SuperConference
2001: a technology odyssey
Orbiting
hotels and coach-class moonshots—these were among the flights of
fancy in 1969’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Unlike the future envisioned
in Arthur C. Clarke’s classic science-fiction novel, some technologies
long considered out of reach actually appeared during the 2001 Newspaper
Operations SuperConference, held January 7-12 in Orlando. Wearable computers,
multimedia convergence, all-digital printing—the list goes on.
At the same time, however, it was clear this brave new world faces many of the same old problems. Discussions of computer-to-plate technology reminded attendees that planning remains a far greater challenge than any one tool. Whiz-bang keyless and shaftless printing systems still require the old twin standbys—time and training—to get right. In the mailroom, the dream of an automated, "lights-out" operation remains elusive, even as volume grows. And while new tools and a new administration promise to simplify matters for environmental, health and safety managers, it’s no easier today to win the confidence of employees than it was in 1969.
Based on TechNews’ live show coverage posted daily on the World Wide Web, the pages that follow were reported by NAA Editorial Director Terence Poltrack, TechNews Associate Editor Lisa Rabasca, TechNews Editor Mark Toner, and Urbana, Ill., free-lance writer Pete Wetmore. For even more coverage, visit www.naa.org/technews/tn01supconf.
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