January 8, 2002 - The Heidelberg Digital Imaging Association (HDIA) today announced its Conference and Educational Programs for 2002. HDIA will present a wide range of activities for 2002 including the DIRECTIONS 2002 annual user conference, to be held in Chicago, October 9-10, immediately following the GraphExpo trade show; a series of HDIA mini-conferences throughout North America, and the continuation of its successful Audio Conferences. Directions 2002: Chicago, Oct. 9-10 The annual user conference will begin at the conclusion of Graph Expo in Chicago. HDIA is also planning private, members-only tours of sponsor exhibits during GraphExpo. Details will be announced shortly. HDIA Mini-Conferences Also planned is a series of HDIA mini-conferences, where industry experts and Heidelberg executive personnel will lead seminars, user panels, and technical, production-oriented discussions. The mini-conferences will be held at Heidelberg Regional Centers U.S. and Canada. Dates and other locations to be announced. HDIA Audio Conferences HDIA will also continue its successful Audio Conferences. In the last quarter of 2001, the organization hosted a series of very well attended Audio Conference events. The HDIA Audio Conference series in 2002 will cover all the digital and prepress areas. (Topics and dates to be announced.) Additionally, those who cannot attend these events LIVE will have the ability to download conferences via the HDIA website and listen at their convenience. "We're very positive about our program for 2002, which was formulated by taking into account both the technical and economic needs of our members and sponsors. As a uniquely independent, 'grassroots" user-driven organization, we solicited input from our community of users and sponsors and found that there was overwhelming interest in combining travel budgets and using more creative ways to network and gather information. We believe that our current plans and future activities address these needs and will continue to vitalize our organization in 2002, " says Joel Friedman, HDIA Executive Director.