Special Report Total Workflow a Hot Topic at On Demand and IPA Technical Conference By Cary Sherburne, Senior WTT Editor April 11, 2007 -- Workflow will continue to be a hot topic at On Demand, and the IPA Technical Conference will be a great venue to follow up on workflow issues in more detail. In its 42nd year, the historically well-attended IPA Technical Conference is scheduled for June 5th through 7th, 2007, at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. According to IPA Executive Director, Steve Bonoff, “We have some really exciting new additions to the program this year that will further our aim of helping attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of the production capabilities and efficiencies required to successfully operate a Total Workflow and build a profitable, global graphics solutions company.” IPA is adding a new twist to its Proofing RoundUP, which is now in its 5th year. Bonoff says, “In past years, the Proofing RoundUP has proven that the suppliers are capable of producing consistent proofs for the print community, but the question is how easy it is for users to produce consistent proofs outside of the lab. This year, we are inviting all attendees to bring proofs that will be evaluated during the conference by our experts.” Users can simply visit the IPA web site for full instructions on participating in this unique opportunity. Workflow, of course, is a key focus for the conference. Frank Romano, a neutral, independent, and highly opinionated expert well-known in the industry, will deliver a special, not-to-be-missed keynote on the future of workflow. And another well-known industry expert, David Zwang, will conduct an interactive workflow forum around a case study presentation of the recent U.S. Department of State $164 million contract to establish a new standardized worldwide publishing workflow. Zwang, expert counsel on graphics workflow to the Department of State, was instrumental in the technology selection process. This case study in workflow re-engineering will set the stage for a freewheeling, interactive discussion on workflow analysis and change implementation, and should be very exciting. In addition to topics of interest to the technical and management communities, the IPA Technical Conference will also feature a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities in learning labs conducted using 35 on-site iMACs, including an opportunity to learn what is new in Adobe’s newly launched Creative Suite 3, innovations in Quark, and other sessions covering preflighting and color management. And new media is covered during the conference as well. Bonoff adds, “We tell our members that operating a Total Workflow means thinking beyond print. Media such as podcasting, blogs, broadcast and video are of increasing importance to companies seeking to meet the ever-expanding needs of today’s marketing communications buyer.” The conference offers opportunities to learn techniques for integrating new media seamlessly into existing production workflows. All in all, the IPA Technical Conference is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before, and our readers at WhatTheyThink are encouraged to register today. Early registration discounts are in place through May 4th.