Business News
FESPA Launches The Wide Network: the Industrys Only Online Community Dedicated to Digital Printing Professionals
Monday 14. July 2008 - FESPA today announces the launch of The Wide Network, the industrys first and only online networking community site for wide format digital print professionals. Those interested in sharing ideas, experiences, discussing current issues, the latest products and staying up-to-date with the latest digital developments can now join the network at http://widenetwork.ning.com.
With more than 350 individuals already signed-up as members on the Wide Network, FESPAs social network service is fast becoming a hub for the global digital print community. The network provides users with a number of useful features, such as a digital events calendar, industry contacts, photos and videos, and a number of communication mediums to facilitate peer networking and interaction.
Each member on the network has their own individual profile page. Members can personalise pages by providing relevant information, in terms of their professional interests, current job roles, pictures and videos, with a view to potentially securing interest from new business contacts within the industry.
Marcus Timson, FESPA Corporate Communications, says: “Online social networking has revolutionised the way we communicate with one another. With millions of people using networking sites on a regular basis, they are a valuable tool for sharing information, monitoring public opinion, and interacting with industry peers. Already people across the globe are helping one another to get the best value from their technologies and this is a core FESPA value! As an umbrella organisation for trade printing associations, FESPAs key aim is to support our members and the wider printing community. We believe that providing a platform for like minded people to network and build business relationships is what we do well with our leading exhibitions – the Wide Network is a superb way to extend that value online.”
Wide Network members can interact with each other in a variety of ways, such as email, instant messaging, blogs and discussion forums. The Wide Networks forums, for instance, enable users to source valuable input from other print professionals and gain important industry knowledge and feedback. For example, screen printers potentially looking to invest in digital printing as an additional revenue stream, are able to get in touch with digital experts, ask them questions and learn about the industry.
Members of the Wide Network are also able to create or join online groups relating to particular interests, such as the environment. The sites Planet-Friendly Group, for instance, helps members keep abreast of the latest environmental news and developments. The sites group facility also provides a way for members to lobby or champion causes.
Network members can use the Wide Networks blogging feature, displayed on the sites main page facility, to share their thoughts and ideas with other digital professionals. Users can also subscribe to the Wide Network blog RSS feed, ensuring that they receive up-to-the-minute notifications when new blogs are added to the website.
Marcus Timson concludes: “We have already received some very positive feedback from the industry and are optimistic that all members will find the Wide Network a useful platform to network and engage with other users in the digital wide format printing community. FESPA looks forward to welcoming you all on board the Wide Network.”