PICA think-tanking about camphones and consumers

The impact on traditional camera sales from new camera phone technology and under-developed consumer awareness of specialised print services will be high on the agenda at a two-day PICA 'Think Tank' to be held in March.

The objectives of the Think Tank are to create a three-year plan to help position the imaging industry to take full advantage of emerging technology and consumer trends.

"We need to be able to quickly evaluate and select new technologies and then strongly promote them," he said. "I am concerned at the apparent lack of people under 40 who are passionately involved in the imaging industry. We need them to have a keen eye on emerging trends and with the ability to help develop changes in consumer behaviour."

Marshall added: "While we are reliant on manufacturers coming up with new products, we must recognise that the industry has a better job to do in capitalising on the enormous growth in image capture. We have a long way to go in getting people printing more of their images. There is still low consumer awareness of specialised print services, such as photo books and poster-sized printing for home décor."

Marshall said other issues to be covered by the Think Tank included managing social media, taking full advantage of the coming replacement of Barcode with 3mm BoCode and its added capabilities and the strength of the Australian economy.

Among the other issues raised at  PICA’s annual general meeting late last year, were the GST $1000 tax free private import threshold, managing e-waste, standardising tools for e-commerce and the problems of getting consumers to understand the full benefits and connectivity of well-featured products.

These matters are currently being researched for a background paper which will form the agenda for the Think Tank.

The Think Tank will consist of members of the PICA board members and especially invited representatives of CE distributors. The PICA board includes Bruno Turcato (Epson), Richard Bailey (HP), Clyde Rodrigues (Kodak), Pierre Visser (Fujifilm), James Murray (Nikon), Clem Kennedy (CR Kennedy), John Swainston (Maxwells),Bruce Pottinger (L&P) and Rob Gatto (Kayell).

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