On August 20th, we held our very first event as the cXm Professionals Association (CXMPA). This milestone wasn’t simply about unveiling a new name—it was about reaffirming our commitment to the industry’s evolution and to the professionals who make it thrive.

Our journey began with Xplor International, a professional community that provided decades of industry awareness, educational programs, and networking events. Today, CXMPA proudly continues that legacy while expanding its mission. We are no longer just document-centric; we are communications-centric, focusing on empowering professionals across all delivery channels to meet customers with the channel of their choice.

We honored the legacy of Xplor International and were joined by a surprise guest, Skip Henk, EDP, who reminded us of the importance of carrying the community forward while embracing the industry’s evolution.

“It’s great to be here for the launch of the cXm Professionals Association. Over the last several months, Scott shared his vision and collected my input on how to keep the Xplor community together while preparing for emerging trends. This association is different. It’s a new model that takes into account not only the needs of the industry, but its evolution. I encourage all of you to participate and support this organization. I hope to see many of you at Printing United.”

Skip Henk, EDP
Former President & CEO, Xplor International

We also heard from Betsy Keplinger, M-EDP, representing the EDP Commission. She emphasized that the transition into the cXm Association isn’t just an administrative change, but a chance to expand EDP’s reach into the broader world of customer communications.

“With the cXm Processionals Association, we’re making it more future-focused, more accessible, and more supportive of the professionals who carry this industry forward,” she explained. “We’re also building out the EDBOK as a living reference for professionals.”

Betsy Keplinger, M-EDP
EDP Commission Chair

Building on this momentum, we also heard from Pat McGrew, M-EDP, who emphasized the continuity of our education mission and how Printing United plays a pivotal role in that transition.

“What you’re hearing is a huge commitment to continuing a tradition that started decades ago in educating our community—and carrying that forward into cXm Professionals. To keep our education mission alive during the transition, we partnered with Printing United, which graciously opened an entire track for us. It’s our way to celebrate the change, honor the history, and welcome in a new era with cXm Professionals.”

Pat McGrew, M-EDP
Education Committee Chair

As Skip, Betsy, and Pat each highlighted, this launch is about continuity and evolution, while building on a strong foundation and creating new opportunities for growth and professional development. Upcoming newsletters, webinars, industry events, and social media will continue to foster conversations and provide members with new opportunities to connect and engage. Our first opportunity is CXMPA’s Industry Analyst Summit on September 4th. This invite-only event is bringing together our industry’s analysts to collaborate on amplifying our messaging, strategies, and educational programming needs based on industry trends and topics.

When forming CXMPA, the topic of maintaining opportunities for our community’s professional networking and social events consistently arose. Join us as we do just that at our first cXm Professionals Social Hour on Tuesday, September 9th at 5:00 PM Eastern. Our first social hour host is Jonathan Malone-McGrew, EDP. Social Hours are unscripted with no PowerPoint slides! Come for the connections, stay for the conversation. Just professionals helping professionals as we connect and catch up with each other.

The Enterprise Print Xplor Educational Track at PRINTING United in Orlando this October is another opportunity for us to connect as members and industry professionals. Register and join us for our day of educational panels on Thursday, October 23rd. If you need a pass, connect with me or one of our panel moderators.

To everyone who joined us for the launch: THANK YOU for believing in the importance of this community. To those who couldn’t attend, I invite you to connect and engage with us on LinkedIn @CXMPA and X @cXmPros, share your perspective, and help shape the future of our customer communications industry.

Together, we are cXm Professionals.

Advancing CXM together,
Scott Mulkey, M-EDP
Founder & President