ISS Show - Fort Worth Day 1

I had expectations of what I hoped I would learn and experience on the first day of the conference. I wanted to learn about new techniques and products; meet other screen printers; and take a look at my marketing strategy. The trade show floor doesn't open until tomorrow, so today was just educational sessions. I signed up for both sessions.

The first was Advanced Screen Printing Workshop. This was great. Right off the bat Charlie Taublieb dropped technical information on us regarding halftones, pre-press, screen tension/stretching, etc. The highlight were his samples of plastisol printing with such details and incredibly soft feel. with the touch of that garment, the bar was raised, but also became achievable at the same time. Super motivated to bring these elevations back to my shop.

Lunch was unremarkable, except I met another screen printer Samuel King and we started talking. Our set-ups were near identical. Chatted up for the hour and exchanged cards. We had a few more minutes before the afternoon session, so he went to make calls, I went to see a bit of the downtown Fort Worth (images). Met a few more people then went into the next class.

The second session was The Marketing Revolution. Now all the topics I've heard before, so really nothing new. Surprisingly though, it hit me in a new way. I thought I had a pretty good marketing plan and sure it needed some improvement, but I didn't expect to need a new direction. In essence, less technical, more personal. We were encouraged to really connect in a social and philosophical way. I'll need some time to wrap my head around this kind of vulnerability!

In retrospect, all my expectations were met, and more. It was a mentally full day and I'm very glad I went to both sessions. Now...some sleep and another full day tomorrow.