David,

With some of the processes you could go with the beginner and advanced approach. Others require so much information that you could structure the courses in a progressive format such as sublimation I, II, III and IV. Narrowing the scope of the information in this way would allow more time for Q & A.

As you are well aware, sublimation is one of many subjects you could easily teach for a week or so. Instead of the progressive approach, you could structure curriculum into specific topics beginning with a basic introductory class and following that up with offerings on substrates, artwork set-up, color-correction, dealing with printer problems, etc.

For standard, universal software packages like Corel, Illustrator, or Photoshop it might be worthwhile to check the local community college. I know that here we have a technology center which teaches focused courses in each of these.

I got a jumpstart on Illustrator this way. Two classes a week for 3 hours each for two weeks. All evening, at a cost of $175ish.

While it wouldn't be tailor made to our industry, that might not entirely be a bad thing. Plus you'd get to interact with the other students. We all had to introduce ourselves and reveal what we wanted to learn for. I'm sure some people would find it rather cool that we're there to run our lasers.

Sei

Dave, I understand setting up classes for all levels. My problem is the lecturer that stands up there (for example) and tries to tell us how to zero out a cutter, without having a picture showing what he is doing. A beginner that needs to know how to do this might be totally lost. It would not take that much to include a close up photo on the overhead screen showing what is being discribed. Many bring samples to look at after the class, but they are not labeled so you don't know what the sample is representing (and try to get up there to ask a question and make the next class). Why couldn't a picture of the sample be shown, so everybody can see what is being discussed. Hey, this is even true on the showroom, I understand having machines working in 'dummy' mode, but the vendors that don't even have a machine with the software running is a no stop for me. I come to Vegas to compare makes and models which means I want to see (test) how to set up a job, etc. Two years ago (I think it was Hermes) a hospitiality room was set up with machines all around. No you didn't have to be interested to visit, but it really was nice to be able to sit down at a machine and test everything up to the point of actually engraving. I know this kinda got off subject, but I needed to vent :).

Zona

Zonas,

My boss (Roy Brewer) is the Chairman for ARA's Education Committee this year. I can assure you the Education Committee takes your comments very seriously and takes even more seriously the requests for more info on CEUs.

Somehow (I have no idea how but I am certain that someone on the committee or on ARA's staff will attempt to find out), your request for information "fell through the cracks".

I'm not on the Committee but I promise that you will receive info & receive it quickly.

Thanks for posting the info!

Thanks for relaying my concerns to Roy.

This is totally off topic (slap my hand), but I have to tell you what "Murphy" did. You sent me an email letting me know Roy was going to be in town. I had several things going on and just didn't feel I had time to meet/visit with him. Well "Murphy" struck. Around 5pm on the last date you gave me, my hard drive crashed (not even spinning) on my engraving system. No problem I have many computers laying around....got one ready went to load my back up files - they were corrupted. If Roy had been available around 7pm that night he might have had one big sell. ;) Luckily, (for me and my customers) I found a company (if any body ever needs this they were great) in Florida ECO, sent them my hard drive and they have been able to retrieve all my files so I hope to be back up and running this week. Now I want to know how you knew I might be looking for a new system that date ?? lol

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
Topeka, KS

David,

You bring up a good point. Sublimation has the most variables of any process I've performed. Other processes, such as laser or computerized engraving are easier to get a handle on, though, would still require more than a couple of days of classes for the student to become proficient.

Is training, such as we're describing, beyond the scope of an ARA trade show?

Sei's suggestion makes sense. A person would become familiar with various kinds of software before coming to an ARA educational event, where the nuts and bolts of running the hardware would be the focus.

It's an interesting discussion. Keep the ideas coming :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Zona,

ARA instructors are encouraged to use PowerPoint in their presentations. Not required, but preferred. That way, pictures can be shown and handouts of the accompanying text offered as handouts.

I think that's how it works.

MY ARA presentation was the first time I've used PowerPoint. I had plenty of pictures for you to see :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Zona,

To continue "off-topic", you may be suspicious that I jinxed your system. I did not. I promise!

At any rate, while dad would have been thrilled to meet you at 7pm ... or as the used car commercials go down here -- "I'll meet you at 2am, if I know you're coming" -- he would meet you at any hour if physically possible!

I don't know if he could have helped but I know he would have tried. For future reference, we sell Xenetech & Epilog systems -- we don't get into the PC sales (except, occasionally as a package deal w/ a new engraver).

We hope you'll remember us & give us a shot the next time you're ready for a new engraver!

David,

I would like to see an educational event that stands alone on its own merit. A well thought out event that industry peers wouldn't want to miss. An event driven by nothing more than the desire to provide a quality, valuable educational experience.

Do you think that DSSI, Engraving Etc. and the Engraver's Journal could pull off such an event? (I took the liberty of throwing Cherie and Mike into the mix on this one.) It would take some time to put a structured plan and curriculum together, but I believe we could pull it off.

Kansas City would be a great place for this. I'll book the rooms! :-)

David,

Something as you suggest has been a daydream of mine. Very difficult to put together, but not impossible.

Kansas City sounds like a good location.

I would suggest a new thread for discussion of that idea.

This one started as an overview of the ARA Irvine show and has evolved into suggestions which the ARA can use to improve its shows.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

 

I think Philadelphia would be a great location. :^b

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Harvey,
With all due respect, how about MAUI????????

Chuck Burke
Pacific LaZer Works

Chuck,

No argument here!!!!!!!!

Too long a walk. You foot the air fare and I am there.!!!!!!!!

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Plus, Roy Brewer wouldn't let Jeannette go. 8<)

Dave

For a moment there, I was dreaming of a way to put something together in Maui but UCONN Dave brought me back to the real world. Since we've been instructed to leave this as a spot to discuss ARA improvements, I'll put the Brewer Sales Education Weekend (Austin, TX) in another spot.

This might be something similar to what David Takes had in mind (earlier in this thread).

If this event is even semi-successful, we're planning to do something similar in a couple of other cities next year.

I have this memory that a couple of years back someone in Texas attempted to put on a "learn engraving" seminar. I think it might have been IMARK but my memory files could be corrupted. I'm sure we received a flier about it but that is all I remember. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and/or if the seminar ever happened and was it successful for the participants?

Dee

David,
Here is the solution. ALL educational descriptions should have an "experience level" prerequisite, then let the attendees decide for themselves if they are up for that level.

Just a thought.

Chuck

David and David, ( Sounds like a law firm doesn't it?)

D. Takes, I am glad I came upon your post because I was thinking along these very lines, a seperate EDUCATIONAL show, with out the "trade floor". I think that something like that could be held ANYWHERE.... Maybe even Honolulu..... :)

Either way, I think a seperate educational weekend long ( three day even) would be great once a year, then the annual ARA International show as it is ( or as I assume it is). I also think rotating the show in the WARMER climates is a great idea.

Anyway, that's all the pocket change I have for now. (my two cents worth)
Oh yes. I get my Crystal Blast tomorrow :)

Chuck Burke
Pacific LaZer Works

Chuck,

Your Crystal Blast will be exactly that. Enjoy it!!!!