The Optimal Method Takes Center Stage at FTA’s Fall Conference 2022

BOHEMIA, NY—The Optimal Method, the latest in color calibration techniques, will be on full display at FTA’s Fall Conference 2022.

The Optimal Method builds on the tried-and-true practice of FIRST Methodology and will be featured in the latest iteration of the highly touted resource guide, FIRST 7.0. During the three-day conference, attendees will compare traditional color calibration methods with the revolutionary new process. Printed samples will be given to all attendees to allow for real-time comparisons of color calibration methods.

The conference—held October 11-13 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, just across the river from Cincinnati, OH—will bring together the brightest minds in color calibration, including the two architects of the method, Charles Spontelli (associate professor emeritus at Bowling Green State University) and William Birkett (engineer at Doppelganger LLC).

“The Optimal Method is one of the greatest color calibration techniques to come to the flexographic industry in years,” says Joe Tuccitto, FTA’s director of education. “I am so excited for our members to have a front-row seat at this year’s conference.”

FTA President Robb Frimming adds, “The Optimal Method is a game-changer. Companies are always looking for ways to be more efficient without sacrificing quality and, specifically, accuracy. In addition, having the ability to work with legacy color inputs makes the color calibration method very versatile.”

Spontelli and Birkett will introduce The Optimal Method on the conference’s opening day, with a deep dive and examination of a print project that used The Optimal Method on day two.

Expert presenters involved with the project include:

  • Steve Smiley, principal at SmileyColor & Associates LLC
  • Kim Madigan, director of corporate color management at Smyth Companies
  • Kariahlyn Lindsey, print process manager at Accredo Packaging
  • Ann Michaud, division scientist, global application engineering at 3M
  • Allie Ayers, technical consultant engineer at DuPont Cyrel Solutions
  • Catherine Haynes, VP of growth and development at All Printing Resources Inc
  • Bobby Congdon, assistant director at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University
  • Darris Smith, technical graphics adviser at Harper Corporation of America

Fall Conference’s schedule also includes an eye-opening look at the future of flexography, a pair of panels where industry experts discuss common prepress and pressroom problems, and a sold-out INFOFLEX at Fall Conference exhibition. Register at fallconference.flexography.org.

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About FTA

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Chartered in 1958, FTA is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community—printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others—together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns. It is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes 1,650 member sites that represent more than 1,400 companies and 35,000 individuals. Foundation of FTA, founded in 1974, is the educational arm of FTA and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the flexographic printing industry.