INDUSTRY / NEWS 8 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk November / December 2024 - Issue 351 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine September 26th the Steel Yard in London was abuzz with excitement for the Strategic Mail Partnership (SMP) Awards 2024 organised by several companies within the printing and mailing industries. The event was hosted by comedian Ellie Taylor, back by popular demand after having hosted the previous year’s event. Taylor regaled the lively and raucous crowd with a set of stand-up comedy, before presenting the awards. The awards on offer were in three distinct categories: the Mail Performance Award, the Sustainable Campaign Award, and the Bright Futures Award. The winner of the Platinum Performance this year was the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI's) in-house agency, in collaboration with Go inspire, Encore Group, and Paragon. Integrated marketing company Webmart won awards in all three categories, including a Bright Futures Award for client strategist at Webmart, Darryl Worbey. Speaking at the show, Maddie Reynolds, winner of the Silver Bright Futures Award, said: “We’re an industry of very few young individuals and it’s nice to see people who are championing us in print. I think the SMP really champion that young talent within our industry, which is so important.” Another winner of the night was Instantprint which won the Gold Award in the Mail Performance category. The Mail Performance Award was won for a direct mail campaign in which Instantprint sent physical books to its customers to try to demonstrate its prices, quality, and turnarounds in a unique, eye-catching way. By Jonathan Pert SMP Awards celebrates industry success SMP Awards included the Mail Performance Award, the Sustainable Campaign Award, and the Bright Futures Award A host of companies within the print industry have announced updates that use generative or machine-learning AI, including manufacturer Heidelberg and web-to-print company OnPrintShop. In a recent report from Forbes Advisor, it was estimated that 42% of the British public are concerned about a dependence on AI and a subsequent loss of human skills, with 39% worried about autonomous AI systems making decisions without human intervention. For software company Alludo, AI would appear to be a key part of its technological innovations. The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, a design program marketed by Alludo for uses including business cards, magazines, and brochures, has recently announced a new AI graphics feature. Web-to-print software company, OnPrintShop, showcased its latest generative AI innovation at the recent PRINTING United Expo 2024 in Las Vegas The OnPrintShop storefront aims to streamline the process of turning designs into prints for companies and customers. Companies endorse AI in print Read more of the story via the QR code above World Mental Health Day took place on October 10th, an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. Recently, the charity Mental Health UK released its ‘Burnout Report 2024’, which was based on a YouGov poll of around 2000 adults. The survey found that 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year. Ahead of World Mental Health day, The Printing Charity released an article about how print businesses can prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace. Findings in the article came from a ‘Knowledge Exchange’ webinar hosted by the charity, in which individuals from across the printing industry shared what measures have been effective in their workplaces to create positive environments. Among the suggestions put forward during the event was the idea that print employers should consider providing physical and mental health checks to employees as well as recreational group events, activities, and dedicated spaces within work premises for relaxation. The Printing Charity highlights key takeaways on World Mental Health Day The Printing Charity suggests that printing companies should provide physical and mental health checks to employees Drupa, a global trade fair for printing technology, has confirmed that it is sticking to its four-year cycle and holding its next exhibition in May 2028. Taking place once more in Düsseldorf, Germany, the event will be held between May 9th and 17th, 2028, which is two days shorter than the 2024 eleven-day show. Wolfram N. Diener, chairman and chief executive officer of Messe Düsseldorf, comments: “Drupa 2024 was more international than ever, and the positive atmosphere throughout the halls reflected our industry’s determination to drive profound change in order to make the printing and packaging industries more sustainable through automation, artificial intelligence, and strategic partnerships.” Speaking about the change in duration for the event, Sabine Geldermann, director of drupa, adds: “Shortening the fair’s duration is a direct response to the industry’s desire for a more focused and efficient event that continues to provide international participants with a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking innovations and technology.” The organisation has confirmed that it will reveal the conceptual direction, key visuals, and ‘future claim’ of drupa 2028 next year. Drupa announces dates for 2028 Drupa will return to Messe Düsseldorf to showcase a range of print technologies for nine days in 2028 By Jonathan Pert By David Osgar
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