Conference Enhances Show Visit

Executive Outlook, a daylong conference traditionally held at McCormick Place the day before Graph Expo and Converting Expo opens in Chicago (October 10-13), this year features two dozen speakers, a spirited pro-and-con debate about the usefulness and adoption of Job Definition Format, and the announcement of Must See 'em show highlights.

The event is organized by the Graphic Arts Show Company (which manages the exposition); moderated by William C. Lamparter, president of PrintCom Consulting; and sponsored by Heidelberg and Xerox Corporation.

Meeting topics include benchmarking print, printers' diversification approaches, updates on computer-to-plate imaging and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging, and four how-to tutorials: implementing JDF, prospering with postpress technology, diversifying with digital photography, and getting started in digital color printing.

One session, presented by consultant C. Clint Bolte, describes how the new generation of automated, versatile sheetfed presses is revitalizing pressrooms today.

In the JDF debate, James E. Harvey of the CIP4 Organization and Frank Romano, consultant and Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology professor, trade viewpoints, opinions, and projections.

Lamparter says show exhibitors submitted more than 200 candidates for Must See 'em notoriety. The entries were judged by a panel of experts, consultants, and journalists.

Profiles of the new technologies, he notes, appear in a booklet distributed at the conference and available during Graph Expo.