Sunday, October 5 12:00pm REGISTRATION 6:00pm TABLETOP EXHIBITION & RECEPTION Be sure to attend the Tabletop Exhibition & Reception where food, beverages & networking opportunities will be plentiful. See and experience new, cutting-edge products & services; keep current on industry trends & issues; and network with colleagues & suppliers! Monday, October 6 7:00am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & TABLETOP EXHIBITION 8:00am CHAIRMANS WELCOME -- Kevin Lanigan, Phototype; Bill Poulson, Harper Corporation of America 8:15am FUTURE OF PRE-MEDIA (PANEL DISCUSSION) The C-Level leaders of global pre-media companies along with leading converters and a select group of Consumer Products Companies will discuss what pre-media for packaging will look like over the next five years. Join leading pre-media providers, converter(s) & CPCs, along with Moderator Steve Olberding, CEO, Phototype. -- David Schawk, Schawk Inc.; Larry Keeley, Matthews; Ken Reece, Mosaic; Hank Baughman, Southern Graphic Systems 9:45am REFRESHMENT BREAK & TABLETOP EXHIBITION 10:15am NEAR-NEUTRAL CALIBRATION (G7) G7, or Near-Neutral Calibration, is a newer technique for calibrating a printing or proofing system to a defined state. Come hear an overview of the process from Mark Mazur of DuPont Imaging Technologies along with an interactive panel of users from both prepress and the pressroom as to the benefits and challenges of this approach. -- Mark Mazur, DuPont Imaging Technologies; Steve Smiley, Vertis Inc.; Gary Russell, Phototype 11:15am STATUS OF DIGITAL PRINTING FOR PACKAGING Like it or not, digital printing is here to stay. Come find out the latest advancements in this technology that can complement, not compete with, your traditional flexographic printing and converting. Representatives from the major manufacturers of equipment will discuss their latest offerings and be asked questions about the capabilities and limitations of this technology. -- Michael Ring, Xeikon; Kristof Dekeukelaere, Agfa; Jeff O'Reilly, Hewlett Packard Company 12:00pm LUNCH & TABLETOP EXHIBITION CONCURRENT TECHNICAL SESSION: TRACK 1 - PACKAGING PREPRESS & PRE-MEDIA 1:00pm OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRE-MEDIA AUTOMATION INCLUDING XML AND RULES BASED PACKAGING Managing the textual content of package artwork during the design/production process is error-prone and time consuming. Each change to the copy has to be entered to a text file, applied to the packaging design file, and verified through an approval cycle. Last minute changes by the designer don’t always make it back into the content management system, effectively losing track of the modification for future reruns or versions. Such errors in artwork are wasteful, generate rework and cause delays in product launches. Sometimes even a product recall is traced back to a text error. Managing the content in a structured way in order to increase the efficiency during the content definition and translations cycles is one part of the story we would like to tell. Linking this content to the packaging design file, protecting it and keeping it in-sync with the source is the other part. In close collaboration with large CPCs such as P&G, Coca Cola and General Mills and members of their packaging supply chain including Adobe®, EskoArtwork has developed the Concept of Dynamic Content. -- Susie Stitzel, EskoArtwork 1:30pm FLEXO PLATE DEVELOPMENT - NO LONGER JUST FOR HIGHLIGHTS The drive to achieve offset class, gravure quality output in flexo in order to expand the opportunities was clearly illustrated at the FFTA Forum with a successful open house. This presentation focuses on what advances in flexo plate technology will mean to the printers and buyers, with a focus on how the expanded tonal range, contrast and, most importantly, reduced costs and greater consistency all facilitate printer profitability and reduced environmental impact, making flexo even more complimentary to offset and digital printing, greatly expanding the opportunities for market growth. -- John Anderson, Eastman Kodak Company 2:00pm DIRECT WRITE PLATE IMAGING SYSTEM A developmental technology for true computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging of flexographic plates was described at the 2008 FTA Forum.  The process combines imaging and UV exposure steps into a single process by which a latent three dimensional image is formed in a sheet photopolymer.  After imaging, the plates are processed through usual means to reveal the relief image.  