Increasing Your Value by Networking for Success and Creating Innovative Solutions

Print Buyer Panel Session: a panel of print buyers will present how they found a new job, received promotions and improved their status in their company and in the print industry by implementing innovative solutions 

Come to this session to learn unique ways that you can promote yourself and protect your job.

Dwight Bennett is a well-seasoned print buyer with over 25 years of experience. Dwight says that he owes much of his past and current success to effective networking. He's worked for prestigious organizations such as U.S. Holocaust Museum, Department of Transportation, Daughters of American Revolution, and the National Association of Homebuilders. Dwight is currently the Printing Specialist at the National Archives (NARA). Dwight will share how he weaves a network of colleagues by attending and actively participating in focused local and national conferences, production clubs, online sources (such as Print Buyers Online.com) and by getting involved - for example by serving on the Board of Directors for the International Publishing Managers Association and the Postal Customers Council. Dwight will demonstrate why it's critical to stay up on the latest regarding new technologies and environmental sustainability - to protect your current job or to elevate yourself over others when interviewing for a new job. He will discuss the resources he uses, how he builds and maintains relationships and how having the right attitude makes all the difference.

Mary Ann Fong, the Assistant Director of Creative Services for Temple University will talk about networking from an introvert's perspective. Does the thought of networking make you want to retreat to your comfy chair with a good book and a cup of tea? Hear how a confirmed introvert overcame her reluctance to put herself out there, and how it's helped her personally and professionally. Mary Ann Fong will share how she increased her value within her company and in the industry by passionately embracing sustainability and driving solutions for her clients. Listen to the benefits that she reaped for herself and her company by carving a niche where none existed before.

Another print buyer gained huge recognition in an article that was sent to several million people for his sustainability efforts on behalf of his company.