8:30      Introduction and Program Objectives
8:45     Evaluating a Color Proof and Defining Press Performance

• Jay Sperry, Clemson University
  In today's printing environment, 5% of flexographic printers match their contract proof on the first attempt. What is needed for successful proofing? What can you evaluate on a color proof well before plates are made to feel comfortable about a color match? An overview of the flexographic printing systems and review of the pressrooms role in color proofing is presented. An introduction and review of press characterization and the color management workflow is given, as well as samples of press fingerprints.

9:30     Specific Proofing Needs of the Flexographic Printer

• Chip Tonkin, Clemson University
  Chip reviews the capabilities and concerns when proofing spot colors typically used in package printing. He also introduces simulated dot proofing using inkjet devices versus continuous tone and non-inkjet systems. Can your proofer simulate a minimum dot? How does it simulate the substrate texture? Specific flexographic concerns when it comes to contract proofing are presented.

10:00     Break
10:15     Proofing Options and Proofing Technology

• Richard Black, APR
  Proofing technology is quickly changing to meet needs of a progressive increase of flexographic print quality and hourly press costs. An overview of core digital proofing technologies is presented. Roy also presents proofing options for a wide range of proof providers. An in-depth look at proofing inks and colorant options, substrate considerations, resolution, imaging options and more is offered.

11:00     Proofing RIP's and the Proofing Workflow

• Roy Bohnen, Tekgraf / New Vision
  How is a proof is produced? What is the importance of a RIP, and what features should you notice in a proofing front end? What options are there for entering press color information? Is remote proofing an option for your organization? What is a hub-and-spoke approach for large flexographic printers or trade-shops? What is the relationship between digital plates and digital proofing? Richard answers these questions and more in this presentation on RIP's and the proofing workflow.

11:45     Lunch
12:45     Proofing Hands-On: A Round Robin Working Demonstration

• Chip Tonkin, Clemson University
  This is an opportunity for attendees to get a hands-on evaluation of leading proofing solutions for the flexographic printing industry. Proofing vendors provide sales and technical hosts for each session.
  
  Each proofing vendor will be presented with a press characterization, a spectral and LAB measurement file, and an ICC profile from a specified flexographic press. They will also be provided with a sample job to be proofed that was printed using the characterization data.
  
  8 attendees per breakout move in a round robin system.
  Breakout sessions to include but not limited to inkjet, expanded gamut inkjet, digital halftone, and soft proofing

• 1:00 - 2:00     Breakout Session 1
• 2:10 - 3:10     Breakout Session 2
• 3:20 - 4:20     Breakout Session 3
• 4:30 - 5:30     Breakout Session 4

5:45     Cap Day 1 and Explanation of Day 2
6:00     Social and Networking Hour at the Madren Center

• Jay Sperry, Clemson University and Roy Bohnen, Tekgraf / New Vision
  This session will provide press samples to attendees to evaluate press-to-proof matches for the proof samples produced the day before. Techniques for objective evaluation using spectrophotometry are demonstrated. A 3-step checklist and worksheet are provided to attendees for a proof performance report. Tools and methods are presented for future in-house proof evaluation BEFORE the plates are made!

• Richard Black, APR
  Now that you have a press-to-proof match, how do you continue to have acceptable results? An explanation of proof control targets and methods are presented.

• Kevin Bourquin, Cyber Graphics
  Flexographic printing systems are quickly evolving to have more color options and more demanding proofing responsibilities. Kevin will describe the challenges in proofing expanded and customized color printing systems. What proofing options are available? How can you evaluate your proofing systems color ability? What are the first steps to accurately predict press performance?

• What can you expect in 1,3, and 5 years in contract proofing? How is it different than the options you have today? What controls the cost of proofing systems and per-proof costs? This presentation prepares attendees for changes in technology and proofing systems offered.