to enhance the profitability and success of businesses in the channel, and by extension the broader channel itself.

Forum Attendees
Forum’s hundreds of attendees include top management from dealers, distributors, converters, manufacturers, and others who are active in printing and imaging distribution processes. Organizations of all sizes attend – ranging from single-location, owner-managed companies to national, publicly held organizations – since a vibrant channel requires that all perspectives be heard.

Forum’s Format
Mornings begin with a general session, after which attendees break into Work Groups to deliberate on specifics during lunch. Afternoons vary and include additional scheduled sessions, committee meetings, Dealer/Manufacturer Action Teams, and other interactive meetings.

Forum 2000 Preliminary Schedule

Friday, April 7
12:00 noon	Welcome lunch for New Board Members
1:00 pm	NAGASA Board Meeting
5:00 pm	Board Meeting Adjourn

Saturday, April 8
7:00 am	Registration Desk/New Member Tabletop Setup Begins
8:00 am	Network Meetings Network meetings offer peer groups of dealers, equipment and supplies manufacturers, and independent manufacturer representatives with opportunities to gain knowledge, interact with peers, and share information. Sessions and the topics planned include: Owner-Managed Dealer Network Session Bettendorf, IA. Accounts Receivables: Mary Beth McCutcheon, President, MBM Associates, Washington, DC Equipment Dealer Network Session Model Floor Planning Agreement Equipment and Supplies Network for Small Manufacturers and Distributors Accounts Receivables: Mary Beth McCutcheon, President, MBM Associates, Washington, DC Independent Manufacturer Representative DRUPA/International Contact Directory
11:30 am	Network Meetings Adjourn
12:00 pm	Depart for Sports Tournaments Golf Outing/Tournament Chair: Gil Carrillo, Global Access Marketing Tennis Tournament Chair: Nat Zucker, PIC Graphic Products, Ltd.
6:30 pm	Chairman’s Reception for First-Timers and New Members
7:00 pm	Forum 2000 Welcoming Reception

Sunday, April 9 Day 1: Channel Economics
7:00 am	Continental Breakfast/Tabletops Open
8:30 am	The Emergent Economics of Distribution: Blueprints for Actions Bruce Stuart, President, Channelcorp Management Consultants, Vancouver, BC Forum 2000 kicks off with an overview of channel economics and what we need to undertake to address the new business worlds in which we live. Nationally recognized speaker Bruce Stuart leads Channelcorp Management Consultants, Inc, a global consultancy specializing in helping companies transform their distribution channels and business partner activities into a substantial source of competitive advantage. Having worked with clients that include Xerox, Tektronix, Silicon Graphics, and other leading companies, Stuart begins with a detailed analysis of key topics confronting the channel as we enter a new century, addressing issues such as the economics of distribution, how the evolution in distribution economics affects customers, dealers, distributors, converters, and manufacturers in their value-added role, and the implications of this altered economic landscape to mergers and acquisitions by all segments. Stuart then introduces specific, tactical, take-home actions that each attendee can employ to enhance a profitable role for their company within this new economic model of distribution.
12:00 noon	Working Lunch: The National Economy and the Printing and Imaging Industry The Year 2000 is the start of a new millennium that will see a national election, an Olympic games, and DRUPA. All can have an impact on the print economy, as do basics such as interest rates, inflation, and other key indicators. An expert shares insights on what’s expected with the national economy and the printing economy. Andrew Paparozzi, Director of the Economic Research Center, National Association for Printing Leadership, Paramus, NJ
2:00 pm	Workshop 1: The Economics of the Channel in the Year 2000 NAGASA’s 1999 Financial Ratios study has been published, and once again it provides revealing insights about channel economics. The expert who compiled the data reviews it and shares thoughts on its messages. Plan on an interactive discussion! William Donlin, Partner, Donlin & Stephens, PSC, Highland Heights, KY
3:30 pm	Workshop 2: Ship and Credit Study Group Based on member interest NAGASA convened a Study Group under the leadership of Fred Heinkel of PrimeSource to understand the ship and credit process and its impact on the economics of manufacturers and dealers in the channel. Here’s a report on the group’s progress with a chance for members to deliberate on the issues and path forward. Moderator: Fred Heinkel, Vice President, Sales, PrimeSource Corporation, Pennsauken, NJ, and Chair, Ship and Credit Study Group
6:00 pm	Reception
	Dinner on Own

