Future of Newspaper Production: Smarter, Leaner, Greener
The programme is subject to change without prior notice. Please check this webpage regularly for the latest updates.
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Thomas Schultz-Homberg, CEO of Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger Medien, offers exclusive insights into the AI strategy of the Cologne-based media company and shows how artificial intelligence can revolutionize processes in traditional publishing houses. In his presentation, he will use specific use cases to explain how intelligent AI agents optimize daily workflows in print-related areas. He will also show how the digital transformation in logistics and delivery is setting new standards and how the reader market and customer service are benefiting from innovative AI solutions.
A particular focus will be on the future potential of artificial intelligence in print-related areas, in which Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger Medien will increasingly rely on automation through AI agents. Find out first-hand how traditional media are tackling the challenges of the future with modern technology.
This session will present the findings of the annual World Printers Forum survey, a longstanding initiative that gathers insights from production executives across the industry. The survey explores key trends, identifying where leaders see opportunities for growth, areas of stagnation, and where investments are being made. Join us to gain a clear perspective on the industry’s current outlook and its direction for the future.
Suppliers will present case studies developed in collaboration with their customers. These sessions are grouped by key operational areas—pre-press, press, mailroom, and more—highlighting practical solutions, innovations, and measurable outcomes from across the production process.
16:00-16:20 Upgraded manroland Geoman Press – Case by DCOS
Speaker: Markus Krichenbauer, owner and CEO, Senner Medien GmbH & Co. KG and Senner Druckhaus GmbH
Mr. Krichenbauer has been a DCOS customer since 2014. DCOS modernised his manroland Geoman press with new control, drive, and inspection systems, replacing outdated hardware with reliable standard components. In his presentation, Mr. Krichenbauer will share insights on the long-term stability of the DCOS system and how it has supported the growth of his business. Beyond publishing his own newspaper, he actively develops innovative print products and also highlights the role of data-driven production monitoring and preventive maintenance. His talk will showcase his commitment to innovation and leadership in modern newspaper production.
16:20 – 16:40 From Local Printing to a National Benchmark – Case by QIPC-EAE
Speaker: Dario De Cian, General Manager, Centro Stampa Quotidiani SpA
The presentation traces the evolution of Centro Stampa Quotidiani SpA, founded in 2000 through the foresight of two local publishers who decided to close their individual printing centers and join forces. Continuous investment in new technologies over the years has transformed the company into a benchmark for newspaper printing in Italy, utilising both offset and digital technology.
16:40 – 17:20 Ippen Media Group – Standardisation of the Print Format for Optimisation in Previous Workflow Processes – Joint-Case by Krause-Biagosch GmbH and Koenig & Bauer
Speakers:
Daniel Schöningh, CEO, Ippen Media Group
Stefan Beke-Bramkamp, Sales & Marketing Director, ppa, Krause-Biagosch GmbH
This session will showcase how Ippen Media Group transitioned to a standardised Berliner print format, supported by a centralised workflow with Krause Prepress, Koenig & Bauer presses, and Ferag mailroom solutions. The project, implemented across five sites, significantly enhanced print capabilities, streamlined operations, and secured long-term cost efficiencies.
As part of the transformation, three sites were closed due to outdated setups and non-standardised formats that limited future flexibility. The presentation will highlight the workflow and press improvements—particularly in CTP and printing—while offering a forward-looking perspective on how standardisation supports sustainability and competitiveness in print.
This session will be conducted in German, with bilingual slides and assisted translation available during the Q&A.
The annual Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards competition identifies the world’s most innovative print advertising products, publications about sustainability as well as sustainable working processes.
Start your day with inspiration as we honour this year’s winners of the Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards. Join us as the award recipients take the stage to share brief insights into their journey, innovations, and the impact of their work on the future of print.
An evening to connect and unwind! Join fellow delegates for a relaxed and memorable evening of informal networking, conversation, and celebration. The annual WPS social event is a highlight of the conference – a favourite tradition where industry peers come together to share stories, forge new connections, and enjoy great company in a relaxing atmosphere, all while sampling delicious local cuisine.
