IMI’s 24th Annual Thermal Printing Conference

 Carrabassett Valley, Maine – Information Management Institute’s 24^th Annual Thermal Printing Conference is November 18-20, 2013 at the Suguaro Scottsdale, Scottsdale (Phoenix), AZ.  

Preliminary conference details and on-line registration are now available on IMI’s web site www.imiconf.com

According to IMI President, Al Keene, “For forty years, forecasters and ‘experts’ have predicted the demise of thermal printing at the hands of ink jet and electrophotography – BUT today’s $35 billion thermal printing industry is larger and more diversified than ever!”

Keene continues: “However, the thermal printing industry is also more volatile than ever. Current trends such as the hand held computing revolution, virtual receipts/documents, social media, smart phones, cloud computing, competitive technology advancements, etc. all combine to present both challenges and opportunities for the thermal printing industry.”

“With thermal printing’s strong strategic position in several market sectors (tags, tickets, labels, POS, ID cards, production photo, etc.) we are seeking the thermal printing industry’s strong participation in this year’s thermal printing conference to showcase the industry’s strengths and potential for continued market and application expansion.”

Keene concludes: “IMI is currently accepting presentation proposals. Anyone interested in participating as a conference speaker should submit their proposed presentation title and outline via email to as soon as possible, We are seeking ideas and inputs on topics and speakers that will contribute to a better understanding and evaluation of thermal printing’s future – particularly specific market sector insights, technology solutions, case studies or other relevant topics for the thermal printing industry.”

Conference Chairman Harold Schofield of Schofield Imaging Associates emphasizes, “This year’s Thermal Printing Conference will have an end use and supply chain focus to assess the thermal printing industry’s current and future prospects. As a mature technology, thermal printheads and media are highly refined, distribution channels are well established and thermal printing continues to dominate its primary markets. While sometimes overlooked in mainstream printing applications, thermal printing’s reliability, cost performance and unique capabilities have enabled it to retain its enduring market share while still expanding into new and exciting applications. This years’ conference will provide in depth, strategic insight into all aspects of thermal printing from a supplier, channel sales and end use applications perspective. The program will offer the most comprehensive coverage of thermal printing industry trends and future prospects available.”

In summary, Keene said, “IMI’s 24^th Annual Thermal Printing Conference format is designed to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of exploiting world markets and capitalizing on the many new and exciting information, communications and media related innovations taking place in our society and economy. The program will explore ways in which smart phones, mobile computing, wireless advancements, cloud computing, etc. may mold the future usage of the unique and resilient technology known as thermal printing.”  

Conference registrants can also participate in IMI’s unique Suppliers’ Forum session and give a 5-minute presentation covering their technology, products, services, requirements, etc. as well as having a complimentary display space in the conference display area.  Contact Al Keene at IMI  for additional information regarding these opportunities.