Become a member
It’s great to see you’re interested in becoming a GWG member – we’d love to have you! But what are the benefits and who actually participates in the group? Read on to learn all about it.
What does it mean?
The benefits of joining GWG go beyond technical knowledge and innovation. Members gain access to a thriving community where they can exchange ideas, showcase their expertise, and learn from others in the field. By participating in GWG’s committees and events, you not only help shape industry standards but also build meaningful relationships with peers around the world. These connections often lead to exciting collaborations and business opportunities that can accelerate growth for individuals and organizations alike.
GWG is a hub for networking and collaboration, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the field. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, influence the industry’s future, or share ideas in a collaborative environment, the Ghent Workgroup offers a platform where innovation meets opportunity. By joining GWG, you don’t just stay informed – you play an active role in driving progress and excellence in the global graphic arts community.
Membership types
Our members are as diverse as our industry. Who participates in the GWG and what do they stand to gain from it?
Association
- Provide your members with insight into future developments
- Distribute the GWG tools to your members free of charge
- Promote communication between vendors and end users
- Influence standardization in the industry
Vendor
- Influence specifications within your industry
- Access knowledge and consensus from international users
- Be the first to implement solutions in your own software
Industry Member
- Influence specifications within your industry
- Talk directly with knowledgeable vendor representatives
- Share and learn from others to improve your business
- Define and use the tools the GWG creates
Educational Institution
- Be a technology and knowledge leader
- Witness practical implementations
- Contribute real life examples to students
- Develop relevant and timely curricula
- Collaborate on and drive research
Liaison Member
- Connect the Ghent Workgroup with relevant organisations and stakeholders
- Share knowledge, perspectives, and developments from your network
- Help shape specifications through broader stakeholder input
- Build opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Promote the GWG’s work and drive adoption of its solutions
Observer
Before applying as a full member, you may want to “try us out” by becoming an observer. As an observer, you’ll be able to participate in the work of the GWG (including attending meetings) for two consecutive meetings. The only restriction is that you don’t get a vote when decisions are made. Becoming an observer is subject to the permission of the Executive Committee but no fee is involved. Check out our calendar to see where and when the next meetings are.
Subcommittees
Subcommittees (working on specific projects) exist for Print & Design, Variable Data Printing, Process Control, Packaging, Compliancy Testing, Marketing, and Specifications. The work in the subcommittees is usually very specific and highly technical. If you’re interested in participating in the work of one of the subcommittees, you can read what to do here.
Become a member
No rush – just reach out. We’ll walk you through what’s involved and connect you with members for an open chat. You can also sit in on two meetings as an observer before deciding. (And if you’re in graphic arts, you’ll love it!)