Date

November 11-13, 2025

Location

Clemson University, SC

Price

Member: $2,500.00
Non-Member: $3,250.00

FIRST Live: Press Operator Certification at Clemson University

This November 11–13, the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University will host FIRST Live—a brand-new, in-person version of FTA’s popular FIRST training program. Designed for the Press Operator Certification track, this hands-on workshop brings the online curriculum to life with interactive exercises and real pressroom activities that reinforce key concepts.

Led by Kenny Tucker, participants will benefit from expert, live instruction paired with immediate, practical application—ensuring the skills learned are directly transferable to their own press operations. Held in Clemson’s state-of-the-art flexographic facility, this immersive training experience will not only deepen technical knowledge but also sharpen problem-solving skills for achieving consistent, high-quality print results.

Instructor

Kenny Tucker

Kenny serves as the Director of Technical Education at the Flexographic Technical Association. Previously, he held the position of Assistant Director at Clemson University's Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. A 2004 graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications, Kenny began his career at Sealed Air Corporation, where he worked across various roles, including prepress, color management, inkjet and remote proofing, workflow automation, expanded gamut printing, press characterizations, and managing graphic technologies. He later joined Anderson & Vreeland as a Technology Specialist, focusing on the installation of plate-making equipment, RIP software, and inkjet proofing solutions. Before working for Clemson, Kenny worked as Production Manager at Frontier Label, now Sttark Labels, overseeing inventory procurement, label production, project management, and maintenance operations. In 2019, he returned to Clemson University, coordinating industry-focused projects, seminars, research initiatives, and training workshops. In his free time, Kenny enjoys fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his family.

REGISTRATION OPEN!

REGISTRATION OPEN!

Explore the early schedule lineup!