by DPS Magazine Staff
thINK is an independent community of Canon production inkjet customers, solution vendors, and print industry experts. Each year the organization comes together for the thINK Ahead conference. Sponsored by Canon, it encourages thoughtful discussions that combat industry challenges and help forge positive changes that lead to mutual success.
This year marked the 11th year of the conference, which was held in Boca Raton, FL from July 14 to 16, 2025. The event attracted 145 customers, 65 prospects, and a total of 435 attendees.
The thINK Board kicked off the event with an energetic welcome, followed up by an keynote presentation by Matt Iseman—host of American Ninja Warrior.
The final day of the event, attendees were given a Canon update from Sammy Kobayashi, president/CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Takao Hada, advisory director, deputy chief executive digital printing business operations, Canon Inc.
Of note, Hada provided an in-depth look at the recently released varioPRINT iX 1700 sheet-fed inkjet press, which features new Qualinx technology.
Peter Wolff, chief marketing officer, Canon Production Printing Holding B.V., a subsidiary of Canon, also spoke to the company’s market strength and product portfolio as print trends move from analog to digital.
Future Focused
The allure of Boca Raton as the host venue for the annual event is more than just sunshine, pools, and beaches.
Canon’s Customer Innovation Center is just a few minutes away. Attendees were invited to visit the facility for tours and demonstrations. On display this year, web-fed Canon ProStream 3160 and Canon ColorStream 8200 production inkjet presses; Canon PRISMA software; varioPRINT iX 3200/varioPRESS iV7 and varioPRINT iX 1700 sheet-fed inkjet presses; and the Canon Colorado, Canon Texas, and Canon Arizona large format printers.
The 2025 event featured 43 sponsors, including Canon U.S.A., Inc.—the Executive Partner; Platinum Partners Domtar, Muller Martini, Pixelle, Standard Finishing Systems, and Tecnau; and several Gold Partners. Experts from partner companies were stationed in the Partner Pavilion to meet with attendees.
The conference also featured breakout sessions tackling hot topics including artificial intelligence for print success, future-proofing your workplace demands, predicting the future of commercial print in a chaotic time, and elevating print consistency with G7+.
Boca: 2026
thINK Ahead 2026 is scheduled next year from July 13 to 15, 2026.
Sep2025, DPS Magazine
