The Optimal Method, the latest in color calibration techniques, will be on full display at FTA’s Fall Conference 2022.

The Optimal Method builds on the tried-and-true practice of FIRST methodology and will be featured in the latest iteration of the highly touted resource guide, FIRST 7.0. During the three-day conference, attendees will compare traditional color calibration methods with this enhanced process. Printed samples will be given to all attendees to allow for real-time comparisons of color calibration methods.

The conference, which will be held October 11-13 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, just across the river from Cincinnati, OH, USA, will bring together the brightest minds in color calibration, including the two architects of the method, Charles Spontelli, associate professor emeritus at Bowling Green State University, and William Birkett, engineer at Doppelganger LLC.

“The Optimal Method is one of the greatest color calibration techniques to come to the flexographic industry in years,” says Joe Tuccitto, FTA’s director of education. “I am so excited for our members to have a front-row seat at this year’s conference.”

Robb Frimming, FTA president, adds, “The Optimal Method is a game-changer. Companies are always looking for ways to be more efficient without sacrificing quality and, specifically, accuracy. In addition, having the ability to work with legacy color inputs makes the color calibration method very versatile.”

Spontelli and Birkett will introduce The Optimal Method on the conference’s opening day, with a deep dive and examination of a print project that used The Optimal Method on day two.

Expert presenters involved with the project include:

• Steve Smiley, principal at SmileyColor & Associates LLC
• Kim Madigan, director of corporate color management at Smyth Companies
• Kariahlyn Lindsey, print process manager at Accredo Packaging
• Ann Michaud, division scientist, global application engineering at 3M
• Allie Ayers, technical consultant engineer at DuPont Cyrel Solutions
• Catherine Haynes, VP of growth and development at All Printing Resources Inc
• Bobby Congdon, assistant director at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University
• Darris Smith, technical graphics adviser at Harper Corporation of America