The COVID-19 crisis has led to seven megatrends - Dscoop APJ's Second Town Hall

The Dscoop Podcast

The COVID-19 crisis has led to seven "megatrends," according to HP's Victoria Andersen, and she says digital print is ideally positioned to address many of those trends for brands. The slide she presents at the 49:10 mark of this episode was a highlight of the second APJ Town Hall discussion.

Andersen, HP Indigo Regional Brand Innovation & Sustainability Lead, shared insight about today’s best branding and sustainability practices during the Town Hall. The session was organized after Dscoop received great feedback from members who attended the first APJ Town Hall discussion.

The "Ask Us Anything" Town Halls, which have been held in all three global Dscoop regions, are a great way for printers to ask questions, talk openly and gain ideas. Perhaps more than ever, now is the time to learn from printers and partners in the Dscoop community. Here's a roundup of ideas presented across all regions during Town Hall sessions.

In the video recording above, Oran Sokol, former GM of HP's Asia Pacific Graphics Industrial Business, kicked off the forum and thanked Dscoop members for their support over the past few years. "I assure you all I'm still very much involved in the Industrial Business, and will be a strong supporter and advocate for [print business in] Asia."

Oran then introduced Arnon Goldman, his successor in the GM role. Many printers in the APJ region already know Arnon, who has 24 years of industry experience. He shared his close connection and history with Dscoop, which began in 2010 at the Dscoop 5 event in Dallas. He told the audience he has always appreciated the ideas and energy of the APJ print community.

Here are highlights of the Town Hall, with time markers noted:

16:10 mark of the video: Arnon says that overall, HP has focused on two main things since the start of the pandemic: (1) providing support through activities such as providing laptops and more to communities, and (2) helping printers evolve and grow through activities such as customized HP Indigo demos, education about converting equipment to produce PPE items and more.

20:30 mark of the video: Arnon talks about how and why HP restructured its Graphics business and formed a new global business unit called Personalization Industrial Business (or PIB for short). It involves 3-D printing technology, a heavy focus on personalization and other facets that can Dscoop members innovate.

26:30 mark of the video: Oran encourages APJ members to broaden their target applications beyond main product areas. The pandemic has taught us that "printers with a more diverse range of applications have a stronger position" today, he said. "Flexibility and building a broader base is the secret [for increased resiliency] -- it doesn't happen overnight but each of you can think about what else you can do with what you have, with little investment."

39:30 mark of the video: Victoria cites statistics from the International Monetary Fund that show an expected stalled growth and output declines for Asia in 2020. Total business growth in China is expected to be 1.2% this year after growing 6.1% in 2019.

49:10 mark of the video: Victoria presents a slide on seven "megatrends" and how digital printing is able to address each:

1. Businesses are shifting from optimization to agility and speed
2. Companies will organize around the customer
3. Global supply chains will restructure around maximum efficiency
4. More online shoppers and more online stores will appear
5. Trust and purpose matter more than ever
6. Authentic human connections will redefine commerce
7. Opportunity to re-establish brand loyalty

This second APJ Town Hall proved to be a great way for members in the region to hear HP updates, share ideas and gain real-world advice.

For more information and the full video replay of this episode visit dscoop.com