This new technology potentially reduces the energy required for imaging, eliminates offgas or debris creation, and may permit imaging rates well beyond that of current mask ablation techniques.  Progress on the development of the technology will be described in our presentation. -- Rodrigo Yamaguchi, MacDermid Printing Solutions 2:30pm STATUS OF PDF IN THE PACKAGING WORKFLOW The Holy Grail in Packaging Pre-media is to have reliable common file types that can seamlessly operate across different platforms and software. A dedicated group of people have been working towards making this a reality. The payoff is huge if we (user, manufacturer, pre-media company & converter) can all agree to a common packaging standard for the use of PDF. The Ghent Workgroup represents some of the best minds in the world working to bring standards to the use of PDF in each of the disciplines. -- Steve Carter, SGS International 3:00pm REFRESHMENT BREAK & TABLETOP EXHIBITION 3:30pm QUALITY CONTROL IN AN ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT As organizations transition to and embrace digital technologies and workflows, many of the QC tools that have been previously utilized need to be updated, and in many cases, new ones developed. Come hear about the areas to focus on and suggestions on documentation and procedural approaches to ensure a “done right the first time” execution of digital-originated jobs from concept to final print output. -- Robb Frimming, Schawk, Inc. 4:00pm FINGERPRINTING AND PROCEDURES FOR MATCHING PROOF-TO-PRESS Obtaining a match between the proof and the press output has always been a challenge, for many reasons. There have been a number of approaches over the years, but regardless of whether it’s been strictly tone curves (cutback curves), G7/Near-Neutral Calibration, or full-blown color management, having proper procedures in place to adequately fingerprint both the press and the proofing system have remained tantamount to the success of acquiring the best match possible. FTA’s Prepress Leadership Council has been working on these procedures and will present the latest findings in their work. -- Mike Orcutt, RR Donnelley 4:30pm THE STATE OF THE ART OF DIGITAL PROOFING FOR PACKAGING Packaging applications have always presented challenges for proofing systems due to the various substrates utilized, the use of spot colors, and other complexities. With digital proofing, those challenges remain. Today, there are many technologies available including inkjet, digital halftone lamination systems, and even the newer application of soft proofing (via displays). This session will present an overview of the available technologies and will highlight the challenges and how each technology addresses them. -- Mark Bohan, PIA/GATF 5:00pm STATUS OF FLEXO IN-THE-ROUND Flexo plate imaging in-the-round has started to come into its own. Many new advances are pointing to this target rich area to start reaching its potential. This presentation will provide a current update and review the major developments that are driving this technology past the “tipping point”. -- Dan Heller, 360 Imaging, Inc. CONCURRENT TECHNICAL SESSION: TRACK 2 - PRINTING TECHNOLOGY: AN ENABLER FOR PREPRESS AND PRE-MEDIA 1:00pm OEM PRESS ADVANCEMENTS FOR IMPROVED PRINT QUALITY At this past drupa show, a number of press manufacturers showcased new advancements aimed at automating press set-up and color matching and control, all leading to reduced makeready and waste along with significant increases in productivity. Two of the leading press manufacturers will present their latest advancements in this arena. -- Kurt Flathmann, Fischer & Krecke, Inc.; Klaus Kleemann, Windmoeller & Holscher Corp. 2:00pm STATUS OF PRESSROOM COLOR MEASUREMENT & CONTROL FOR REPEATABLE AND PREDICTABLE PRINTING A number of color measurement technologies have been developed to measure and control color on press, both on-line and off-line. Come hear about the latest advancements from three companies who are immersed in helping the printer attain the highest level of repeatable and predictable printing. -- Larry Goldberg, Beta Industries; Otto Urban, BST ProMark; Gal Shamri, AVT 3:00pm REFRESHMENT BREAK & TABLETOP EXHIBITION 3:30pm STABILIZING THE PRESS ENVIRONMENT Anilox selection and maintenance are critical parts of achieving print consistency and stability in the press-room. Variation in anilox choices affects the results on press. The wrong volume or dirty anilox will change: Spot colors; Vignettes; Process Colors; Profile data from Fingerprint. The issues