Monday April 10 Day 2: E-Commerce and the Channel
7:00 am	Continental Breakfast/Tabletops Open
8:30 am	Internet Opportunities for Printers, Dealers, and Manufacturers Bruce Merrifield, President, Merrifield Consulting Group, Chapel Hill, NC Headlines assert: "Investment banking firm Goldman Sachs & Co, said it expects a five-year $1.5 trillion boom in business-to-business e-commerce in industries ranging from automobiles to medical equipment" "Experts estimate that businesses generated $39 billion from e-commerce applications last year and $114 billion this year." "Many companies have already been huge beneficiaries of online growth, mainly through using the Internet as a new medium for product distribution and customer interaction." What are the implications for the graphic arts channel? In this mission-critical Forum 2000 presentation, e-commerce expert and author of the landmark National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors report, Electronic Commerce for Distribution Channels, Bruce Merrifield begins by defining e-commerce terms and technologies. He’ll then introduce how distribution channels from across the economy are embracing this new tool, including successes, challenges and opportunities. We’ll conclude with e-commerce perspectives and case studies. Panelists: Doris Brown, CEO, Indocs Online, Inc.; Greg Howell, President, GOprinter.com; Freddie Seba, COO, PrintNation.com; Richard Chance, Managing Director, VieNet, Steve Ciesemier, Vice President, PagePath Technologies, Inc.
12:00 noon	Working Lunch: Internet Applications A range of e-commerce start-up companies -- Collabria, Impresse, Noosh, 58K.com, PaperExchange.com, PrintBid.com, Printer Alliance.com, PrintNation.com, Proofitonline.com among them – exhibited at Graph Expo. Others are announcing products and services. What value-added role do they play, and what business models are they pursuing? What implications does each have on the channel? Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s in the marketplace and the strategies being pursued. Robert F. FitzPatrick, FitzPatrick Management, Inc., Charlotte, NC, and Stephen P. Aranoff, ARTTEX Associates, Redwood Shores, CA
2:00 pm	Workshop 1: Enhancing and Upgrading a B2B Web Site Business press reports that business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce is expanding rapidly, a fact reinforced by NAGASA’s recent FlashStudy survey revealing that over 80% of companies in the channel have a web site. We’ll hear specifics in this workshop on upgrades that add value to an existing site, including practical insights on implementation. Christopher Barry, Programmer/Analyst, MacDermid Graphic Arts, Billerica, MA
2:00 pm	Workshop 2: The Rules of Engagement on the Internet The Internet can change the rules that have guided channel relationships. This interactive session explores what the rules of engagement using the Internet should be, the goal being to understand and develop a working set of rules for engagement using this powerful new virtual tool. Moderator: Kyle Walker, Vice President, Walker Supply Company, Rockville, MD
6:00 pm	Reception & Presentation of Tournament Awards
	Dinner on Own

Tuesday, April 11 Day 3: Technical and Customer Directions in the Year 2000
7:00 am	Continental Breakfast/Tabletops Open
8:30 am	Technology Keynote: A Glimpse Over the Horizon Our fast-paced and changing technological environment makes it valuable to gain insight about developments and trends that have not yet reached the marketplace. We begin the session with a report on this from a company that is pioneering new technologies and applications. Apple Computer invited; speaker to be confirmed
9:15 am	Customers, Technology, and the Next Twelve Months DRUPA takes place in May, and technological developments are cascading into the marketplace from many arenas. But what are our customers planning in terms of purchases? We’ll hear a report on customer plans. Gina Thacker, Manager Economic Research, Printing Industries of America, Alexandria, VA
10:00 am	Refreshment Break
10:30 am	Customer Perspectives on Direct-To Platemaking and Proofing Computer-to-plate is reported to have many benefits, but we also hear it’s not for everyone. Implementation difficulties have also been reported, including the need for a dependable proofing system, lack of adequate systems backup when platesetters malfunction, and concerns about liability issues when client digital files are improperly constructed. In this customer-focused discussion we’ll hear from printers on why they are – and are not – embracing CTP as a viable upgrade to their production workflow, what they want from their suppliers in the assessment and implementation process, and more. *Moderator: Mark Ellisor, President, Thompson Supply, Austin TX plus printer panel members to be confirmed Panelists*: Gene Brenner, President, Brenner Printing Company, San Antonio, TX; Lanne Brehmer, President, Lebco Graphics, Boeme, TX; David Hart, Owner, Hart Graphics, Austin, TX; and Bill Connors, Executive Vice President, Pearl Pressman Liberty Communications Group, Philadelphia, PA
11:30 am	Consolidation and the Channel Customers are consolidating, and this is viewed as a key driver in channel practices. We’ll hear the facts and trends associated with this ongoing development, including implications to the channel on a path-forward basis. Robert F. FitzPatrick, FitzPatrick Management, Inc., Charlotte, NC
12:15 pm	NAGASA Annual Member Meeting and Luncheon
2:30 pm	Luncheon Adjourn
	Forum 2001 Planning Meeting No. 1 Location to be confirmed
6:00 pm	Reception and Forum 2000 Awards Banquet
Program modifications may be anticipated

