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2007 Conference Program Detail
Monday, June 4, 2007
9:00-10:00
EVENT KICK-OFF, Mr. Andrew McKenna, Chairman, McDonald's and Schwarz Paper Co.


11:00-12:30
AIMCAL WEB HANDLING COURSES
Defect Reduction Technology
Edward Cohen, Ph.D., Edward Cohen Consulting, Inc.
- The importance of effective coater process and product characterization
- Determine defect causes
- Utilize on-line defect characterization technologies:
- Web Defect Vision Inspection System
- Coating weight gauges
- Viscosity measurement and control
- Understand the role of the web coater support equipment in reducing coating defects and improving quality and productivity
- Learn about the mechanisms for several common coating defects and what you can do to eliminate them
- Effectively use a database to store and retrieve defect information

PRESS OPERATIONS

Web Inspection/Alignment
Speakers: Gal Shamri, Vice President, Marketing, Advanced Vision Technologies
Jochen G. Koenig, Dr.-Ing., Managing Director, Dr. Schenk of America, LLC
Fritz Williams, Senior Alignment Specialist, OASIS Alignment Services, Inc.
John Thome, General Manager, BST Pro Mark
The rapidly growing market for displays has spurred significant investments into lines for optical films, and inspection is challenged to provide very sensitive optics that detect not only contaminates, but also subtle optical distortions. As optics technology is enhanced, the inspection system electronics and software need to handle the vast amount of potential defect data and identify the relevant ones. Wrinkles, baggy edges, uneven tension, sheet breaks, coating issues, drying issues, delamination, static, wandering and guiding issues are all caused by misalignment. Proper alignment of production equipment is necessary for optimal operating efficiency while producing the highest quality product. Leave this session with strategies for choosing the right inspection solution and also for maintaining proper web alignment.

SUSTAINABILITY

Utilize Alternative Materials to Promote Sustainability

Speakers:
Paul J. Schutes, Executive Director, Recycled Paperboard Alliance
John Murray, Polyflex Sales, Manager, Plastic Suppliers, Inc
Bill Petersen, General Manager, National Accounts, Iconotech, LLC
The first part of this session examines the driving forces behind sustainability initiatives and highlight one company's conversion to 100% recycled paperboard packaging. In the second half, speakers discuss the much publicized Wal-Mart sustainability initiative and the launch of its scorecard to track the successes of its suppliers. How will sustainability requirements affect the average converter? How long until the "Wal-Mart effect" trickles down to the mainstream market? Get answers to these questions and more.

TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY

Flexible Packaging Panel
Moderator: Brendan O'Neill, Editor-in-Chief, Flexible Packaging
Panelists: Dennis Calamusa, President, ALIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc.
Greg Gard, Senior Vice President, Technology and Innovation, Pliant Corporation
Sharon P. Derbyshire, CPP, President, Contract Market Research
In this highly competitive retail environment, more and more pressure is put on the brand owners to deliver packaging that stands out on the shelves, increases product quality or enhances freshness, and offers more all-around convenience to the consumer. Flexible packaging continues to lead in product innovation by offering completely new takes on bags and pouches that fulfill all of these needs and more. What is next for flexible packaging materials? How will products be delivered in the future? Who is responsible for the innovation in this market? This overview helps professionals prepare for the next phase by giving them a better understanding of the trends that shape the industry.

PREPRESS/DESIGN TRENDS

Advancements in Digital Prepress for all Printing Processes
Moderator: Bill Ceperich, Senior Vice President, The Pitman Company (retired)
Panelists: Bob Dauses, Strategic Business Manager, Mark-Trece, Inc.
Chris Horton, Vice President, Southern Graphic Systems
Robert Smithson, Owner, Trinity Graphics
Digital prepress technology is not just for "early adopters" anymore. A broader audience is now seeing the benefits of moving to digital and many can now justify its ROI. While the initial investment can be high, many converters are seeing long-term savings as they spend less on changes and corrections further along in the process. From digital proofing to computer-to-plate and the promise of JDF, converters today can benefit from the lessons learned in the commercial printing industry. How large is the investment? How much training will my employees need, and how much time will it take? What are the business benefits, and how do I measure the ROI? Learn how digital prepress can strengthen your production process and increase your profits in the long run.
PRINT: DECORATING PACKAGES

