~ by Cindy Voth, Marketing Coordinator
From May 4 – 8, 2025, Friesens was thrilled to welcome publishing professionals from across North America to our hometown of Altona, Manitoba, for our much-anticipated Publishers Seminar. This week-long event was more than just a seminar, it was a mixture of learning, collaboration and fun!
A Behind-the-Scenes Experience
The Publishers Seminar is one of Friesens most cherished traditions. It offers our valued customers a rare, immersive opportunity to see how we operate…not just as a printing company, but as a team of passionate employee-owners. Over the course of five days, our guests experienced the full lifecycle of book production, from concept to completion, while building meaningful relationships along the way.
Day One:
The week kicked off with guided tours of our facilities, giving attendees a firsthand look at our operations. We then dove into a lively discussion about current trends and challenges in the publishing industry. The afternoon featured insightful sessions with Brad Schmidt, Tech Support Specialist, and Gerald Gerbrandt, Image Editor, who shared their expertise on MyBooks and Colour Management…two essential tools in the modern publishing toolkit.
Day Two:
Tuesday was a hands-on day of creation. Our guests rolled up their sleeves and began crafting their own books. With guidance from Brad, they prepped their files, explored paper options with Purchasing Manager Richard Friesen, learned about plate making with PrePress Manager Wally Thiessen, and experienced the thrill of press checks with Production Manager Nathan Bolduc at our Printers Way facility.
Day Three:
Wednesday was all about the finishing touches. Paul Brunet, Production Manager at our Industrial Park facility, led a lively discussion into the bindery process…cover design, lamination, and decoration. Attendees even tried their hand at folding pages manually, discovering just how much skill goes into every step. The day wrapped up with final book assembly at the Industrial Park location and a celebratory windup dinner, where each participant received a personalized book and a “Certificate of Completion” presented by Sales Manager Scott Sinnett.
Until Next Time…
The Spring 2025 Publishers Seminar was a resounding success, full of learning, laughter, and lasting connections. We’re already looking forward to the next one. Until then, thank you to everyone who joined us. You’re not just our customers…you’re part of the Friesens family.
