FLEXO: The closing session is titled The Great Anilox Roll Debate. Who will be on stage arguing, what are the different sides being debated, and will we see any antics reminiscent of Forum’s now infamous New Tools for Your Prepress Workflows session? And is it true that every attendee gets a free copy of FTA’s Anilox Handling & Care guide?
Frank & Teufler: The evolution of the anilox roller has continued to expand our options regarding transferring a consistent amount of ink film to image carriers. With so many choices available, we have comprised a panel to discuss their thoughts on how cell geometry affects ink or transfer, along with the part it plays in print quality and consistency. We see this program as a healthy debate on why certain technical parameters are defined to achieve a variety of results relative to cell structure, depth, design, etc. This, combined with an audience Q&A, will educate attendees so they return home with meaningful knowledge on how to improve print consistency and quality. We are looking forward to getting strong, application based recommendations and understanding the thought process behind them. We are expecting each supplier to bring its “A” game, as their answers will be compared and contrasted with their peers on stage. The debaters will include:
- Bill Bessett, ARC International
- Nick Harvey, Apex International
- Bill Poulson, Harper Corporation of America
- David Skellie, Interflex Laser Engravers
- Shane Weber, Bingham Flexo Services
And yes, every audience member will get a copy of the FTA’s Anilox Handling & Care guide, so they can improve their own understanding of what is a very critical fundamental element of flexography.
FLEXO: Fall Conference attendees check in to the Galt House Hotel Oct. 10. When they leave three days later, what will they be ready to implement upon returning to their plants?
Frank & Teufler: We believe there will be a host of benefits, as this is one of the most well rounded Fall Conferences to date. There will be a core focus on real world current issues that impact productivity and quality, while at the same time giving the audience a glimpse of where their companies should be headed from a technology perspective. This will be topped off with discussions on training and education to bring the total program together. The moment they get back to their own shops, we want attendees applying the training principles they’ve learned, while assessing their current processes for improvement. They can readily establish training within their own plants and will be prepared to make process assessments on their own or with the help of the many experts they will have the opportunity to speak with at the tabletop exhibit.
FLEXO: As Conference chairs, what are your personal goals and objectives for the event?
Frank & Teufler: The goals are to make the subjects the conference covers as diverse as the audience’s needs, while at the same time drilling down into subject matter to ensure every attendee—from operators to production management to owners—all benefit from the content. We felt strongly about a debate as well as multiple presentation focused sessions to ensure a balanced perspective. Our personal goal is to see flexography continue to advance and grow as the premier choice for printers. Every industry faces change and challenges; this event provides the means to address the most “pressing” issues.
FLEXO: Last year’s tabletop exhibit also broke records. Why do the networking opportunities play in so well to Fall Conference’s setup? What can attendees take away from the time spent with exhibitors?
Frank & Teufler: While the conference sessions are important, equally important is the ability to have peer to peer networking. This is where everyone from printers/converters to suppliers can talk about individual systems and solutions, and how they can be applied to their unique situations. It also furthers the discussion of the sessions, whether it’s to drill down into a topic further or ask a question for which there was no time. Of course, it’s also an ideal opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. The flexographic industry is dynamic and constantly improving. You want to learn what the newest methods and innovations are all about, to give you an edge. The tabletops provide a great avenue to see many exhibitors in one place and the opportunity to explore solutions that fit both your current situation and the immediate future.
FLEXO: What’s your elevator pitch for why printers should get to Kentucky in mid October?
Frank & Teufler: This conference is the industry’s best value for the time and money. The open atmosphere, being able to actively participate in a session or having questions answered in wrapup Q&As guarantees benefit by simply attending. It is proven that if you are standing still and not learning, you are actually moving backward, and the Fall Conference gives hard production information along with a glimpse to the future, all at a reasonable price. Tomorrow starts now… Are you ready to meet the challenges?
FLEXO: Finally, maybe the most important question—How do you pronounce “Louisville”?
Frank & Teufler: You can just say the words, “bourbon, ponies and baseball bats,” and people will know you mean Louisville.
Fall Conference 2016 takes place from Oct. 10-12 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY. Early bird pricing for the event nets a $100 discount for printer/converters, design firms and general attendees, and ends Sept. 9. All attendees receive a free copy of FTA’s Anilox Handling & Care guide.
Additionally, those attendees who are FIRST Press Operator Certified, FIRST Prepress Operator Certified or FIRST Implementation Specialist Certified, and whose certifications will expire before the end of 2016, will have their certifications renewed at the end of Fall Conference, at no additional charge.