中文If you’re in the production inkjet space, there’s one event that keeps getting bigger every year — and the 2026 edition just raised the bar again. thINK Ahead 2026, running July 13–15 at The Boca Raton in Florida, is shaping up to be the most ambitious iteration of Canon’s premier inkjet user event in its 12-year history.
The headline moment? The US unveiling of the next-generation varioPRESS iV7, Canon’s newest B2+ sheetfed inkjet innovation. Attendees will get live demonstrations of the press — a rare early-access opportunity that’s normally reserved for trade show unveilings months later.
What Makes This Year Different
Let’s start with the numbers: more than 40 Canon production inkjet partners will be in the Partner Pavilion — the highest level of partner participation in thINK Ahead history. That’s not just a vendor showcase; it’s a working ecosystem. Software providers, workflow specialists, substrate partners, and finishing equipment manufacturers will all be there, offering solutions that connect directly to Canon’s inkjet platforms.
The educational programming has also expanded significantly. Sessions will cover AI-powered RFP development, AI governance frameworks, cybersecurity preparedness, operational cost optimization, and the impact of USPS postal regulations on print providers. These aren’t fluffy trend talks — they’re practical workshops designed to help print service providers navigate real business challenges.
The Keynote That’s Generating Buzz
Jon Taffer — the hospitality turnaround expert from Bar Rescue — is delivering the keynote. It might seem like an unusual choice for a print event, but the logic is sound. Taffer has spent nearly four decades transforming struggling businesses into profitable ones. His no-nonsense approach to operational excellence, leadership culture, and customer experience translates directly to what print providers face daily: stagnating workflows, margin pressure, and the need to evolve beyond traditional service models.
His keynote will challenge attendees to break through operational stagnation, optimize workflows, and embrace the mindset shift required to grow in a changing market.
Technology on Display
Beyond the varioPRESS iV7, attendees will see Canon’s full production inkjet lineup: ColorStream, ProStream, varioPRINT iX3200, and varioPRINT iX1700 presses. Wide format workflow solutions will also be demonstrated.
The Canon Americas Customer Innovation Center will host immersive tours, giving attendees hands-on time with the technology rather than just watching from a distance.
Why This Matters
Chris Wells, President of thINK, captures it well: “thINK Ahead continues to be one of the most valuable opportunities for Canon production inkjet customers to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.”
The event isn’t just about Canon showcasing new hardware. It’s about a community of print providers sharing real-world experiences, benchmarking their operations, and figuring out together how to make inkjet technology deliver actual business results — not just impressive spec sheets.
If you’re running production inkjet or considering the shift, Boca Raton in July is where the conversation happens.
Source: WhatTheyThink
