5 Essential Sessions at PRINTING United Expo
The following article was originally published by Wide-format Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Wide-Format Impressions.
Amid all that’s to see on the massive expo floor of this year’s PRINTING United Expo, it’s easy to lose sight of the numerous educational opportunities taking place at the event, just across the hallway from the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall. To help wide-format-focused attendees bridge that mental gap, Wide-format Impressions suggests five key educational sessions well worth your valuable time, and a day-before-the-Expo event essential for anyone concerned with color quality.
Printing Industry Outlook 2027
Onamica Dhar, PRINTING United Alliance; Andy Paparozzi, PRINTING United Alliance
This session will provide insight into the printing industry’s growth outlook and business environment in 2027. Topics will include products expected to experience the fastest growth, capital investment plans and objectives, the industry’s next major disruptor, and the expected direction of the U.S. economy—and what it will mean for the printing industry.
Wednesday, September 23, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Crossing Over: Convergence Reshaping Print Markets
Lisa Cross, Alliance Insights; Nathan Safran, PRINTING United Alliance
The sign, print, and packaging industries are entering a new era of convergence, as traditional boundaries between wide-format graphics, commercial print, packaging, textiles, and digital services continue to blur. Today’s providers are expanding beyond core production to deliver broader visual communication and brand experience solutions, from retail and environmental graphics to short-run packaging to direct mail.
Wednesday, September 23, 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
The Price Perception Problem: How to Sell Value, Not Discounts
Colin Sinclair McDermott, The Online Print Coach
If your customers keep asking for discounts, then that’s not a pricing problem: it’s a positioning problem. Learn how to reframe price conversations, how to handle objections, and how to make buyers understand that working with you is worth paying more for.
Wednesday, September 23, 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
Stretching the Boundaries in Wide-Format Services
Dan Marx, Wide-format Impressions (Moderator)
Enterprising wide-format PSP are increasingly utilizing a variety of services to supplement and enhance their print-focused core. In doing so, they open opportunities for deeper connection with their customers and access to higher-value printing applications. But while adding services is great, they must be established on a strong business foundation. In addition to simply being additional capabilities, they must become essential elements in a broader service package that points toward greater profitability. This panel discussion will explore the successful efforts of three wide-format producers who have stretched the boundaries of their offerings.
Thursday, September 24, 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
State of the Industry: Wide-Format Printing
Onamica Dahr, PRINTING United Alliance; Andy Paparozzi, PRINTING United Alliance
This session will feature the latest economic and market research to identify current trends shaping the wide-format printing industry, and to provide recommendations for achieving success. The presentation will address trends in key performance metrics for print service providers, including sales, cost inflation, pricing, real (inflation-adjusted) sales, profitability, and business confidence. It will also highlight key concerns and priorities of wide-format PSPs as they head into 2027, including plans to protect and build margins, the importance of capital investment, and capital investment objectives.
Thursday, September 24, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
An Additional Essential Opportunity!
G7/G7+ Exchange
If color matters to your work, this event is built for you. No prior G7+ background is required. G7+ Exchange is a half-day, in-person gathering for color management and print quality professionals — built around real-world content, working sessions, and the kind of conversations that don't happen in a typical conference room. Whether you're already a G7+ Expert, considering certification, or just trying to make color more predictable in your own work, you'll leave with valuable insight. Registration includes three hours of focused programming, a cocktail reception, and a room full of the people you actually want to talk to.
Tuesday, September 22 (day before Expo), 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pro Tip!
The sessions above are simply our suggestions! Attendees are urged to curate their own Expo education experience, and to explore all that’s on offer at the September event. For a full listing of education sessions and other experiences, visit the event’s comprehensive Experiences page.
For information and to register for the 2026 PRINTING United Expo (September 22-25 in Las Vegas) visit printingunited.com.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Industry Trends
Dan Marx, Content Director for Wide-Format Impressions, holds extensive knowledge of the graphic communications industry, resulting from his more than three decades working closely with business owners, equipment and materials developers, and thought leaders.
