Contact: Tim Sexton, VP Marketing / Michelle Cowan, Marketing Coordinator
ZBE, Incorporated, 1035 Cindy Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013 USA
Phone: (805) 576-1600; fax: (805) 576-1601
Email: info@zbe.com

Chromira Summer Bash 2001
ZBE's Service Department Holds First Annual Chromira Convention

Santa Barbara, CA - ZBE, Incorporated concluded its first annual Chromira users group meeting in July. This conference was designed to educate Chromira users in the areas of digital imaging as they pertain to ZBE's Chromira RA4 Digital Photographic Printer. Chromira Summer Bash 2001 was held in Santa Barbara, California where ZBE is headquartered and lasted 3 days from July 12-14. The convention was attended by twenty percent of ZBE's Chromira labs, bringing in 30 owners and technicians from across the United States.

ZBE's Chromira convention consisted of several components. Sponsored by ZBE's Service Department, the Chromira Users Group Meeting was first and foremost concerned with furthering the education of Chromira users to help them develop a better understanding of the machine for the greatest efficiency and productivity possible. The meeting also branched off to discuss areas in digital imaging. One example was when ZBE's color management expert, Jon Meyer of Digital Attributes in Ridgewood, NJ, examined the challenges of switching from traditional techniques in color management to digital ones. Also discussed were other ZBE digital products like the MultiServer with InternetDropBox and the ChromiraRIP, which served current owners of these products, and those interested in rounding out their digital portfolio. Hosted functions such as dinners and ZBE's wrap-up sailing excursion allowed Chromira owners, technicians, and their families to have fun, mingle with ZBE employees, and informally network and share information.

Obtaining the direct input of Chromira owners was also a key reason for ZBE to have a conference where everyone could meet face to face. Jake Beahan, Lead Software Development Engineer at ZBE, said that, "As the Photographic industry continues to switch over to digital imaging ZBE will continue to be a leader in software that takes our Customers to the next level. The User's Group meeting is a key part in ZBE's Development process. The input we received from the User's Group will directly affect the future direction of our Software and new Products. MultiServer [is a] key example of products that have been introduced by ZBE because of direct input from our Customers."

Dick Stein of Stein Photography in Norwalk, OH later reported that he "came away with valuable information and had an opportunity to network with other Chromira owners. [The] agenda was well planned and had something to offer to everyone." And Bob Grier of Colorich in San Diego, CA related that the conference "was very informative and a bunch of fun. If you didn't go you missed it!"