Two years ago, Xplor launched the Xplor Document University (XDU) with the support of Founding Sponsor, Kodak. The mission of XDU was to bring educational programming to members when, where and how they chose to access it.

In addition to their new "standalone conference" format Xplor is supporting InfoTrends in their upcoming Transpromo Summit and providing educational content for MyPrint09.

During the last two years, Xplor has released new programming and member benefits including: expanded website content, XDU Online, Lunch and Learn webinars, Xplor Career Center and much more in an attempt to fulfill their mission.

Next month, Xplor will launch another new program, XDU On the Road, which according to President / CEO, Skip Henk “will take Xplor programming to the heart of
the Xplor chapters and regions.”

The nine city U.S. tour includes Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Tampa, Minneapolis, Omaha and Oakland.

E-Document News spoke with Skip about the new program:

E-Doc: Skip, this new nine city tour seems like an aggressive program for Xplor International. How is it going?

Skip: Exceptionally well. Our research indicated that people were looking for a personal “one to one” experience that smaller meeting formats allow. It has been embraced by our members and the industry.  Six of the nine events are being hosted by local end-user companies.

E-Doc: What is the format of the meeting?

Skip: We designed the program based on the changing needs of document professionals. Registration starts at 9 a.m., sessions begin at 10 a.m., Xplor provides lunch at Noon, an additional session resumes at 1 p.m. and concludes with a panel briefing and discussion with our sponsors, wrapping up at 4 p.m.

The format gives the attendee plenty of time to arrive, learn from the experts, meet with peers, share their experiences and have plenty of time to get home. Some cities will also provide a facility tour.

E-Doc: What will the sessions focus on?

Skip: We are extending our theme from the Global Conference and focus on Trends in Customer Communications. We want people to walk away with ideas and solutions for creating better documents, communicating more effectively and, in some cases, validating what they are currently doing.

E-Doc: Do you see this as an ongoing program for Xplor?

Skip: Yes, and I expect it to grow as we go along. The Chapters and Regions have embraced the concept as it has become harder and harder to devote time to organizing local events as our volunteer Officers have less and less time.

Our members have called and asked us to add cities.  We are considering the possibility in 2009 and if not, 2010.

We have signed, and will be announcing two inaugural sponsors for XDU on the Road, in addition to XDU Founding Sponsors, Kodak, and we are working with 6-10 other vendor companies that have expressed interest in the program.

E-Doc: Any closing comments?

Skip: For more information about XDU On the Road visit http://www.xplor.org. For the vendors, we still have extremely cost effective sponsorships available.  Interested vendors can email me at skip@xplor.org.