Date
June 23-25, 2026
Location
Rogers, MN at the Flint Group Narrow Web North American Headquarters
Price
Member: $3,250.00
Non-Member: $2,500.00
FIRST Live: Press Operator Certification With Flint Group
This June 23-25, FTA will host FIRST Live with an emphasis on Ink Management—a brand-new, in-person version of FTA’s popular FIRST training program with added ink management and matching curriculum from Flint Group. 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 and Keith Nagle, 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 Rogers, MN at the Flint Group Narrow Web North American Headquarters, this immersive training experience will not only deepen technical knowledge but also sharpen problem-solving skills for achieving consistent, high-quality print results.
InstructorS
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.
Keith Nagle
A well-rounded converter consultant with more than 29 years of successful experience in International Print Applications. Recognized strengths in Business Development, Flexo & Digital Print Technologies, Pressroom Troubleshooting, Account Transition, Operator Training, Product Development, Color Control, and New Applications Development. Including in depth knowledge and experience with UV Inks (Inkjet, Flexo, Screen, Letterpress/Offset), Water Based Inks (Inkjet, Flexo and Gravure) and Solvent Inks (Flexo & Gravure).
