TAGA NextGen: Innovate, Apply, Inspire
March 25–28, 2025 • Boulder, Colorado
The TAGA conference took place in the heart of Boulder, CO, with multiple sessions held from March 25 to 27, concluding with a tour on the morning of March 28. The sessions featured a mix of the latest research papers, as well as presentations covering broad technology perspectives—from best practices to recent innovations—offering valuable insights and solutions for current challenges and helping companies plan for the future.
A key component of the event was student participation. The different chapters showcased their competition entries and presented them on the main stage. Attendees had the opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds who are poised to become future industry leaders. There were also chances to connect with potential future employees.
The papers covered a full range of topics impacting the industry. The emphasis for 2025 was on sustainability, packaging, printed electronics, automation, and best practices. Additional topics included ink, substrates, color, visualization, displays, materials, curing, process control, data management, workflow, security, lean manufacturing, 3D printing, novel applications, fundamental science, and software and computer developments related to all types of printing processes. See Sessions
Sessions
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Birgit Plautz, GMG Americas - Beyond CMYK: Unexpected and Ingenious Applications of Print |
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Mark Bohan, Konica Minolta Business Solutions - The changing outlook of color management |
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Bilge Altay and Bruce Myers, RIT - Evaluating Product Variation in Color Gamut Volume Estimation across Measurement Devices for Improved Analysis |
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Lukas Jenner, Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart, Germany - Development of Bio-Based Adhesives Utilizing Alginates for Leaf Edge Bonding in Bookbinding Applications |
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Antonia Götz, Jan Christoph Jahnsen, Stefan Güttler, Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart, Germany, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Stuttgart, Germany - Evaluation of printability of screen- and pad printing inks via high-viscosity piezo inkjet technology |
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Sean Fowler, Andy Francis, Bill Tobin and David Duecker, Q-Lab Corporation - A New Light Source for Photostability Testing Shows Promising Results |
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Asaya Shimojo, Konica Minolta - Quantitative Visual Analytics for Optimizing Brand Identity in Packaging Design |
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Student Chapter Presentations |
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Cory Sawatski, Alphagraphics - How to build a sustainable and repeatable print business in a multi-location company; from sourcing, via sales & sustainability, availability and the systems behind it that it takes to make it all work |
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Dina Vees, Cal Poly - The Relationship of 2D Barcode Size and its Ability to Decode |
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Radovan Slavuj, Elie Khoury, Alwan Color Expertise - Spectral versus trichromatic color management – application and benefits |
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Henry Freedman, Peter Crean, Peter Dundas, Eric Zeise - How Color Inkjet Web Can Match Offset Lithography at Production Runs |
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Jeff Jacobs, ePac Flexible Packaging - Technology and its impact on ePac's Exponential Growth |
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Nick Benkovich, ePS - What is AI and how can it help my business |
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Erica Walker & Amanda Bridges, Clemson University - The Impact of Commercial Laundering on Brand Color Durability on Printed Textiles |
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Yu Ju (Mandy) Wu, Appalachian State University - A Study of Advanced Smart Packaging Technologies in Plastic Waste Sorting and Recycling |
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Renmei Xu, Ball State University - Effects of Paper Properties on Color Gamut of Dry-Toner Electrophotography |
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Jules Van Sant, Two Sides - 2025 Sustainability and Consumer Perception: Paper, Packaging & Print - Trends & Truths |
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Steve Upton, Chromix - How to effectively visualize color No presentation was used as this was a demonstration of visualizing color in different manners. |
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Max Derhak, Onyx Graphics - Understanding Fluorescence – Measurement, Simulation and Correction |
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Dr. Krzysztof Krystosiak, Dr. Kai Lankinen, Dr. Martin Habekost, Toronto Metropolitan University, Tampere University of Applied Sciences - Expanded Color Gamut in Printing: Applications, Challenges, and Overcoming Obstacles |
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Ben Lubin and Don Schroeder, FUJIFILM North America Corporation - Exploring Augmented Reality for Capital Equipment Sales, Marketing, and Technical Support |
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Carl Blue, Clemson - The Potential Role of AI in Transforming Digital Prepress Workflows for Print Production |
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Ivan Portilla, Ricoh USA - Driving Efficiency through an Automation Hierarchy |
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Celeste M. Calkins, Illinois State University - Improving Cost Estimating Opportunities Within Cutting Table Technology |
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Giles Dillingham and David Biro, Brighton Science / Sun Chemical - Use of Water Contact Angle for the Assessment of Substrate Surface |
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David Niles, Sappi - Sappi North America’s Project Elevate |
Conference Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who made the 2025 TAGA NextGen Conference possible. Their support played a vital role in bringing together students, professionals, and researchers to share ideas, explore innovations, and shape the future of our industry. We truly appreciate their commitment to advancing graphic communications and helping make this year’s event a success.
