PFFC - July 2008 - (Page 37)

FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING AGolden Opportunity Technical talk mixes with nostalgia as the FTA and its forum celebrate their 50th anniversary. By Deborah Donberg, Assoc. Managing Editor he Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX, was the setting for the 2008 Foundation of Flexographic Technical Assn. (FFTA) Forum and INFO*FLEX exhibition, held April 27–29 and attracting nearly 1,600 attendees. The mood was celebratory, and it wasn’t just the advancements in flexo and the success of INFO*FLEX, though both were cause for celebration. The forum theme tells the story: “FTA’s Golden Anniversary: Fifty Years of Making Flexo Stronger.” FTA president Mark Cisternino welcomed attendees on Sunday with an association update. Chairman Dave Neiman announced that FIRST 4.0 will be available this month. It will be 50% larger, more user friendly, and updated to today’s best practices, Neiman said, adding updates now will be offered online. FFTA’s education director discussed the Technical Education Services Team, known as TEST. For more on TEST, see PFFC, June 2008, p24. The keynote address was delivered by motivational speaker Jackie Pflug, who presented a riveting, moment-by-moment account of her terrifying experience as the victim of an airline hijacking in the ’80s. Pflug was shot in the head during the ordeal and has since had to relearn language and deal with issues, including epilepsy and severe vision problems, as a result. Her message—expect success and WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM T only! During that session, HewlettPackard’s Ed Dedman told the audience their customers want more SKUs, shapes, sizes, designs, colors, promotions, and bar codes. He proceeded to explain how digital printing can help with these demands. “How do you know if digital printing is for you?” Dedman asked. The answer: Consider such factors as what commit to it, be grateful every day, and the package is designed to contain; the don’t get hung up on small problems— materials that will be used; the regulations won over the audience, which gave her a to which the package will be subject; standing ovation. whether this is new packaging for the Pflug’s speech was followed by a two customer; and whether the customer is and a half-hour prepress session. Topics looking for new graphics. included computer-to-plate and plate Dedman said digital presses can processing, workflow, prepress curves duplicate the characteristics of and quality control, inkjet proofing, another press and increase marketing direct engraving, and more. opportunities. He summed up: “Digital The Sunday night banquet included printing can complement your flexo the induction of Howard Vreeland capacity, not compete with it.” Jr. into the Hall of Fame and the Gail Wong of General Mills told the Distinguished Educational Leadership audience end-users want a cohesive look Award for Ron and Katherine Harper. for their packages. She reminded them The main business of the evening (in of the importance of shelf presence, addition to a delicious dinner) was pointing out that 70% of purchases are the presentation of the Excellence in made at the shelf. Many brands don’t Flexography Awards (more to come). have advertising money to spend, Wong The Monday morning sessions covered noted, so the package has to do all the Newspapers, Business Management, Flexo selling. Wong also said the low-quality 101, and Emerging Technologies. While stigma of house brands and private labels the forum was infused with the nostalgia is decreasing, so known brands must be of the anniversary, attendees definitely able to compete with them. CPGs need were interested in looking ahead as well. the ability for speed to market and must One bit of evidence: The Emerging be assured the proof with their sign-off is Technologies session had standing room what will appear on the shelf. JULY 2008 | 37 http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - July 2008

PFFC - July 2008 Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What’s New Products Cover: Special Report Start with Security 2008 TAPPI PLACE Conference Printing Partnerships Paper’s Pledge Edible Markers Flexography Exclusive Research: Critical Trends What’s New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - July 2008

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