Digital's Impact on Flexo, Gravure and Offset Printing
Speaker: Frank Romano, Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
An early misconception with digital printing was that it would someday replace traditional printing processes. Instead, users have found that digital printing can open up new business opportunities for applications that may not have been feasible with other means. From short-run package comps to personalized packages and on-demand labels; printers and converters are adding digital printing to provide their customers with additional services. Which digital printing technology is right for you? How do you identify jobs that are appropriate for digital printing? How different are the consumables? Frank Romano is the graphic arts industry's leading authority on digital printing and is known for his entertaining style of helping users understand the landscape and sort out the information.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
8:00-9:30
AIMCAL WEB HANDLING COURSES

Web Handling I: Web And Roll Quality Defects
David R. Roisum, Ph.D., Finishing Technologies
This workshop shows you how to diagnose and treat the most common web and roll defects. The first part covers wrinkle defects such as MD trough wrinkles, diagonal shear wrinkles; TD wrinkles and baggy webs. This first course covers the most common would roll defects such as loose cores, blocking, gage brands, rough roll edges and telescoping. Defects are described in terms of diagnosis, mechanics and treatment.
Inspection and measurement techniques are also discussed so that defects are not passed on to the customer.
PRESS OPERATIONS

Films and Laminates
Speaker: Rory Wolf, Vice President, Business Development, Enercon
A critical component of nearly every package today, films and laminates help to not only protect the product from outside contaminants, but also add strength and durability to the design. Constantly changing food safety guidelines keep film and laminate producers on their toes, while the goals of non-food retail product manufacturers often place different demands on the market. Are there new materials on the horizon? How can you stand out from the competition in this area? Find out what the latest trends are in films and laminates and where they are headed. Be sure you are ready for these new advances and how they can improve your output.

SUSTAINABILITY
TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY

Sustainability Panel: Supplier and Brand Owner Perspective
Moderator: Archie Beaton, Chlorine Free Products Association
Panelists:
Paul Kearns, Director of Sales & Technology, Exopack LLC
Susan Homan, North American Marketing Manager - Sustainable Packaging, DuPont Packaging
Pat Berger, Co-Owner, Mercer Color
In December 2005, Wal-Mart announced that it began a phased rollout of sustainable packaging, introducing PLA-based fresh-cut product containers, whole produce clamshells, donut boxes, bread bags, and gift cards. More and more retailers and CPGs are leaning towards this trend, and converters must be aware of the challenges ahead in printing and converting these materials into viable packages. How do these materials behave in the production process? Are there limitations to be aware of, or are there any benefits to realize? Hear what retailers and CPGs are using and how converters are working with them to be more environmentally responsible.

PREPRESS/DESIGN TRENDS

Automate and Secure the Proofing Process/Meeting Color Standards On-Screen
Speakers: Stephen Miller, Product Manager, Eastman Kodak Company
Aaron Tavakoli, Initiative Manager - Colorflow/Valve in Print, Kodak Graphic Communications Canada Company
In the packaging industry, national brands demand accurate, consistent color to increase brand recognition and to boost the in-store visibility and shelf appeal of their products. Color accuracy and matching across substrates and across printing processes are a requirement. While suppliers to the industry offer a number of products that incorporate color expertise, even the best color products often work in isolation, reproduce color inconsistently from product to product, and/or fail to verify that the color output meets specification. How do new products on the market address these issues? How can the right solution save time and money for all parties involved?

PRINT: DECORATING PACKAGES

UV Coatings from A to Z - UV Adhesives to Zirconia Oxygen Analyzers
Speakers: Juliet Midlik, Regional Sales Director, Prime Systems, Inc
Thomas Beemsterboer, General Manager, Genesis Packaging and Design, Inc.
Tim Fitzgerald, Operations Manager, Sun Process Converting
Lee Bradley, Industry Consultant
Bill Rizzo, Director of Marketing & Operations, Genesis Packaging & Design
John Calenberg, Preprint Plant Manager, Genesis Packaging & Design
Ultraviolet (UV) curing continues to grow in the North American industry, touching many more market segments that just packaging. And although UV coating offers many environmental advantages, most users cite productivity and price as strong determining factors for using the technology. With new inks, coatings, adhesives, and curing systems, the market is poised to continue its robust expansion. What technology is best suited for your applications? What changes should we expect over the coming year? How does UV curing fit into the workflow? Attendees at this session get up to speed on all the latest developments and have the opportunity to raise specific questions.
9:30-10:30
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Neil Burns, Managing Director, Release Liner Segment for Mondi Packaging
11:00-12:30
AIMCAL WEB HANDLING COURSES