Forum 2000 Sport Tournaments

Saturday, April 8
12:00 noon Transportation to the Tennis and Golf Tournaments Departs Hilton
Have your clubs and racquets checked with the Bell stand Staff ahead of time and be dressed and ready to board busses before noon. Busses will leave for the respective tournaments at 12:00 noon. Box lunches will be served at the tournament sites.

Golf Outing/Tournament. Gil Carrillo, Global Access Marketing, Chair
The primary site for the tournament is the Silver Horn Golf Club, 1100 West Bitters Road, San Antonio, Texas. Phone: 210-646-5300. Fax: 210-545-1119. Due to the growing popularity of the tournament, arrangements have been made for additional golfers at the Pecan Valley Golf Club, 4700 Pecan Valley Drive, San Antonio, Texas. Phone: 210-333-9018. Fax: 210-333-3023.

Tournament play begins at 1:30 sharp with a shotgun start. All pre-set foursomes must be forwarded to NAGASA in advance and no changes will be permitted after March 15, 2000. Participants not submitting pre-set foursome information will be assigned to foursomes. Changes will not be permitted following assignment. The tournament is open only to Forum 2000 registrants and their companions.

The tournament fee of $120 per person includes $75 for greens fee, cart rental, golf course professional assistance, event and logistics coordination including contests and scoring, plus $45 for lunch, beverages, transportation, prizes, insurance, gratuities, and taxes. Register for the tournament by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form and indicating your handicap.

Silver Horn is a brand new course opened since January 1996. Designed by golf course architect Randy Heckenkemper in concert with PGA tour professionals Willie Wood and Scot Verplank, the course offers a challenge to golfing enthusiasts regardless of skill level. Silver Horn's 6,900 yard, par-72 layout was carved from more than 200 acres of mature Hill Country oak and cedar forest. Its tree-lined fairways, strategic use of sand and water, and beautifully framed and contoured greens make it a "must-play" while in San Antonio. Pecan Valley is a historic golf course. It has been constantly rated in Golf Digest's "Top 100 Public Courses" since 1984 and is scheduled to be the site of the 2001 USGA Public Links Tournament. Newly renovated in fall 1999, Pecan Valley boasts manicured Bermuda grass fairways and greens, breathtaking scenery, and strategically placed bunkers and doglegs to challenge every skill level. This exciting layout, set within 200 lush, wooded acres, is nestled along picturesque Salado Creek. Pecan Valley truly offers a spectacular experience for even the most discriminating golfers.

Tennis Tournament. Nat Zucker, PIC Graphics, Chair
The event begins at 1:00 pm at the McFarland Tennis Courts located at 1503 San Pedro in San Antonio, Texas. Courts are located 15 minutes away from the hotel. Bus transportation will be offered departing the Hilton Palacio del Rio promptly at 12:00 noon. McFarland offers 22 hard courts, a fully stocked pro shop, tennis pros - it is truly a full service tennis facility. It comes highly recommended by both the Hilton Hotel and local channel leaders.

The tournament fee of $50 per person includes court time, balls, tennis center professional assistance and event coordination, lunch and beverages, transportation, prizes, insurance, gratuities, and taxes. Register for the tournament by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form and indicating your experience level.

