The majority of the SPM et cetera staff is proud to be reporting, while attending the 58th Annual Technical Association of the Graphic Arts, or TAGA conference. This issue of SPM et cetera was assembled while attending the conference in Vancouver, B.C.

With over 160 registered members, including five student chapters comprising one-third of the total number of registrants. The turnout for the 2006 is greater than previous years. This year, TAGA members from around the world gather together to focus on the “future of printing.” Various speakers and industry experts address new issues and emerging technologies. Topics range from virtual proofing, the future of the newspaper industry, and cost-saving workflows, to color gamut optimization in gravure printing presented by School of Print Media professor Bob Chung.

Besides the speakers and presentations, another aspect of the conference is a student publication competition. Included in this year’s competition are chapters from Rochester Institute of Technology, California Polytechnic Institute, University of Wisconsin-Stout, South Carolina’s Clemson University, and EFPG of Grenoble, France.

As the conference comes to a close, the general consensus is that the key to the future of the printing industry lies not just in emerging technology, but actually relies heavily on the students themselves. These students will provide the drive, vision, and innovation that will lead print into the future and beyond.