Production companies are increasingly challenged by shortages of essential materials. How are they adapting to ensure continuity and efficiency? This session brings together production executives and suppliers to explore strategies, share insights, and discuss solutions for navigating today’s complex procurement landscape. This session is in German.
The global printing industry, including banknote production, faces mounting cost pressures. While increasing efficiency and reducing production costs are essential steps, they’re no longer enough – everyone is doing the same. But in a world where digital tools are cheap and accessible, innovation is harder—and more critical—than ever. Counterfeiters no longer need heavy machinery; today’s threats come from scanners, design apps, and standard office printers. The key to staying ahead? Advanced security features. Optically variable elements—like applied foil features and security threads—present major challenges to counterfeiters. Even more, printed optically variable features continue to prove highly effective. Dr Heim will showcase examples, including video animations, that highlight the power of these innovations in the ongoing fight against counterfeiting.
11:00- 11:20 Retrofit of Crucial Mailroom Components at Pressedruck Augsburg – Case by Ferag
Speakers:
Andreas Ullmann, Head of Technology Technical Management, Pressedruck Augsburg
Robert Scheuffelhut, Deputy Head of Technology Technical Management, Pressedruck Augsburg
Christian Frick, Sales Manager System Graphic, FERAG Deutschland GmbH
Marcel Binder, Sales Director, Ferag AG
Representatives from Pressedruck Augsburg and Ferag will present a case study on retrofitting Multidisc winding units in the mailroom. By upgrading control and drive technology, existing equipment was modernized to extend lifespan, reduce investment, and ensure full performance. The units were retrofitted and tested at a Ferag facility before re-installation. Pressedruck Augsburg will lead the presentation, with Ferag providing support and Q&A.
Ferag will also address the challenges faced by the few remaining suppliers—such as investment uncertainty, capacity planning, and alternative sourcing—and explore solutions for long-term sustainability, including potential industry alliances. In addition, they will present on their intralogistics business, highlighting consulting for large-scale conveyor and sorting solutions, with expert Karl Friesenbichler as speaker.
11:20-11:40 VRM is achieving major cost and time savings with automated page-layout system implementation. – Case by MWM
With a digital-first mindset, the opportunity to automate page-layout system enables publishers to reduce costs and increase speed in the production of e-papers and printed newspapers.
VRM has together with Protecmedia developed and implemented Aida with success achieving spectacular results. The process and the systems are highly automated and uses AI to a great extent. Besides high quality software and AI, the process and organisation also is a large challenge at hand which VRM has successfully managed well.
Speakers:
Adrian Baldamus, Project Manager, Protecmedia
Jörgen Karlsson, Head of Sales, MWM Group AB/Protecmedia
11:40 – 12:00 Retrofit. Upgrade. Transform. – How to future-proof your printing business – Case by manroland Goss
The printing industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by cost pressure, sustainability requirements, and the demand for efficiency, digitization, and automation. In this dynamic 15-minute session, we present real case studies of retrofits and upgrades on both manroland Goss and third-party equipment. These examples show how printers worldwide have increased competitiveness and secured long-term operational success. Our partnership approach ensures solutions tailored to the unique DNA of every press – because no two systems are alike. Discover how transformation today unlocks your opportunities for tomorrow.
Speakers:
Alexander Karl, Head of Sales Aftermarket Europe, manroland Goss
Sylvain Lepinay, Vice President Engineered Solutions, manroland Goss
UPM is a global leader in sustainable paper production, offering the widest range of graphic papers from 10 mills in Europe and North America. Kati Murto, VP, Marketing, Sustainability and Communications, will share insights on the value of paper today and UPM’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and ambitious climate targets. UPM partners with customers to deliver trusted, high-quality solutions for diverse print needs.
The summit concludes with a forward-looking panel featuring publishers sharing their experiences and perspectives on the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Learn how the regulation could impact your operations and supply chains, and engage in a live Q&A to explore what readiness looks like in practice.