Web Handling I: Web And Roll Quality Defects (Part II)
David R. Roisum, Ph.D., Finishing Technologies
SECURITY AND TRACEABILITY

RFID
Speakers: Max Golter, Vice President - Sales, bielomatik-jagenberg, Inc.
Gerald Steinwasser, General Manager, Muhlbauer, Inc.
Wolf Bielas, CEO, RSI ID Technologies
The printing industry is well aware of the emergence of RFID, and has responded quickly by pursuing research and development initiatives related to conductive inks for printing RFID antennae; systems for placing chips into packages, tags and labels; and the most cost-effective solutions for implementation. Printed matter that incorporates RFID technology is already in production. The market of printed product employing RFID technology will continue to grow and become more sophisticated. Find out how fast the market is growing and what you need to do to stay a step ahead of the curve. Once RFID is required at the package level, what does this mean for converters? When should converters start building partnerships with RFID providers?
PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Best Practices in Plant Safety
Speakers: John R. Wenzler, Corporate Account Executive, Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Jim Hillstrom, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Glenroy, Inc.
Aside from the obvious OSHA policies that regulate the converting and printing industries, businesses must develop and implement a common-sense strategy for keeping employees safe and productive in the work environment. Training workers and practicing safety procedures on a regular basis will help ensure a safe environment, while maintaining that safe environment will enhance worker satisfaction and overall productivity. What regulations must you follow to comply with the law? How can you develop a safety plan that also fits with a disaster-recovery plan in the event of a catastrophic incident? Find out about the latest safety equipment and how you and your workers can benefit.
TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY

Mergers & Acquisitions in the Converting Industry
Speakers: Bill Hornell, Managing Director, Investment Banking-Corporate, Mesirow Financial
Jonathan White, President, Blaige & Co. LLC

Current state of the packaging merger and acquisition marketplace

The growing impact of private equity on merger and acquisition activity

The reaction of strategic buyers to the expanding role of private equity

The effect of these forces on company valuation and transaction structure

Relevant case studies

PREPRESS/DESIGN TRENDS
PoP and Displays: Digital Production Opens New Doors
Speakers: Dan Marx, VP, Markets and Technologies, Specialty Grpahic Imaging Association
Christopher Howard, Vice President, Packaging and Industrial Group, Durst US
Innovative, short-run packaging in full, beautiful color; lucrative point-of-purchase and retail displays; and access to a wide new variety of possibilities for your business: these are the opportunities a number of enterprising printers and converters are using to provide value-added services to their customers, and to add additional revenue to their bottom line. The opportunity, for those who choose to grasp it, requires the understanding of emerging technologies and techniques, and a way of thinking vastly different from the traditional packaging mindset. Join two digital industry experts for a unique view of digital, and learn how it can expand your company's profitability.
PRINT: DECORATING PACKAGES

Expanding Capabilities - Advantages of Multiple Printing Processes
Moderator: Fred Shapiro
Speakers: Michael R. Pfaff, Director, Paperboard & Folding Carton Press Sales, Comco Division of Mark Andy Co.
Jeff O'Reilly, National Sales Manager, Label & Packaging Group, Hewlett-Packard
Roland Krapp, Vice President Sheetfed Product Management, Heidelberg USA
Pierre Vellelian, Business Development Manager, Bobst Group
Whether your expertise is in flexo, gravure, offset, or digital, the advantages of each process depend on the product being produced. Recent advancements in each area have enabled better quality, faster turnaround, and increased overall performance. Occasionally, more than one printing process may be employed in the completion of a job, which means that providers today have to be ready to offer whatever the client or project demands. Can a variety of presses coexist in a production environment? How relevant is the debate over which process is best? Find out how to plan for your equipment needs now and in the future so that you are ready for all possible work that comes your way.
12:30-2:00 Networking Luncheon

