Pittsburgh, Pa., October 29, 2002 — Despite the fact that color management is one of the key elements for ensuring consistent, predictable color reproduction across a wide range of devices, proper color management training remains elusive. Believing that superior training is the key to color management success, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) will host its fourth annual Color Management Conference. Addressing the needs for beginners and more advanced practitioners through two tracks, the conference will be held December 8–10, 2002 at the DoubleTree La Posada Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. "As with any complex technology, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to implementing color management," says Jim Workman, GATF director of training programs. "Personnel such as prepress and production managers to graphic designers and photographers need to understand the science underlying color management to reap the benefits of the program. Our goal is to provide a framework of color management by covering the entire workflow from start to finish." A full day of pre-conference tutorials offers beginners and advanced level users each two sessions. Also Jim King of Adobe Systems will share his perspective on the new ICC standard that will shape the future of color management in one general session. The conference itself also caters to both beginners and more experienced personnel, but attendees may switch levels at anytime. "The Essential Workflow" sessions will address the question of "how " for each critical juncture in the process: creating and optimizing scanners, monitors, and proofing profiles, generating and verifying target reference profiles, applying profiles with different software, and using servers and RIPs to automate the process. Since there is no one correct way, GATF has carefully chosen multiple presenters for each session to discuss skills and knowledge needed and demonstrate the process. Running concurrently, "The Enhanced Workflow" sessions provide those currently applying color management with techniques to fine-tune their system. Sessions will cover digital cameras, PDF, qualifying the pressroom, RGB editing, and communicating the benefits of color management to clients and supervisor. Again, sessions will include demonstrations where practical. In addition, three general sessions will focus on color control preparation, ICC workflow considerations, and end the conference with a review. All three general sessions will involve conference moderator and color management guru, David Hunter, founder of the Pilot Marketing Group. Attendees will walk away understanding what skill sets and knowledge they need to be successful in any color-based industry. Registration fee for the two-day conference is $695 ($595 for members of GATF, Printing Industries of America, or the Digital Printing Council), excluding the one-day pre-conference sessions for an additional $260 per person. Since the implementation of color management can involve many staff, a $100 per registrant discount is offered to companies that send three people. For more information, contact Gwen Martin, GATF conference coordinator, by phoning 800/910-GATF extension 116, or by e-mailing [email protected]. To download a brochure detailing the conference or a registration form, visit GAIN.