and potential hurdles when anilox choices are inadvertently changed or when the anilox rolls used are not clean will be reviewed. It is imperative that this part of the press room environment is controlled. Variation in anilox choices and cleanliness will change target solid ink densities for process printing and spot color. The variations as related to FIRST targets for process printing will be covered. -- Alex James, Harper Corporation of America 4:00pm INK CALIBRATION & STANDARDIZATION OF PROCESS COLORS Much of the calibration work is typically thought to reside with prepress when, in fact, much has to do with the selection of materials in the pressroom, especially the process color ink set. However, attempting to standardize the colors of the process inks is not as clean cut as one would think, like, or hope due to the many dynamics and functional requirements of the finished ink. These presentations will highlight the challenges and opportunities of standardized process color ink sets. -- Brian Little, Environmental Inks & Coatings Corp.; Kurt Hudson, Water Ink Technologies, Inc.; Paul Lodewyck, Flint Group 5:00pm A DRUPA UPDATE - TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS At drupa, there were a number of exciting announcements from companies from around the globe. Come hear a run-down of some of the most intriguing technology advancements that were unveiled. -- Jay Sperry, Clemson University 5:30pm TABLETOP EXHIBITION & RECEPTION Be sure to attend the Tabletop Exhibition & Reception where food, beverages & networking opportunities will be plentiful. See and experience new, cutting-edge products & services; keep current on industry trends & issues; and network with colleagues & suppliers! 6:30 G7 MEETING In support of the FQC project to develop characterization data sets for flexography, come join this meeting where the project will be reviewed along with open actions and next steps needed to accomplish this objective. The meeting is open to everyone, though printers/converters are especially encouraged to attend as pressruns are needed to generate the sample print conditions that will lead to the data sets. Tuesday, October 7 7:00am FULL BREAKFAST 8:00am SPI, FIRST 4.0 AND TEST UPDATES Come hear the latest on the FTA/FFTA’s SPI (Strategic Planning Initiative), FIRST 4.0 (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances), and TEST (Technical Education Services Team) from SPI Chair Greg Collins of C-P Flexible Packaging and the FTA’s Bill Pope and Joe Tuccitto. 8:30am OFF-SHORING TRENDS IN PACKAGING PRE-MEDIA (PANEL DISCUSSION) The demand for lowers costs, faster turnaround, and a totally electronic environment has led many companies to consider moving some, or all of their production needs to an off-shore entity. Join us for an informative panel discussion that will examine the different models in place, the captive off-shore operation as a green field, the acquired company already in the market, and the strategic partnership between two pre-media companies. Leaders from US global pre-media companies, companies from India, and the leaders in off-shoring packaging pre-media services will discuss their experiences.  -- Terry Austin, Schawk UK, Inc; Marriott Winchester, SGS International; Mike Kirk, Express KCS Packaging; Eddie Poonawala, ComartOne Premedia Private Limited  10:00am REFRESHMENT BREAK 10:15am PRODUCTION DESIGN & INTEGRATION WITH PRE-MEDIA (PANEL DISCUSSION) There has been a huge trend for production design/production artwork to shift from the design firm to the pre-media company. The compelling reason is the inherent disconnect between the design process and the final print execution of the design. Pre-media companies are doing more artwork and finding time/cost saving methods to eliminate disconnects with the downstream needs of the electronic design elements. There are some exceptions where branding/design companies are moving downstream to provide packaging pre-media services. The integration of these two disciplines is difficult and essentially new territory to be defined and managed. We will discuss the benefits and challenges this new model creates.  -- Todd Mannira  Brand Image; Mike Berberich, SGS International; Rhett Warner, Schawk, Inc.; Terri McConnell, Phototype; Frank Grimaldi, Gravity 11:45am CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

If you have specific questions regarding our FFTA Fall Conference, or you would like more information, please contact our Meetings Department via email or phone 631-737-6020