CMM Intl. 2003 will offer converting professionals a wealth of practical information during its three-day Educational Program held in conjunction with the show, April 14-17 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Ranging from in-depth technical sessions such as "Newest Technologies In Foil Stamping & Diecutting" to broad-based management topics like "Economic and Marketing Trends in the Global Converting Industry," the program provides something of value to converters of all sizes.

The program will consist of two main tracks. The Technical Track addresses a wide range of topics, including combination presses, laser diecutting, process automation, co-extrusion, color management and web handling.

Among specific technical sessions planned: Technical Advancements Improve Converting Efficiency; Defects in Coating Films, The Three C's: Characterization, Causes and Cures; UV Ink Systems; UV Curing Primer; Cutting Edge Technology Improves Converting Productivity and Quantity; 100+ Technical Ideas on Producing Consistent Lithographic Color Quality; Basics of Electron Beam Curing; Hot Topics in Energy Curing; Modernizing Existing Coating Hardware: A Cost-Effective Alternative to a New Coating Line; Expanding Your Horizons: Color and Ink Management Spell Profits; Slitting and Winding Fundamentals; Innovative Technology Boosts Productivity/ Quality; Newest Technologies in Foil Stamping & Diecutting; Better Web Handling; and Energy Curable Adhesives.

The second educational track—Management—includes sessions such as Economic and Marketing Trends in the Global Converting Industry; Gravure/Flexo—A Costing Model; Extending Shelf Life Through Advances in Flexible Packaging Technology; Strategies to Survive in the Narrow Web Industry; The Business of Digital Printing; The Voice of the Customer—Package Buyers and Retailers Speak Out; How Do You Incorporate Digital into Your Conventional System; How to Attract the Female Buyer; Packaging Concept for Now and the Future; Managing Technology Improves Performance; and From Machine to Market: Other Grades of Paper and Board Can Learn from the Tissue Industry.

To date, several sessions from leading industry organizations such as Converting, FTA, AIMCAL, FPA, PLGA, PPC and RADTECH have been scheduled. The FTA's Narrow Web Council will present several analyses and case studies as part of the Technical Program, and its Consumer Product Council is scheduled to make a presentation during the Management Program.

For more information or to register for any of the conference sessions: 212/268-4160, www.cmmshow.com