By: Cary Sherburne IPA’s Technical Conference is coming up quickly. Scheduled for June 6–8 in Chicago (www.ipa.org/tech), this conference is in its 41st year and has long been a terrific source of technical and management information and guidance in our ever-evolving industry. Last year, the Technical Conference featured its first ever Workflow RoundUP. As with the Color Proofing RoundUP, which is in its fourth year this year, much was learned from the first Workflow RoundUP, and those lessons have been applied to making this year’s event even better and more useful. Managed by Linda Manes Goodwin, the objective is to build on last year’s work and to provide users of workflow automation systems with the information they need to make informed buying decisions. Moving forward, the Workflow RoundUP will be used as a platform from which to create additional in-depth tests for specific processes. Tests this year will encompass four job stages: - Create - Output - XMP Metadata - JDF Job Ticket And it will look at these stages from the perspectives of the magazine advertising, commercial sheetfed offset printing and packaging segments. Early information indicates a high level of support from workflow vendors and we expect to see some very interesting results from this year’s RoundUP. (Link here to list of current Workflow RoundUP participating suppliers and systems.) Other aspects of the Technical Conference include: 1.The fourth annual Color Proofing RoundUP designed to help buyers systematically compare color proofing systems to match their specific requirements and workflow. Thirteen manufacturers will be submitting 29 proofing systems for evaluation. 2.A keynote panel with senior representatives from Adobe, Quark and Microsoft, exploring what impact their respective technologies will have on the future of publishing workflows. This promises to be a lively discussion. 3.Thad McIlroy, President of Arcadia House and a long-time industry visionary, will share his thoughts about a new vision of workflow that extends beyond the individual interests of suppliers to the industry at large and examine steps required to reach this broadened workflow concept. Listen up, suppliers! 4.Leslie Pickering, Co-Leader of P-Squared, will introduce IPA’s comprehensive new program, eLEAN for the Graphic Communications Industry. Learn how to extend efficiencies, reduce costs, increase quality and serve customers more effectively through the implementation of this innovative program. 5.Last year, one of the most popular sessions was a panel of creative agency and workflow experts debating how to get creatives on board the digital bandwagon and improve the workflow process from the start. Back by popular demand, look for this year’s panel is as informative and entertaining as last year’s. As usual, there are a wide range of thought-provoking technical and management sessions with something for everyone. This conference has proven itself over the years as a terrific place for busy professionals looking for down-to-earth advice, networking opportunities, and some time away from the shop to think about the future. I hope to see you there. For more information, visit www.ipa.org/tech or call 800-255-8141.