If you read certain headlines, you might think it was time to leave the print and mail industry:
- Print is dead!
- Companies abandoning physical mail for digital platforms!
- AI is going to replace us all!
Fortunately, the attendees of the 2025 IPMA Educational Conference in Spokane had a very different outlook. The industry is alive and well – and full of people who understand a key ingredient of successful leadership – Joy.
I attended several presentations that were supposed to be about technology – printers, finishing equipment and software. The IPMA members did share how well the solutions worked. Yet when asked what was the key element that made them successful, the answer was always “my people”.
Managers spoke joyfully about how their teams were involved in the entire process. Beginning with them asking their operators, what do you need? With smiles, the leaders explained the needs were simple – equipment and software that worked. All the time.
When talking about overcoming challenges in installation (like needing a crane to deliver a printer through a window!), it was the team that made the difference. And they included vendors as critical members of those teams. Vendors that wanted their clients to be successful – beyond the sale.
Another common element of these stories – the smiles on the faces of the people telling them. The laughs when sharing the need to replace the “sticky note method of tracking jobs” with a real system. The nods and chuckles from the audience when recognizing themselves in the same situation.
The joy continued into the trade show. This was our first time having a booth, and I was a bit nervous. My fears were misplaced as everyone was so nice. People asked questions, and talked about themselves and their situations. New friends traded business cards and old friends traded hugs.
The awards reception and dinner continue to be one of the happiest moments of the year. The displays of the award-winning achievements were inspiring. While technically a competition, it is truly a celebration of what is possible.
Of course, any mention of IPMA and joy has to include the IPMA staff. When Mike saw me getting out of the taxi, he stopped to welcome me to the conference. Amy made sure that I had everything I needed for the show. While I “see” Jennifer on the quarterly MTAC webinars, her smile is even better in person. While Jan didn’t make the conference this year, her presence was felt the entire week.
Professionally and personally, the IPMA 2025 Conference was one of the most joy filled weeks of the year.
I can’t wait for IPMA 2026 in Greenville!
Mark M. Fallon is president and CEO of The Berkshire Company, a consulting firm specializing in mail and document processing strategies. The company develops customized solutions integrating proven management concepts with emerging technologies to achieve total process management. He offers a vision of the document that integrates technology, data quality, process integrity, and electronic delivery. His successes are based upon using leadership to implement innovative solutions in the document process. You can contact Mark at mmf@berkshire-company.com.