EFI Connect 2020 Keynotes Feature CEO, Former IBM Exec

Next year’s iteration of the annual Electronics For Imaging, Inc. users’ conference, EFI Connect, will be among the most informative and valuable in the event’s 20-year history, thanks in part to keynote sessions that deliver new insights and expertise in workflow management and automation, integrated digital print, and industry growth marketing strategies.

Keynote speakers for the conference – which is taking place Jan. 21-24 at the Wynn Las Vegas resort – include former IBM senior executive Alfred Zollar, who will share his expertise in enterprise management systems.

Jeff Jacobson, the longtime print industry leader who joined EFI as its CEO and executive chairman in 2019, will also share his vision for the future of the industry in a Connect keynote.

Plus, a special fireside chat keynote session will feature a conversation between Jacobson and former EFI CEO Guy Gecht.

Zollar, who will speak in a 4:45 p.m. session on Jan. 22, is currently part of the executive partner team at Siris Capital, LLC and helped structure the mid-2019 private equity acquisition of EFI by a Siris affiliate.

Before working with Siris, he had a 34-year career in IBM’s enterprise software businesses in information management, application development, networking, operating systems and security.

“The Connect audience is the industry’s most engaged in terms of businesses’ commitment to improvement by leveraging data and ERP tools,” said Zollar. “I look forward to sharing many important future trends with them, including developments that affect how printing companies can manage their businesses to maximize productivity, flexibility and security in increasingly complex computing environments.”

Jacobson’s Jan. 21 keynote session will give attendees a clear vision for the future of print based on the major trends shaping the future of communication, marketing and commerce. He will bring a perspective gleaned from his three decades in print – a tenure that includes roles as the CEO of Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Presstek and, most recently, Xerox. His keynote insights are informed by the extensive contact he has made working with customers since assuming the top executive role at EFI in August.

The special fireside chat keynote later that day will, for the first time, feature two EFI CEOs on stage at a connect event as Jacobson interviews Gecht.

“I interviewed Jeff Jacobson for a fireside chat in 2017, and now the tables have turned!” said Gecht. “I’m excited about being on the other side of the table and looking forward to sharing new reflections on the industry and its future opportunities. Print service providers continue to face challenges and opportunities, and their ability to quickly learn and adapt is key in realizing profitable growth. As we start a new decade, I’m excited to come back to Connect, which continues to be a unique conference for customers and suppliers to gather actionable insights about trends in the industry and in technology.”

“Connect provides outstanding value as a platform for sharing ideas in a way that really sets the tone for the year – outlining the proactive steps printing companies can take to establish a profitable, competitive advantage in their businesses,” said Jacobson. “The discussions that will take place next month are not to be missed, especially with the caliber of experts we have coming to Las Vegas.”