Intellectual Property Issues with Converters
Harold Fullmer and Ed Carreras, Partners, Woodcock Washburn
Innovation is the process of technical improvement, and intellectual property is the product of innovation. Many companies use intellectual property not only defensively to protect others from copying, but in more sophisticated ways to further their business goals. Hal Fullmer and Ed Carreras, partners with Woodcock Washburn, will address these issues in a special lunch session on Tuesday. A discussion of IP strategy for converters and package printers will be based Hal�s extensive IP experience representing packaging companies and Ed�s extensive experience as the (former) chief IP counsel for Coke. Following presentations by Hal and Ed, attendees are encouraged to participate in a discussion and Q&A period. Founded in 1946, Woodcock Washburn is a national law firm that practices only IP, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and standards.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007
8:30-10:00
AIMCAL WEB HANDLING COURSES
Web Handling II: Solving Common Tension Control, Slip and Scratching Problems
Speaker: Timothy J. Walker, TJWalker+Associates, Inc.
Tension control is the backbone of all coating and converting processes. Poor tension control is the root cause or a strong contributor to most web handling and winding problems. Especially challenging are low-tension processes, where poor idler roller performance or line geometry will quickly generate scratching waste, contamination and control problems. This workshop is your next step down the road to a more stable and cleaner coating or converting process.
SECURITY & TRACEABILITY
Inks/Printed Electronics/Nanotechnology
Speakers: Richard Morris, Sales Manager, Parelec Inc., USA
Graham Battersby, Business Consultant

RFID is not the only technology available to help CPGs and retailers protect their products and customers. Security inks can help detect temperature changes and counterfeit products. Learn how these inks are being utilized and how effective they are in the protection of products and brands. Batteries, computer circuitry, flexible viewing screens and other electronics are now being printed. What will this mean to the converter? Will this new technology change everything in the converting industry? Will this mean more opportunities? Find out how printed electronics will affect your business and what opportunities exist. Nanotechnology also will impact the development of innovative packaging in a number of areas including improved barrier properties, biodetection, and antimicrobialism. Applications using polymer nanocomposites are already impacting the market and potentially will replace a large percentage of plastics in packaging applications.

PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Plant Automation
Speakers: Bill Titus, Sales Manager, Air Trim, Inc.
Jim Hulman, Business Development, Bosch Rexroth
Michael Pesano, Marketing Manager, Wood, Paper and Printing Industries, Bosch Rexroth USA
Richard Wimberger, Engineering Product Manager, C.A. Litzler
Factory automation provides necessary efficiencies to compete with companies that outsource to countries with lower manufacturing costs. Obvious benefits in automation include less waste, improved throughput, increased flexibility and reduced setup time; but the challenge is finding ways to link the various production steps, while also maintaining strict quality control measures. Why print, store and re-stage for converting when you can do it all in one process? How can you implement an automation strategy while continuing to meet your immediate needs? With today�s technology you can automate the entire process from unwind to palletizer...attend this session to see how it can be accomplished.

TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY

Solutions to the Crisis in Consumable Costs - How to Protect Your Bottom Line
Speakers: Frank Perkowski, President, Business Development Advisory, Inc.
Diane Parisi, Vice President, Supply Chaine Management, Flint Group
Supply and environmental issues are creating problems for the flow of materials needed for package converting. These issues result in a sometimes tumultuous cost and pricing situation for the converter. From the effects of rising petroleum costs on inks and substrates to the always higher costs of new converting materials and solutions, maintaining a reasonable margin on any job is necessary for a healthy industry. How can you find the best price on the materials you need, and how can you plan for the inevitable fluctuations in cost? Learn what can be done with the known materials to reduce cost without negatively affecting the printing/converting process or the ability of the package to retain its protective qualities in the marketplace.
PREPRESS/DESIGN TRENDS
PRINT: DECORATING PACKAGES
Screening Technologies/Extended Gamut/Color Management
Moderator: Jonathan Agger, Partner, Karstedt Associates
Speaker: Mark Samworth, Vice President of Technology, Artwork Systems
Color is a concrete, measurable reality and the most critical component of print quality. If the job of the packaging or label designer is to create shelf appeal and ensure brand recognition, the job of packaging and label printer is to lock in those attributes by reproducing those designs as faithfully, efficiently, and affordably as possible. Extended color printing, which is said to expand the color gamut beyond CMYK and still deliver a quality product on time and on budget, is one option for enhancing color reproduction. How do screening and color management solutions fit into your workflow? Who holds the ultimate responsibility for achieving the right color? Learn how to create high-impact package graphics that create a greater visual/shelf appeal; as well as accurate, consistent, repeatable color.
10:30-12:00
AIMCAL WEB HANDLING COURSES
Web Handling II: Solving Common Tension Control, Slip and Scratching Problems (Part II)
Timothy J. Walker, TJWalker+Associates, Inc.
TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY

Sales and Marketing
Rev-up Your Exhibit Performance – Tactics to Ensure Trade Show Success
Speakers: KeleMarie R. Lyons, President & Founder, Pinnacle XL, Inc.
David A. Markgraf, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Pinnacle XL, Inc.

