Canon, a leader in imaging solutions, in partnership with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, hosted the first ever ‘Future Book Forum’ in the Middle East.

The forum, which took place on April 28 during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, gathered more than 60 top publishers from the Middle East region, and attendees discussed key challenges faced by the printing and publishing industry, potential solutions on how new technologies can help improve profitability, and identifying new opportunities for growth.

By analysing the findings at the forum, Canon is defining a better future for the book, making them even more personal, intelligent and useful – the “Smart Book”.

The five-year partnership agreement with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to hold the Future Book Forum is set to support the printing and publishing industry in the Middle East by developing insights on the latest trends that can help businesses by reducing costs, increasing sales and profitability.

“As part of this partnership, it is our aim to evolve and foster the emirate’s book heritage and culture. The world is changing and it is our duty to guide others and help them adapt to this change and succeed with it,” said Abdullah Majid Al Ali, director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. “We are proud to partner with Canon and lead the printing and publishing industry towards a bright digital future that is upon us”.

“In this digital era, organisations across all industries are embracing IT transformation solutions across their business processes, to streamline operations and increase efficiencies,” said Shadi Bakhour, Business Unit director, B2B, Canon Middle East. “Through this partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to provide printing and publishing industry experts with a futuristic vision into the industry; helping them create inspirational and profitable experiences, through understanding the customer needs and the technologies that will enable them.”

“Furthermore, we are also aiming to expand our partnership to continuously enlighten and enable the industry through case studies, workshops and more,” added Bakhour.

During the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Canon is showcasing a live demonstration of a digital book production workflow; helping publishers better understand the important role technology plays in creating opportunities and overcoming current industry challenges.

The workflow demonstration will be showcased through Canon imagePRESS Color, Oce varioPRINT B&W, book binding, and Web-to-Print Technologies. Canon will be hosting Jamalon, an online bookstore operated by Canon’s technology and Art Plus, showcasing an online photobook printing workflow. - TradeArabia News Service