For years in my printing company the controversy raged concerning the best color proofing devices and matching the approved proof on press. The battles became so fierce that we often actually gained or lost customers based on what proofing device we used. The quest for the perfect color proof is legendary within the printing, publishing and advertising industries. Now, the IPA, previously the International Prepress Association, and now the "Association for Graphic Solutions Providers", is doing something to help all graphic related organizations seeking some clarity on this issue. In consort with the European Color Initiative (ECI) and 18 color proofing suppliers, the IPA Technical Seminar "Content and Color" being held May 13-15, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Chicago will provide attendees with the first ever Color Proofing Roundup.

While the proofing problem has existed for years, the dispute about proofing has become even more contentious, in the new digital workflow world. Many die-hard traditionalists maintain that contract proofing is the only way to give the customer and the pressperson a common bond for matching color. On the other hand we have the upstart ink jet people showing proofs at a fraction of the cost and illuminating to all that are willing to listen that there is no compromise in quality. At the upcoming IPA Technical Seminar a rare opportunity will be provided for those chasing the "perfect proof" to watch vendors in side-by-side comparisons output a common suite of test files. No magic - just the proof. This unique opportunity for all attendees to personally scrutinize the results is unparalleled in conference history.

The rejuvenated IPA is an organization that has recently been presenting innovative and dynamic programs to the graphic professionals. This conference will enable the attendees to conduct targeted research on color proofing and many other critical technology challenges facing our industry. The IPA Technical Seminar is one not to be missed by anyone interested in fine-tuning internal workflows. Other topics to be covered besides proofing are DAM, Content Management, Dynamic Publishing, Color Management and Collaborative PDF Workflows to highlight just a few. A dual track of in depth and evolving technology issues and the other for management to examine the business decisions associated with implementing these technologies is exceptional.