Flexographic Technical Association

CLEMSON, N.C.—Newly updated for 2008, The FFTA/Clemson Seminar: Optimizing the Digital Plate for Flexography will be held August 7-8. In a series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions, attendees will learn to uncomplicate digital plate prepress and production in order to achieve optimal results from their investments. The updates bring the total number of breakout sessions to six over the 1-1/2 day seminar. Led by industry leaders in digital plate technology the program features best workflow practices and valuable networking opportunities with both the panel of experts, as well as fellow practitioners. The topics discussed are recommended for: • Those wishing to maximize their

RONKONKOMA, NY—The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) has added four new Regional Workshops to its 2008 regional tour. The workshops “FIRST 4.0 on the Go!” have been designed to educate attendees on the fundamentals and best practices of flexography and how they align with the specifications identified in FIRST 4.0 (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances). Attendees will gain a solid understanding of all facets of the flexo print process from inks to doctor blades to anilox rollers, and how each component, when adhered to FIRST specifications, will help to achieve predictable and consistent results print run after print run. The 2008 schedule

RESTON, Va.—Plans are underway for the debut of PackPrint, a new package printing-, folding carton-, flexo- and label-focused tradeshow. PackPrint will launch at the globally recognized PRINT 09 tradeshow to be held Sept. 11-16, 2009 in Chicago’s McCormick Place. Produced by the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC®) in partnership with the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), PackPrint has attracted interest from all segments of the package-printing industry. This event offers exhibitors exposure to buyers from the top package printers and converting companies with direct access to PRINT attendees who are seeking to expand their services into the realm of package printing. “Based on what we

DALLAS, Texas—Milestones were marked, and new ground was broken, as nearly 1,600 flexographic printing/converting professionals rolled into Dallas, Texas for the 2008 Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) Annual Forum and INFO*FLEX Exhibition. There, they lined up to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the society that is dedicated to growing the flexo industry—FTA. The event took place April 27-30 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. More than 60 speakers offered insights in 10 educational sessions. Attendees networked with suppliers at the INFO*FLEX exhibition that has been called the “best ever.” Forum 2008 was also marked by the presentation of lifetime and educational

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—The Flexographic Technical Association has named Howard B. Vreeland Jr., chief operating officer of Anderson & Vreeland Inc., the 46th inductee to its Hall of Fame. The announcement was made Sunday, April 27, at Foundation of FTA’s Annual Forum in Dallas, Texas. Vreeland knew from a very early age that printing plants and pressrooms would become focal points in his life’s work, as well as the center of his uncompromising efforts to identify, develop, and introduce new products that contribute to the advancement of flexographic print quality and consistency. His career in flexography was launched in summer 1967, while still in high school,

CLEMSON, S.C.—Last year the Clemson Department of Graphic Communications formed a committee of industry leaders to produce a new event in its Seminar Series, “Digital Proofing for Flexography.” The program was so popular that the program is scheduled to return this May 13-16 in twin sessions. The two sessions ensure that the numbers stay small, below 30, to ensure hands-on experience. The seminar is co-sponsored for the second year by the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA). Presenting Experts Some of those committee members that helped shape this program, recognized experts in the field of proofing, have stayed on as key presenters for the

PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Industry interest in and programming on sustainability helped increase attendance at the 2008 National Environmental Health & Safety Conference by 53 percent. About 225 people attended the March event at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel, a number the 13-year-old conference hasn’t experienced since 2002. The keynote presentation by Mark DiVito, “The State of Sustainability in Graphic Communications,” was based on a survey by Reed Business Information. This survey identified how different printing stakeholders are addressing green issues. The results included: • Companies that felt the emphasis on sustainability in printing had increased in the past year: 75 percent. • Companies with a

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The Phoenix Challenge Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to growing flexo through education and awareness, will be hosting two events to further its cause. Both the Phoenix Challenge College Competition and the Annual Phoenix Challenge Luncheon will be held during FFTA Annual Forum week in Dallas. The Foundation and the FFTA are looking forward to building more awareness about flexography in education. The inaugural Phoenix Challenge College Competition will take place for the first time on Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Dallas. The competition is one part of the entire mission to promote the growth of flexo in the educational

Ronkonkoma, N.Y.—Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association’s (FTA’s) 2008 Annual Forum—“FTA’s Golden Anniversary: 50 Years of Making Flexo Stronger”—is set to take place April 27-30 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Nearly 2,000 delegates are expected to turn out for the 2008 event, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of FTA. Forum 2008 will offer 10 sessions, housing six presentations each. Sessions will include Prepress as well as Business Management, Emerging Technologies, Flexo 101, and FIRST/FQC (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances/Flexo Quality Consortium). This year’s Forum also sees the return of the Sustainability Session, and will feature two new

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) recently received a major endowment from long-time supporters of flexo education, Ron and Katherine Harper. The grant, bestowed over the course of two years, will fund the start-up costs of the Foundation’s most important educational initiative ever – TEST (Technical Educational Services Team). “Katherine and I have been passionate about the concept of expanding flexographic education and increasing awareness of the flexographic process ever since the FFTA introduced the Flexo in High Schools and Colleges program; which began in 1990 with a $1 million fund raising campaign. With that successful history in mind, we are ecstatic with