Moving Through Reality with Virtual Help
MOVING THROUGH REALITY WITH VIRTUAL HELP
MOVING THROUGH REALITY WITH VIRTUAL HELP
How are flexographers conducting business during the ongoing pandemic? Critical components of their business—pressroom training, remote/virtual color approval and technical support, as well as the everyday responsibilities of human resource departments—need to continue as usual, regardless of the current situation.
Listen to a group of experts explain how they are dealing with these needs at their businesses during the unprecedented times brought about by COVID-19.
CHAT WITH THE CHAIR
Watch Paul Lancelle, Virtual Fall Conference 2020 program chair, discuss this session with FTA’s Director of Education Joe Tuccitto.
PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKERS

Hiring & Onboarding in a Virtual World
Claudia St. John, Affinity HR Group
As the flexographic industry continues to adapt to a more virtual world, companies have had to revise and restructure their hiring and onboarding processes. Fortunately, technology exists to facilitate this change. And as with any change, there are positive and negative aspects to this transformation and the accompanying technology. Attendees will learn from Claudia:
- Tips for structuring and conducting virtual interviews
- Pitfalls to avoid when hiring remotely
- Creative ideas for successfully onboarding new hires

Ready Player One: The Precursor
Catherine Haynes, All Printing Resources Inc (APR)
COVID-19 has forced a shift in how we look at and approach so many tasks in our personal and professional lives. The adoption of web-based communication platforms has opened access to information and programs which we may have previously under-utilized. Now, we must acknowledge the virtual world of training is here to stay. Catherine will explore several questions related to web-based training, such as:
- What are the pros and cons to consider?
- Should we consider a blended approach and what does that mean?
- What are some tips for converting traditional training programs to an engaging, web-based format?
- How do we maximize learning and retention utilizing this technology?

STRIPE Online: Making Interactive Flexographic Training Accessible
Nate Newsome, Clemson University
Presses are run by essential workers, and the need for press operator training has not stopped. The Sonoco Institute at Clemson University has been developing an interactive print lab for workforce development and recruitment called STRIPE (Simulated TRaining & Immersive Print Education). At last year’s Fall Conference, attendees saw a demo of the Virtual Reality version of this system. In response to the ongoing pandemic, the team has pivoted to create a browser-based version of the software. Nate will explore the new system and discuss how attendees can receive early access to STRIPE Online, as well as learn how you can help support the project.

Remote Press Approvals in a Time of Travel Restrictions
Kristen Olberding, Olberding Brand Family
Phototype
Virtually, no pandemic can stop a press approval—only the customer can. Since the onset of COVID-19, Phototype has successfully conducted more than 50 remote press approvals. By implementing process controls, metrics and validation, press approvals are easily conducted in a virtual environment. Join Kristen as she explains and demonstrates:
- Business needs/challenges to overcome
- How to approach virtual press approvals
- Communication of customer expectations
- Process control tools/digital reports
- Ease of virtual approvals when coupled with a print quality program
SESSION CHAIRS

Bobby Congdon
Clemson University

Marcy Southern
PPC Flexible Packaging
VIRTUOLOGY
Talk to the speakers and chairs, before and after this session’s presentations, in Virtual Fall Conference 2020’s Slack workspace.
Direct Messages
Catherine Haynes
Nate Newsome
Bobby Congdon
Marcy Southern
Channel
#session-2