The theme-based event was flagged off in 2014 and has now covered themes such as embellishments in print, packaging, books and publishing, and Make in India success stories in print.

R Gopakumar, president at KMPA, mentioned in a press note shared with PrintWeek, “The idea behind Print and Beyond is simple: how to empower a printer to move up the value chain and evolve into a product creator.”

“In keeping with this philosophy, KMPA has endeavoured to get the best speakers to present their experiences and perspectives with us. This has helped in enabling the development of the print industry in Kerala,” he added.

The day-long programme will consist of interactive sessions as well as presentations from industry stalwarts. Gopakumar will kick-start the event with a welcome address and G Venugopal, chairman at Print and Beyond will give an introduction to the seminar and the theme.

KR Jyothilal , IAS, principal secretary, Government of Kerala, will give the inaugural address. The keynote speaker will be CN Ashok, managing director at Autoprint Machineries Manufacturers. He will be speaking on optimism in today’s economy.

Harsha Paruchuri, director at Pragati Offset will talk about the opportunities for creating printed products using innovative technologies. Soon after, SN Venkataraman, divisional head – marketing, ITC PSPD, will be discussing the new opportunities in manufacturing plastic-free print products.

Rejendrakumar Anayath, vice chancellor at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, will share his thoughts on quality as a secret for growth. Anoop Venugopal, technical director at Anaswara Offset, which recently won the NAEP Best Printer of the Year 2019 award, will also join Anayath in sharing his views about maintaining quality.

Ramu Ramanathan, editor at PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? magazines will conduct an interactive session with the speakers, and the session is said to be the icing on the cake, according to Gopakumar.

Finally, Biju Jose, general secretary of KMPA will conclude the programme with vote of thanks.

The Print and Beyond seminar is held every year as a tribute to Jose Joseph, the founder of Printers Castle for his invaluable contributions to the Kerala print association and the Indian printing industry.