In an age where digital resources dominate, it’s easy to assume that printed materials are becoming obsolete—especially for training sessions, workshops, and conferences. But when it comes to creating a focused and effective learning environment, print is still king.
Whether you’re running a professional development course, hosting a business workshop, or delivering a full-day training session, printed materials like workbooks, worksheets or wide format posters offer a range of benefits that digital alternatives just can’t match.
1. Printed Materials Keep People Focused
One of the biggest distractions during a training session? Screens. Phones, tablets, and laptops can quickly divert attention with notifications, emails, or the temptation to multitask. Printed manuals, on the other hand, keep participants present in the room—engaged, focused, and less likely to be pulled away by digital noise.
2. Easier to Navigate and Annotate
Many learners still prefer the tactile experience of flipping through a printed document. It’s easier to flick between pages, bookmark important sections, and jot down notes in the margins—without needing to learn how to use a PDF reader or a new app.
Highlighting key information, sketching diagrams, or underlining important points becomes second nature with a pen and paper in hand. This can improve retention and make follow-up study more effective.
3. Consistency Across the Room
With printed manuals, everyone is quite literally on the same page. There’s no variation in screen sizes, no broken links, and no file compatibility issues. What you print is what participants see—ensuring your branding, diagrams, and information are presented exactly as intended.
This consistency is particularly valuable for multi-day courses or large group sessions, where a streamlined experience is essential.
4. Tangible Value = Perceived Value
When someone receives a professionally printed booklet or training manual, it instantly feels more valuable. It’s something they can take home, keep on their desk, and refer to in the weeks and months that follow. It signals that the course or conference is well-organised and thoughtfully designed thus boosting your reputation and credibility.
5. Works Anywhere – No Wi-Fi Needed
Not all venues have reliable internet access, and not all participants bring compatible devices. With printed materials, there’s no need to worry about tech hiccups, charging cables, or loading times. Everyone can follow along smoothly, no matter where the session is held.
6. Better for Group Exercises and Breakout Sessions
Printed handouts and manuals make it easier for teams to work together during training activities. Sharing notes, reviewing diagrams, or following a case study doesn’t require screens or logins—just a booklet/workbook and a pen.
NEED HELP PRINTING TRAINING MATERIALS?
At Rieger’s Print, we have many regular long time clients in the training and conference industry and have a multitude of experience helping training providers, course organisers, and corporate teams print high-quality, professional training manuals, posters and other printed materials that participants love using. Whether you need a small run for a workshop or hundreds of booklets for a large conference, we can recommend the right paper stock, binding options, and finishes to match your budget and timeframe. For more information, email Ant at print@riegers.co.nz or give him a call today on 04 473-1444.