Dave Leskusky on the PRINTING United Expo Imperative
The following article was originally published by Wide-format Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Wide-Format Impressions.
Dave Leskusky, President, PRINTING United Alliance
Dave Leskusky, president of PRINTING United Alliance, describes why he believes it is essential for printers of all types to attend the 2025 PRINTING United Expo in Orlando (October 22-24), and shares what they can do to maximize their experience.
Wide-format Impressions: Let’s pretend I’m a wide-format producer who is “on the fence” as to whether they should attend this year’s PRINTING United Expo. How would you convince me?
Dave Leskusky: Robert Iger once said, “If you don’t innovate, you die.” That couldn’t be truer in today’s print landscape. PRINTING United Expo is where innovation comes to life. It’s the largest and most comprehensive showcase of technology, solutions, and strategies shaping the future of our industry.
Whether you're actively in the buying cycle or just exploring what’s next, this is the one event in the Western Hemisphere that brings the entire printing community together under one roof. Wide-format producers, in particular, will find cutting-edge equipment, materials, software solutions, and applications that can unlock new revenue streams and drive differentiation in a competitive market.
I get it, stepping away from the business for a few days isn’t easy. But this isn’t time away; it’s time invested. The insights, connections, and inspiration you’ll gain at the Expo can transform your business for years to come. If you’re serious about staying relevant, competitive, and future-ready, PRINTING United Expo is where you need to be.
WFI: In the past few years, the Expo has presented strong evidence of convergence in the printing industry. Let’s say I tell you, “I’m in wide-format. Why do I need to see other segments’ technologies? What do you say?
DL: This is a question I have heard a lot. The truth is that convergence isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic response to how customer needs are evolving. Our research at the Alliance shows that diversification is accelerating across the industry. While it may not be the right move for every business, it’s absolutely worth exploring.
Why? Because there are only a few ways to increase your top-line revenue: raise prices, find new customers, or sell more to the customers you already have. That last one, increasing share of wallet, is where convergence comes in. Your current clients may be and probably already are buying products you don’t offer. They are just buying them from someone else. PRINTING United Expo gives you the opportunity to explore adjacent technologies and applications that could seamlessly complement your existing capabilities.
And here’s another key reason: your competitors are already doing this. They’re walking the show floor, evaluating new segments, and expanding their offerings. The Expo is the only place where you can see it all: wide-format, packaging, commercial, apparel, and industrial under one roof. Even if you walk away deciding to stay focused on your core, you’ll do so with confidence, armed with knowledge and a broader view of what’s possible.
WFI: The Expo's massive trade show floor is a focal point of the event, but what are some of the other business-building opportunities taking place at Expo?
DL: The show floor is just the beginning. PRINTING United Expo is designed to be an immersive experience of what’s possible in print. One that delivers business-building opportunities at every turn. To get the most out of your time, I recommend doing a little homework beforehand: explore the programming, identify what aligns with your challenges and goals, and build a plan that maximizes your ROI.
Beyond the technology, here’s what you’ll find:
Education That Moves the Needle: With over 50 sessions spanning every segment of print, our educational program is built to inform, inspire, and ignite new ideas.
PRINTING AI Pavilion: Is anyone not talking about AI? This brand-new activation is your gateway to understanding how artificial intelligence is transforming print. From real-world applications to expert talks and interactive kiosks, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about how AI can improve your business.
PDAA Installer Zone: Hands-on training for wide-format professionals looking to sharpen their installation skills. Practice wrapping techniques, get tips from the pros, and elevate your craftsmanship.
G7/G7+ Exchange: Color is the connective tissue of print technologies, and this inaugural event is where color experts and newcomers alike come together to explore the power of G7/G7+ methodology. It’s complimentary and packed with value.
Apparel Zone: Whether you're already in apparel or just curious, this space is full of energy, demos, and networking. Screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, and more; it’s all here.
Spill The Ink: Our new peer-to-peer networking zone is built for real talk. No stage, no mic, just candid conversations with people who get what you do. It’s where ideas are born and problems get solved.
The Expo is more than a trade show; it’s a launchpad for growth, innovation, and connection. If you come with a plan and an open mind, you’ll leave with fresh insights, new relationships, and actionable strategies to move your business forward.
WFI: How would you describe the mindset wide-format and other PSPs should have when they arrive at the event, and how should they best prepare for the expo experience?
DL: The Expo is massive with over 800 exhibitors across a million square feet, so arriving with a clear plan is essential. If you show up without doing some homework, you risk spending valuable time just trying to find your way around. The most successful attendees treat the Expo like a strategic investment: they prepare, prioritize, and stay open to discovery.
Once you register, set up your My Show Planner account at printingunited.com. It’s your personal roadmap to the event, allowing you to research exhibitors, bookmark technologies, and build a customized agenda. If you're comfortable using AI, you can even build prompts to help identify specific technologies, like dye-sublimation, UV flatbed inkjet, or laser cutting manufacturers, and find out who’s exhibiting.
On-site, the PRINTING United Expo app is your best friend. It helps you navigate the show floor, locate education sessions, and stay on top of everything happening across the event.
And here’s a tip: leave room for exploration. Step into areas of the show you might not be familiar with, like apparel or labels and packaging. We’ve heard countless stories of attendees who found unexpected inspiration and new business ideas simply by venturing outside their comfort zone.
Come curious. Come prepared. And come ready to be surprised because the Expo has a way of opening doors you didn’t even know existed.
WFI: What is one thing that has surprised you at previous PRINTING United Expos? Why were you surprised?
DL: One of the most surprising and inspiring things I’ve seen at PRINTING United Expo is how often seasoned professionals discover something completely new. This industry is full of smart, experienced people, yet time and again I hear printers say, “I had no idea that existed,” or “That conversation changed how I think about my business.”
What really stands out is the openness and camaraderie across segments. There’s a genuine willingness to share ideas, offer advice, and help each other grow, even among competitors. I’ve watched a successful commercial printer walk into the Apparel Zone and leave with a new vision for expanding into decorated apparel, and seen wide-format printers exploring the potential of entering the promotional products. These aren’t just casual visits; they’re moments of transformation.
The Expo creates an environment where curiosity leads to opportunity. That spirit of collaboration and discovery is what makes this event and our industry so special, and it continues to surprise me every year
WFI: Finally, you’ve sold me on the Expo. I’ve decided to go. Where do I register and find information on the event?
DL: That’s great to hear you’re making a smart move for your business! To register and get all the details, head to printingunited.com/attend/ and click Register. Once you’ve signed up, don’t forget to book your hotel right away, rooms go fast, and start building your personalized agenda with My Show Planner.
Before you arrive, download the PRINTING United Expo app to navigate the show floor, find education sessions, and stay plugged into everything happening across the event.
And please make sure to stop by the PRINTING United Alliance booth. I’d love to say hello, hear about your business, and help you make the most of your Expo experience.
We built the Expo to help you connect, discover, and grow. If you are ready to transform your business, I’ll see you in Orlando.
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.
