New colour management show feature at Fespa Global 2019

A show feature called the ‘Colour L*A*B*’ has been developed for Fespa Global Print Expo 2019 (Messe Munich, 14 - 17 May). It is a technology showcase and conference programme designed to help PSPs improve their colour management practices.

Located in Hall B4, Colour L*A*B* will offer visitors a structured end-to-end overview of all individual elements contributing to professional colour management including monitors, measurement and calibration tools, lightboxes, hard and soft proofing, software solutions and print output devices. The walk-through showcase will feature representative technologies from a range of specialist suppliers, supported by explanatory graphics and a printed guide describing the processes and technologies and including contacts for further information. Test files will be used in live demonstrations to illustrate different printed outcomes across a range of media. Visitors can participate in free, pre-bookable guided Colour L*A*B* tours with colour management consultant Paul Sherfield, who will provide explanations of the processes and answer visitors' questions on how they can improve their own practices. The adjacent conference area will offer free presentations from a range of subject matter experts, including Dr. Andreas Kraushaar of Fogra and Paul Lindstrom of Digitaldots.org. The launch of Colour L*A*B* comes in direct response to feedback from the Fespa community, which highlighted a strong appetite for expert guidance and education to improve colour accuracy and consistency in the face of rising customer expectations and an ever more diverse applications portfolio involving multiple substrates.   Fespa's head of technical support, Graeme Richardson-Locke, said: "Surveying our sector and talking to visitors and exhibitors, quality control remains one of the key areas where print service providers feel they have yet to optimise their operations. Our recent Print Census reinforces this, with one in three respondents saying that they intend to invest in colour management technology and training within the next two years as part of a wider focus on consistency and customer satisfaction."