July 22, 2004 -- The recently concluded 39th Annual IPA Technical Seminar experienced an 18 percent increase in attendance, where 300 participants from Europe, Hong Kong, Australia and North America came to learn about workflow integration and proofing capabilities. Included in the event was the 2nd annual IPA Color Proofing RoundUP, where output from 31 proofing systems—digital, inkjet, soft proofing—were evaluated on visual correlation of proofs to images on GRACoL press sheets, as well as on colorimetric measurement correlation to the GRACoL reference characterization. In addition, proofing systems were evaluated on RIP speed, spot color, cost, and color management support. Glenn Andrews, Applied Graphics Technologies; Mike Rodriguez, RR Donnelley; Abhay Sharma, Western Michigan University; Steve Smiley, Vertis; and David Zwang, Zwang & Company, developed and coordinated the Proofing RoundUP. Proofs were evaluated under the direction of Abhay Sharma at Western Michigan University. Results of the Proofing RoundUP will be available soon in an IPA Special Report. Workflow took center stage in seminar presentations and covered everything from color management and standards to content and digital asset management. JDF was the buzzword and seen as the means by which all the pieces in a project from creation to delivery can be linked in a continuous uninterrupted flow of data. Discussing the practical applications of JDF, Gareth O’Brien, Objective Advantage, explained that JDF is an adjunct to content generation systems; is a secure connection between networks; and drops the job and digital asset files into prepress and management information systems. Addressing issues, successes and problems they have faced in the color proofing arena, users from leading graphic solutions providers focused on both hard copy and remote proofing. Other user panels examined the world of color management, content management, digital asset management and workflow integration. Commenting on the panel discussions, Conference Chairman Lee Webster, RR Donnelley, said, “Sharing experiences and ideas with industry colleagues is one of the greatest benefits of IPA membership and it is what makes the IPA Technical Seminar the most valuable of all meetings today. There’s nothing else like it in the industry.” Color management was one of those issues that generated a plethora of discussion, both during the seminar sessions as well as in one-on-one discussions during breaks. While most attendees indicated they are doing some color management, according to Don Hutcheson there are still many issues to be considered. While “canned” profiles are available, he said custom profiles are essential for high quality users in the graphic communication industry. Emphasizing the need to share profiles and color settings between clients, designers, separators and printers, Hutcheson said communication leads to color management.” With an emphasis on JDF and digital workflow, the 2005 IPA Technical Seminar will be held in Rosemont, Illinois, June 7-9. For information, contact IPA at (800)255-8141.