Chicago, PRINT 05, Sept. 12, 2005 -- TAGA, The Technical Association of the Graphic Arts, made several announcements today that set its direction for the future and solidify its role as a vital part of the graphic communications industry. Richard Goodman, industry consultant (formerly with Kodak Polychrome Graphics) and TAGA president, announced that: • TAGA has entered into an administrative relationship with the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), moving its headquarters from RIT to PIA/GATF headquarters in Sewickley, near Pittsburgh • TAGA has joined the Print Council as an associate member • Announced plans for the 58th TAGA Annual Technical Conference, the largest ever, to be held in Vancouver, BC, March 19–21, 2006 • It will extend TAGA student chapters to additional colleges and universities worldwide Organized in 1948, TAGA is the only global professional technical association for the graphic arts industries. TAGA, which has over 600 individual members worldwide, also maintains the industry’s best permanent set of technical papers and abstracts. TAGA serves the CTO, CIO, and R&D management personnel of printers, publishers, and pre-media companies, as well as engineers and scientists employed by graphic arts systems and equipment providers, ink manufacturers, and paper manufacturers. TAGA focuses on graphic arts systems, software, and computer technology developments, as well as the more traditional areas of press, ink, and paper engineering applications. The association also provides guidance and support to its active student chapters around the world, including chapters in Canada, France, Sweden, Taiwan, and Wales. “TAGA is one of the most important and influential organizations in the worldwide graphic communications community,” said Goodman, “With the never-ending forward motion of emerging technologies, and in light of the competitive print marketplace, our mission has never been more relevant.” TAGA Enters into an Administrative Relationship with PIA/GATF TAGA recently entered into an administrative relationship with PIA/GATF, and its headquarters moved from offices on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to PIA/GATF headquarters in Sewickley, near Pittsburgh. PIA/GATF brings TAGA the benefits of professional association management, its publication capabilities, and an office staff. TAGA brings PIA/GATF our world-class community of researchers and engineering talent, and additional technical content for PIA/GATF training, seminars, conferences, and publications. “We are excited to have TAGA join us at our facility in Pittsburgh,” said George Ryan, COO of PIA/GATF, “and we are looking forward to being part of the next 50 years of TAGA’s contributions to the industry” TAGA Announces the 58th Annual Technical Conference TAGA recently issued a Call for Papers for its 58th Annual Technical Conference, which it expects to be its largest ever, to be held in Vancouver, BC, March 19–21, 2006. In addition to the presentation of leading edge research papers, the conference also plays host to numerous sessions of practical interest to engineers and printers involved in commercial printing applications. TAGA’s Annual Technical Conference also provides students opportunities to participate in several competitions as well as opportunities to meet prospective employers. TAGA Joins the Print Council as an Associate Member The Print Council is a business development alliance dedicated to promoting the greater use of print media. Formed by leaders across the spectrum of the graphic arts industry in 2003, The Print Council’s goal is to influence and promote the greater use of print media through education, awareness, market development, advocacy, and research. In addition, the council will work closely with industry associations, ongoing initiatives, and relevant user groups that share common goals. Founding members represent a range of industry interests from commercial and retail printers to print equipment manufacturers and software and services providers. TAGA is pleased to announce that it has been accepted as an associate member of the Print Council. “TAGA’s mission throughout our history has been in direct alignment with the mission of The Print Council,” said Goodman, “We are pleased to be able to contribute our unique set of resources to this industry-wide initiative as an associate member.” TAGA Extends Unique Student Chapters Program to Additional Colleges and Universities Worldwide TAGA’s student chapter program is unique in the industry. Colleges and universities with printing and graphic communications majors have long-standing TAGA chapters, which each elect their own governance body and conduct extensive programs throughout the year, culminating in competitions that are judged and awards that are presented during TAGA’s Annual Technical Conference. The association provides guidance and support to more than 12 active student chapters around the world, including chapters in Canada, France, Sweden, Taiwan, and Wales. In the U.S., active chapters exist at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Central Missouri State University, Clemson University, RIT, University of Wisconsin-Stout, and Western Michigan University—all schools with significant printing and graphic communications-oriented programs. TAGA plans to increase the student membership and help to build new student chapters. To accomplish this, the TAGA Board of Directors will engage in an outreach program to identify and encourage TAGA student chapter formation at additional institutions. For more information on any of these announcements, contact Judy Allen at the TAGA office, or visit us in the PIA/GATF booth #3662 at PRINT 05.