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April 11, 2007 -- Workflow will continue to be a hot topic at On Demand, and the IPA Technical Conference will be a great venue to follow up on workflow issues in more detail. In its 42nd year, the historically well-attended IPA Technical Conference is scheduled for June 5th through 7th, 2007, at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. According to IPA Executive Director, Steve Bonoff, “We have some really exciting new additions to the program this year that will further our aim of helping attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of the production capabilities and efficiencies required to successfully operate a Total Workflow and build a profitable, global graphics solutions company.”

IPA is adding a new twist to its Proofing RoundUP, which is now in its 5th year. Bonoff says, “In past years, the Proofing RoundUP has proven that the suppliers are capable of producing consistent proofs for the print community, but the question is how easy it is for users to produce consistent proofs outside of the lab. This year, we are inviting all attendees to bring proofs that will be evaluated during the conference by our experts.” Users can simply visit the IPA web site for full instructions on participating in this unique opportunity.

Workflow, of course, is a key focus for the conference. Frank Romano, a neutral, independent, and highly opinionated expert well-known in the industry, will deliver a special, not-to-be-missed keynote on the future of workflow. And another well-known industry expert, David Zwang, will conduct an interactive workflow forum around a case study presentation of the recent U.S. Department of State $164 million contract to establish a new standardized worldwide publishing workflow. Zwang, expert counsel on graphics workflow to the Department of State, was instrumental in the technology selection process. This case study in workflow re-engineering will set the stage for a freewheeling, interactive discussion on workflow analysis and change implementation, and should be very exciting.

In addition to topics of interest to the technical and management communities, the IPA Technical Conference will also feature a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities in learning labs conducted using 35 on-site iMACs, including an opportunity to learn what is new in Adobe’s newly launched Creative Suite 3, innovations in Quark, and other sessions covering preflighting and color management.

And new media is covered during the conference as well. Bonoff adds, “We tell our members that operating a Total Workflow means thinking beyond print. Media such as podcasting, blogs, broadcast and video are of increasing importance to companies seeking to meet the ever-expanding needs of today’s marketing communications buyer.” The conference offers opportunities to learn techniques for integrating new media seamlessly into existing production workflows.

All in all, the IPA Technical Conference is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before, and our readers at WhatTheyThink are encouraged to register today. Early registration discounts are in place through May 4th.

Prior to launching her consulting practice, Ms. Cary Sherburne was the Vice President of Marketing Communications and Outsourcing Solutions at IKON Office Solutions. In that capacity, she developed and implemented a branding campaign to build brand awareness for IKON in the marketplace as well as enhance employee pride in the organization, and was responsible for all internal and external communications, including trade shows and events, corporate newsletters, and industry and press relations. In the outsourcing role, she set strategic objectives and priorities for IKON's product and services portfolio in its Outsourcing businesses, including development of programs and sales support materials for that environment.

Sherburne was a Director at CAP Ventures, an internationally known firm specializing in market research and strategic consulting for the digital document and print on demand industry, before joining IKON, where she launched and managed the company's Document Outsourcing Consulting Service.

Her tenure in the printing and publishing industry has also included sales and marketing positions at Xerox Corporation, Indigo America and Bitstream. She is a frequent speaker at industry events and a recognized author.

Cary can be reached via email at cary@sherburneassociates.com, online at www.sherburneassociates.com and by telephone at 603-430-5463.