May 10, 2004 -- (WhatTheyThink.com - by Cary Sherburne) -- IPA, The Association of Graphic Solutions Providers, (www.ipa.org) is holding its annual Technical Seminar at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Downtown Chicago June 8th through 10th. The theme of the event, “Workflow Integration—Maximizing Time, Money and Expertise,” reflects the key concerns facing graphic arts service providers in an increasingly competitive world. As this will be the first major industry event after drupa, the IPA drupa team will be reviewing the latest technology developments in premedia and graphic communications that are being unveiled at drupa this week. The event consists of 24 in-depth user panels spanning the three days of the event that will feature discussions on key topics, including color management, digital workflows, color proofing, digital asset management, PDF/X, JDF and much more. A highlight of the seminar will be the Color Proofing RoundUP. This is the second time IPA has conducted this event, and Steve Bonoff, IPA’s President, indicates that much was learned from last year’s event with this year’s being even more valuable. This year’s RoundUP examines a range of important proofing system characteristics including: 1. Color image quality. Subjective visual and instrumental colorimetric matching. 2. Spot color support. Simulation of selected Pantone colors. 3. RIP performance. Speed, overprint, color management, and PDF/X support. 4. Feature comparison. Standard and vendor-customized feature lists. 5. Pricing. System, maintenance and per proof consumable costs. RoundUP participants constitute a Who’s Who in the color proofing industry—20 companies total—and all have been working hard to make this a valuable experience for seminar attendees. Complete test results and an in-depth feature comparison of each proofing device will be made public at the conclusion of the Color Proofing RoundUP. With a focus on the user, the RoundUP will provide information that will help graphic solutions providers systematically compare color proofing equipment. The RoundUP provides a great first-hand opportunity to get the latest independent information about the offerings available in today’s color proofing market. The Seminar will also feature a Digital Realities Tour, during which attendees will be able to participate in a state-of-the-art resource center dedicated to prepress workflows and how to overcome the obstacles to workflow efficiency. The economy is rebounding and we are coming off of what has been a very difficult period for the graphic arts industry. As companies begin planning future investments, events such as the IPA Technical Seminar are a critical enabler to ensure a clear understanding of the options that are available to not only open the doors for offering new customer services, but to be able to do so as efficiently—and profitably—as possible. This is a “don’t miss” event that will provide a strong basis for planning the second half of 2004 and beyond. For more information about the seminar, visit www.ipa.org/tech or call IPA at (800)255-8141.