Expo Bound: Seeking Wide-Format and Finishing Equipment

By Bob Neubauer

Nathan Thole

The PRINTING United Expo — September 10-12 in Las Vegas — is just around the corner, and attendees are eagerly preparing for days filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. As we approach the Expo, we're excited to present a series of Q&A interviews with attendees. They'll share their reasons for attending the PRINTING United Expo, the knowledge they hope to gain, and what they're most looking forward to at the event.

We talked with Nathan Thole, director of Iowa State University Printing Services, to learn about his Expo plans.

What made you want to attend this year's Expo?

I’ve missed the buzz of Printing United since 2022, and I’m really looking forward to catching up on what’s new and shaking hands with the people who are shaping our industry. Every Expo is a goldmine of ideas. We’ve always managed to pick up something that makes a real difference back at our place, big or small.

What products or services are you most looking forward to seeing?

We’re on the lookout for the latest in wide-format roll media printers and finishing and bindery equipment. We’re also anxious to see new technology and the latest trends.

Why is attending the Expo better than going to a vendor’s demo center to see equipment?

The Expo is the place to be. It’s like one-stop shopping, but for business. You get to see a whole bunch of vendors in one go, and they always bring their A-game to the floor. There’s really something to be said for us, as attendees, being able to dedicate 100% of our attention to visiting booths at the Expo for multiple days, compared to trying to balance day-to-day duties “at work”.

Is networking with industry peers an important reason for attending the Expo? If so, why?

Sure, rubbing elbows with peers is part of the deal, but for me, it’s more about connecting with the vendors. The Expo is great for vendor networking, but association conferences are better for peer networking, in my opinion and experience.

How do you hope attending will impact your business/career moving forward?

I’m aiming to keep us ahead of the curve, making sure we’re not just keeping up, but setting the pace. It’s all about bringing back value to our parent organization and staying sharp.

To register for the Expo, please visit PrintingUnited.com.

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Bob Neubauer Author's page Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.