Forum 2000 Companion Program
Hostesses:
Carol Fichera (Dealer Communicator) and Hostess Chair
Sophia Alaura (OLEC Corporation)
Ruth Ann Goodwin (Glunz & Jensen)
Ginny Kannenberg (RBP Chemical)
Barbara Murphy (The Murphy Company)
Karen Thornhill (Taylor Impression)
Beverly Palmer (Western Lithotech/A Mitsubishi Chemical Company)

Saturday, April 8
12:00 noon	Transportation to the Tennis and Golf Tournaments Departs Hilton Have your clubs and racquets checked with the bell stand staff ahead of time and be dressed and ready to board busses before noon. Busses will leave for the respective tournaments at 12:00 noon. Box lunches will be served at the tournament sites.
1:00 pm	Tennis Tournament at McFarland Tennis Courts Join the fun on the McFarland Tennis Courts in San Antonio! The event begins with a box lunch and refreshments, followed by a round-robin doubles tournament. The tournament fee of $50 per person includes court time, balls, tennis center professional assistance and event coordination, lunch and beverages, transportation, prizes, insurance, gratuities, and taxes. Register for the tournament by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form and indicating your experience level.
1:30 pm	Golf Tournament at Silver Horn/Pecan Valley Courses Tournament play begins at 1:30 sharp with a shotgun start. All pre-set foursomes must be forwarded to NAGASA in advance and no changes will be permitted after April 3, 2000. Participants not submitting pre-set foursome information will be assigned foursomes. Changes will not be permitted following assignment. The tournament is open only to Forum 2000 registrants and their companions. The tournament fee of $120 per person includes $75 for greens fee, cart rental, golf course professional assistance, event and logistics coordination including contests and scoring, plus $45 for lunch, beverages, transportation, prizes, insurance, gratuities, and taxes. Register for the tournament by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form and indicating your handicap.
6:30 pm	Chairman’s Reception for First-Timers and New Members
7:00 pm	Forum 2000 Welcoming Event Join us at our opening reception! Come say hello to old friends and meet new ones while enjoying beverages and heavy hors d’ oeuvres at this traditional welcome to Forum! Suggested attire: business casual.

Sunday, April 9
7:30 am	Forum 2000 Continental Breakfast
10:00 am	Missions and Alamo Tour We visit the Alamo, Cradle of Texas Liberty, where Colonel William Travis, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and other defendants fought for Texas independence. The group visits Mission San Jose, the finest example of a completely restored mission in the United States. It’s renowned for exquisite stone carvings, including the famous Rose Window. Also included is a visit to Mission Concepcion, a stop that allows one to experience the strength of the Friars who introduced Christianity to the local native population. Visitors will see the Missions’ original frescoes still visible within the walls of the church. This is the oldest unrestored stone church in our nation today. The Group returns to hotel at about 2:00 pm. Includes lunch. Reserve your spot by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form.
6:00 pm	Reception Dinner on Own

Monday, April 10
7:30 am	Forum 2000 Continental Breakfast
9:00 am	San Antonio Zoo and El Mercado The group first visits the San Antonio Zoo (admission fee included in tour fee) where visitors can see birds, animals, and other fauna from around the globe. Next, the tour heads for El Mercado and the Farmers Market, a San Antonio tradition where fresh produce is still sold directly to the public. El Mercado features hundreds of shops vending colorful Mexican and Southwest items. Bargain for gifts from South of the Border and enjoy the many Mexican restaurants. The Group returns to the hotel at about 3:00 pm. Includes lunch. Reserve your spot by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form.
6:00 pm	Reception and Presentation of Tournament Awards
	Dinner on Own

Tuesday, April 11
7:30 am	Forum 2000 Continental Breakfast
11:00 am	Companion Luncheon and Forum 2001 Planning Session Forum Hostesses are planning a special luncheon presentation followed by discussions about plans for the Forum 2001 Companion Program. Bring your ideas and suggestions! Drawing for prizes.
6:00 pm	Awards Banquet Reception
7:00 pm	Awards Banquet Plan on joining us at our closing event as we enjoy a five-star meal and honor channel leaders. Make your seating selections at the registration desk at your earliest opportunity. Suggested attire: Suits for men, dresses or suits for women; formal attire optional.