This time last year, everyone in the industry was gearing up for trade show season. Imaging USA was just winding down in Nashville and WPPI was getting ready to kick off in Las Vegas.

Then things changed.

As trade shows were canceled around the world, the large-format industry suddenly found itself in high-demand, supplying solutions for everything from directional signage to “thank you” banners to custom printed masks.

And, the outlook for 2021 doesn’t appear to be much different. From trying new media to buying new technology, print service providers will continue to do what they can to stay ahead of the rapidly changing market.

We’re here to help you navigate those changes. Let’s look at some of the advice experts are offering for 2021:

Be Aware – To help PSPs meet the immediate demands of clients and create new revenue streams, it’s important to understand the versatility of your equipment and media portfolio. Melissa Donovan, a writer for Digital Output, says “Those with the right hardware—printers and finishing devices—took existing operations and leveraged them to their advantage.”

Grow Customer Relationships – The customers who were new in 2020 will likely become some of your best “word-of-mouth” marketing in 2021, bringing you additional growth throughout the year. During an interview for the FESPA newsletter, Yucel Salih said, “Connections established in 2020 may prove incredibly useful in showing customers what’s possible with print in 2021.”

Grow Partnerships – With the way things can change so quickly, PSPs shouldn’t feel the need to go it alone. Understanding where to find help – whether it’s a new application or technology – is another way to continue to thrive in the ever-changing print landscape.

The biggest takeaway heading into 2021 is the trends that we are seeing now are based on current market conditions and can shift quickly based on what’s happening locally, nationally, and globally.

Looking back at anticipated trends of 2020, printing custom face masks was probably not at the top of the list, so please continue to discuss your business opportunities with your LexJet sales specialist for the most current information.

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