The Print Industries of New England (PINE) recently held its annual conference, and this year’s event was centered around two vital themes: workforce development and company culture. In a rapidly changing industry like print, where technology and consumer preferences continue to evolve, the focus on building a resilient, empowered workforce and cultivating a positive organizational culture resonated strongly with attendees. What made this year’s event particularly noteworthy, however, was the equal representation of men and women among its speakers, setting a standard for inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
Company culture and workforce development took center stage as leaders in the print industry discussed how to attract, retain, and train the next generation of workers. With an equal mix of male and female experts presenting, the conference provided a wide-ranging discussion on how companies can build stronger teams by focusing on skills development, mentorship, and creating supportive work environments. Speakers shared strategies for equipping employees with the tools they need to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring the industry stays competitive in an increasingly digital world.
One of the standout sessions featured a panel of both men and women discussing the role of establishing and maintaining a people-centered positive work environment as both a retention strategy and an attraction plan. Both genders shared their experiences and insights on how an intentional plan can bridge knowledge gaps, encourage career growth, and promote leadership from within. This inclusive approach added depth to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for all workers, regardless of gender, to thrive in the print industry.
With discussions revolving around how to build inclusive, healthy, and productive workplace environments, the audiences were extremely engaged and there was a high level of discussion and questions happening in each breakout session. Again, the gender balance in the speaker lineup played a critical role in shaping these conversations. With equal representation, the dialogue on company culture was enriched by diverse viewpoints, offering practical advice on how to foster a culture that values teamwork, open communication, and respect for all employees.
One key takeaway from the conference was the recognition that a strategic shift in mindset is crucial for workforce retention. Gone are the days when an owner or manager thinks that everyone who works for the organization is just “lucky” to have a job. Presenters and attendees agreed that a new playbook must be developed to engage and accommodate the Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) workforce that is entering the working world by the millions. In today’s competitive labor market, companies with inclusive, supportive cultures are better positioned to keep their top talent. Several speakers underscored the need for print businesses to actively cultivate workplaces where employees feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to grow.
PINE’s decision to ensure equal gender representation among the speakers reinforced the message that inclusivity is key to fostering both strong workforces and healthy company cultures. The event not only provided valuable insights into workforce development but also highlighted the importance of diversity in leadership and the broader print industry.
Kelly Mallozzi is a sales coach, marketing consultant, speaker, blogger, and podcaster with 30 years of print obsession to brag about. Her mission is to help print companies drive sales and customer loyalty through content strategy and sales process optimization, all with an eye on culture, workforce development, and personal skills optimization. In 2023, Kelly won the coveted Girls Who Print Girlie Award as recognition for her many efforts to support women in the print industry. She is a mentor to many sales stars and is devoted to helping to attract younger people to the print industry. She believes that truly great people never stop learning and that sales and marketing are the lifeblood of the growth of any print company.
On the personal side, Kelly grew up in Michigan, founded a roller derby league in Chicago, and is mother to TWO sets of twins under 15.
Engage with Kelly! https://successinprint.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyquinn1969/