If your company is like most, ensuring ROI of your marketing efforts has become paramount. How can you be sure your trade show is a success in the eyes of your stakeholders? During this 90 minute session, you’ll gain access to tips and techniques that can be applied today - to ensure top level performance. You’ll learn about:
· Setting Realistic Objectives
· Pre-Show Promotions that Draw Attention
· The Art of Exhibit Design
· Strategic Exhibit Staffing
· Attracting the Media
· Effective Lead Tracking
· Post-Show Follow-Up
· Measuring Exhibit Performance

Whether you are in a closely held business or large corporation, this event is ideal for everyone involved in bringing your trade show exhibit to life, from presidents and marketing executives to product managers and engineers. Rev-up your exhibit performance, plan to attend this session today!
PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
PREPRESS/DESIGN TRENDS
SECURITY AND TRACEABILITY

Panel: Develop Lucrative Relationships Between Converters and Consumer Packaged Goods Companies
Panelists:
Michael O. Okoroafor, Ph.D., Director, Global Packaging Technology Services, The Coca-Cola Company
Edward Cohen, Technical Consultant, Edward D. Cohen Consulting, Inc.
Stanley J. Kopecky, President, SJK Packaging Associates
Regardless of how strong the relationship is between you and your customer/supplier, there are always things that can make the relationship work a little more effectively. In this lively session, a panel of Consumer Packaged Goods end-users will share with you what services they like best from their converters and what drives them absolutely crazy. Are CPGs looking for a converter that will do whatever they ask or one that will challenge them to improve? Do converters understand the marketing challenges CPGs face? In addition to being very entertaining, this panel provides you with valuable insights on how to enhance your relationships.
PRINT: DECORATING PACKAGES

Update on Electron Beam curing for packaging applications

Moderator: Im Rangwalla, Senior Product Development Engineer, Energy Sciences

Panelists: John Bervoets, Business Development Manager, Henkel Corporation
Stephen C. Lapin, Ph.D., Senior Technology Manager, Specialty Polymers & Adhesives, Ashland Inc.
Josh Epstein, Product Manager, Advanced Electron Beams
Bob O’Boyle, Marketing Manager, WetFlex, Sun Chemical Corporation

In this session, panelists offer converters an update on the friendliness/cleanliness, low odor/taint and efficiencies of electron beam (EB) technology. From low-voltage EB equipment and EB-cured laminating adhesives to EB-cured coatings and EB-cured inks, this versatile technology enables users to meet a wide variety of customer needs in many diverse applications. Get insight on the latest advancements and have your questions answered by those who shape the market.
12:30-2:00 Networking Luncheon

A Roadmap to Success in Package Printing and Converting
David J. Lanska, Author, Common Sense Flexography
In today's intensely competitive environment, printers and converters face monumental challenges including: pressure to enhance package features, the unfortunate necessity of providing for product security, pressure to improve quality and consistency, the struggle to attract and retain employees, as well as price pressure on finished goods and increasing costs to produce them. Taken in aggregate, these issues can devastate a company¿s profitability. The way a company prepares for and responds to these challenges often determines if they will be successful and growing or even still in business a few years down the road. - What separates successful companies from their less successful counterparts? - What are the secrets of success in package printing and converting? - Why do so many companies go under, while others seem to grow and thrive? Adapted from the pages of David's new book, Common Sense Flexography, tentatively scheduled for release in mid 2007, this presentation uses real-life examples to highlight companies that learned their lessons well, with others that learned theirs the hard way. It contrasts the devastating effects of cutting corners with the best practices employed by successful companies to provide a roadmap to success.

Thursday, June 7, 2007
8:30-10:00
INTERNATIONAL SESSIONS
Piracy & Counterfeiting Issues
Speaker: Steven Powell, Vice President & Director, Graphic Communications Group, Eastman Kodak Company


Brand theft costs industry worldwide an estimated $450 billion a year through product counterfeiting and grey market diversion. All consumer brand goods, especially high-value retail goods, are being counterfeited. Most consumer products, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics companies attempt to detect counterfeit products and to track and trace individual products to prevent these kinds of losses. Overt solutions for security and authentication are detectable by sight or touch, such as holograms and intaglio printing. Since these solutions are visible, they can be easily identified by counterfeiters, and can be copied with relative ease using available technologies. Learn about new forensically-invisible identification and brand authentication technologies that provide brand owners, and their printing & converting suppliers, with low-cost protection against counterfeiting.
- Global counterfeiting costs and driving market dynamics
- Key anti-counterfeiting terminology
- Overview of existing systems
- The role of RFID