Connected in May: In the Face of AI, Community Still Matters

While the industry continues to buzz about AI it’s easy to forget one fundamental truth: relationships still matter. 

At Joanne Gore Communications (JGC), May was all about leaning into that balance. AI is a tool. But community is the engine. And when used together, that’s when real magic happens. From conference stages to virtual meetups, we kept our focus on what makes the print and marketing world tick: connection, creativity, and the conversations in between. 

Konnections 2025 

We kicked things off at Konnections 2025, presented by Kornit Digital. Joanne took the stage to share insights on how smart partnerships can bring value to life across industries, across generations, and across marketing channels. 

Her session spotlighted a stat that got the room talking: Consumers are 62% more likely to make an impulse purchase when they can physically touch a product. 

In an increasingly digital-first world, physical touch is more than a feature. It’s a differentiator. Whether it’s tactile packaging, textured print, or textiles that tell a story, what people feel often determines what they buy.  

Joanne’s takeaway? Real connections build real business and that starts with showing up. 

Dscoop EDGE Long Beach 

Mid-month, the JGC team landed in sunny California for Dscoop EDGE Long Beach one of the biggest annual gatherings of HP digital print professionals. The show floor was packed with innovation, inspiration, and insight. 

For JGC, Dscoop was about more than just the tech (though there was plenty of that). It was a reminder that community still powers the print world. We met with clients, partners, and soon-to-be collaborators, sharing stories, ideas, and a few late-night laughs. Watch the Dscoop video clip 

Have you heard of She*t For Brains?  

On July 25th, David Rosendahl of MindFire, Chris Minn of Infigo, Jessica DeCola of GPA, and Jon Bailey of Precision Proco, launched a grassroots initiative focused on mental health and wellness in the print industry. Inspired by the unscripted experiences shared by Jon Bailey at Dscoop EDGE Indy in March 2024, the four collectively saw an opportunity to discuss how personal and professional challenges manifest in a variety of ways, and how they can create a space that provides resources and connections in a healthy and meaningful way. 

At Dscoop EDGE Long Beach, She*t For Brains held it first session to a full house and I was honored to be in attendance!  

If you’re not a member we encourage you to join the She*t for Brains: Private group on LinkedIn.  

LinkedIn Live: Tapping Into the Power of AI 

Not everything this month happened on the ground. On May 28, Joanne hosted a LinkedIn Live webinar exploring how AI can support marketing strategies, from content creation and A/B testing to campaign planning and persona development. 

If you missed her Graphics Canada presentation or just wanted a deeper dive, this session offered practical, actionable ways to put AI to work, without getting overwhelmed by the tech. 

Missed it live? You can catch it on-demand here. 

ICYMI: Power Talk at Graphics Canada 

We know, this technically happened in April, but it’s very much worth revisiting. At Graphics Canada 2025, Joanne led a Power Lunch & Learn hosted by the Ontario Printing and Imaging Association (OPIA) The session tackled: 

•  Turning digital disruption into profit 
• Attracting today’s buyers with modern strategies 
• Future-proofing print businesses with smart marketing 

Attendees got a free lunch, exclusive book discounts, and a front-row seat to one of the most talked-about presentations of the show. 

What’s Next: Your Summer JGC Webinar Lineup 

On June 18, we’re hosting an interactive Zoom MeetUp titled  How to Become an Indispensable Partner.  Expect practical insights, a few hot takes, and a collaborative discussion about what it means to stand out.  

And on July 30, we’re teaming up with David Rosendahl for a special live session:
Leading with Resilience: How Mindset, Mental Health & LinkedIn Shape Your Next Chapter. If you’re navigating change—personally, professionally, or both—you won’t want to miss it.  

We’re sunsetting the summer with a Showcasing Success: The Power of Case Studies  webinar on August 27. If you’re curious about what makes a story stick, join us for an interactive LinkedIn Live session where we’ll dive into how real stories – the good, the bad, and the unexpected – can help you connect with buyers, build trust, and drive results 

These sessions are built to inspire action and drive growth. No fluff, just real talk from people in the trenches.  

In the face of AI, community is still everything. Yes, the tools are evolving. But the heartbeat of our industry is, and always has been, people. Relationships. Trust. And the stories we share to bring print to life. 

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