Vancouver, B.C., Canada - (May 21, 2002) - More than 200 Creo customers, employees, and vendors attended the international Creo Users Association (CUA) conference, held in Vancouver recently. The program of the three-day annual conference was created in collaboration with Creo users and focused on providing CUA members with information, tools and contacts to compete in their local markets. The conference provided delegates with many opportunities for informal discussion with fellow Creo users as well as dialogue with Creo developers and product managers on technical issues. Creo users were also able to provide input on product roadmaps. "Knowledge is power," states Rich Dunklee of HBP, Inc. who was elected CUA president at the association's annual general meeting held during the conference. "The CUA offers a unique platform to exchange and accumulate valuable information. Members were able to return to their businesses with insights into the direction Creo will be taking with their respective workflows, new ideas to try, and the satisfaction of knowing they have a voice in the developments that directly effect their future." Highlights of the conference included an address by Amos Michelson, Creo CEO, on the strategy and future direction of the company. Delegates were also able to take part in a one-time opportunity to pilot an Internet-based version of Creo Consulting Services at no cost (value US$2950). Five delegates were chosen to test this new product, MakeReady Staccato software, that will be launched through the Creo support portal, eCentral Internet services. The five delegates each received a personalized session with Creo experts to understand how to optimize their plate making and pressroom conditions for a quick and efficient transition to Staccato FM screening software. Members also attended a technology exhibit for hands-on opportunities and demonstrations of new Creo products. These products included the Veris proofer, which produces high-resolution contone proofs, and the new, compact iQsmart scanner that excels in quality, productivity and versatility. Meetings of the Workflow Advisory Council were held in conjunction with the CUA. Creo workflow development teams hosted sessions to discuss product features and futures in technical detail with users of those systems. Many of the sessions were practical problem-solving collaborations between vendor and customer. Members of the Creo Response Center and Creo Benchmarks teams hosted a technical tips-and-tricks session for delegates who wanted to find solutions and workarounds to common workflow issues. "This is a very exciting time for the association," said CUA past president Steve Johnson of Commercial Lithographing Company. "The membership has more than tripled since the beginning of the year, the feedback from the conference has been tremendously positive and we have a great board of directors with a mix of experienced board members and new members with fresh ideas to carry us into the next year." Johnson will remain on the board as an advisor to the eight other member directors and two Creo representatives. For more information on the Creo Users Association, visit www.creousers.org. Membership information Lesley MacDonald, Program Manager, CUA Tel: +1.604.451.2700 ext.2526 Fax: +1.604.437.9891 Email: [email protected]