Opening Doors to the Future of Print in Orlando
The printing industry’s most anticipated event of the year, PRINTING United Expo, is set to transform the Orange County Convention Center when it comes to Orlando, Florida, from October 22-24. This year’s event promises to be the industry’s premier gathering, bringing together professionals from all corners of the printing world under one massive roof.
With a nearly sold-out show floor featuring hundreds of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest innovations, PRINTING United Expo will be more than just a trade show. It’s a platform designed to inspire, educate, and unite the entire printing community.
A Growing Industry Convergence
PRINTING United Expo 2024
The momentum behind PRINTING United Expo reflects the evolving nature of the printing industry itself. This year’s Expo promises even greater opportunities for professionals from all segments to discover new innovations, make key connections, and explore new revenue opportunities.
The event addresses a fundamental shift in how printing businesses operate. As one industry professional noted, “I’m more excited to attend PRINTING United this year over any event in recent memory, for a few reasons … you can feel the excitement from attendees and exhibitors. Personally, I’m planning investments in a number of areas in the business, and I can’t make the most informed decisions without input from my peers and all the partners that will be at the show.”
This convergence model has proven successful, with the event experiencing meteoric growth in recent years. This “one-roof approach” satisfies the needs of modern printers, making it the ideal venue for businesses looking to diversify and grow.
Global Product Launches and Innovation
PRINTING United Expo 2024
Attendees will be the first to experience brand-new solutions debuting at the Expo. Evolving into a primary launch platform for manufacturers worldwide, companies choose the Expo as their preferred venue for introducing new technologies to the North American market.
The sold-out show floor demonstrates the confidence manufacturers have in the Expo’s ability to deliver qualified audiences and meaningful business outcomes. This strong exhibitor commitment translates directly into an exceptional experience for attendees, who gain access to the latest technological developments across all printing segments simultaneously.
From digital printing advancements and automation solutions, to specialty finishing equipment and workflow software, attendees will encounter the full spectrum of industry innovation. This approach ensures visitors can explore not just improvements within their current technology stack, but also discover entirely new capabilities that could transform their business models.
Manufacturing partners are bringing solutions that address the industry's most pressing challenges: improving production efficiency, reducing labor dependencies, enhancing quality consistency, expanding application possibilities, and supporting sustainability initiatives. These innovations represent years of research and development efforts, with many making their debut in Orlando.
PRINTING United Expo 2024
One of the Expo’s unique advantages lies in its ability to showcase innovations that span multiple printing segments. Attendees often discover technologies initially developed for one application area that offer compelling opportunities in their market segments. Digital textile printing technologies are finding applications in signage, while innovations in packaging are being adapted for commercial printing, and automation solutions are crossing between segments.
This convergence reflects the broader evolution of the printing industry, where successful companies increasingly operate across multiple segments to maximize equipment utilization and serve diverse customer needs.
For attendees eager to explore new technologies, the Expo offers immediate access to sales teams, financing options, and implementation support. Many exhibitors come prepared with special pricing, priority delivery arrangements, and support packages designed to facilitate the adoption of technology.
The concentration of decision-makers and purchasing authorities at the Expo creates an environment where significant business decisions can be made quickly, often resulting in installations scheduled within months of the event. This immediate market access benefits both manufacturers seeking to establish an early market presence, and customers looking to gain a competitive advantage through early technology adoption.
The global product launch environment represents more than just a technology showcase — it's an innovation ecosystem where attendees can explore, evaluate, and acquire the technologies that will define the future of their businesses.
Comprehensive Educational Programming
While the technology demonstrations on the show floor grab immediate attention, the extensive educational programming truly reflects the event’s long-term value. With more than 70 paid educational sessions covering every aspect of the printing industry, the Expo provides a unique opportunity for professional growth that goes well beyond equipment purchasing.
Ricoh's Clay Eller spoke to the crowd of about 35 in-plant managers at PRINTING United Expo 2024.
The paid educational sessions represent a strategic investment in both individual career development and organizational capability building. They are designed to address the industry’s most pressing challenges while providing actionable insights attendees can implement immediately upon returning to their operations.
The session lineup covers critical business areas including production trends, workforce development strategies, automation implementation, artificial intelligence integration, sustainability initiatives, and advanced technical topics. This ensures attendees can build agendas that address multiple aspects of their business challenges, from operational efficiency to strategic planning.
Each educational session features industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners sharing their real-world experiences on complex topics. Instead of theoretical talks, these sessions emphasize practical applications, case studies, and proven strategies in real business settings.
PRINTING United Expo 2024
The sessions also create structured networking opportunities that complement the informal connections made on the show floor. Attendees often find that shared learning experiences lead to deeper professional relationships, as common challenges and interests provide natural conversation starters and opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
Post-session discussions frequently continue into break areas, creating extended learning communities that persist beyond the Expo itself. These connections often prove valuable for ongoing problem-solving, resource sharing, and business development long after the event concludes.
The educational programming is an investment in the future capabilities and competitive positioning of both individuals and organizations throughout the printing industry.
Industry Research and Data-Driven Insights
The PRINTING United Alliance Research team brings cutting-edge industry intelligence to PRINTING United Expo, providing attendees with data-driven insights that reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing print service providers today.
- Convergence in Print: 2025 Outcomes Study represents the third wave in the Alliance’s research series, answering the critical question: What have companies experienced from their diversification efforts? This study measures the real-world business impact, including changes in revenue and profit mix, customer growth patterns, and total investment requirements. The research provides concrete benchmarks for strategic planning while identifying proven benefits from successful convergence investments.
- AI in Print: 2025 Industry Insights Report explores real-world use cases, adoption roadmaps, budget levels, and implementation barriers. The research reveals practical applications, ranging from workflow optimization to marketing personalization, creating an actionable guide to AI transformation. The study will be available at the AI Pavilion with multiple presentations of key findings throughout the Expo.
The research team will also present as part of the paid education sessions, which span all printing segments. Key presentations include “Adapting to the New Era of Commercial Printing,” “AI in Print: 2025 Trends and Tactics,” “Efficiency Unleashed in Wide-Format,” and a three-part digital packaging series. Additional sessions cover industry outlook forecasts, inkjet investment trends, and compensation benchmarks.
Enterprise Print Track
New for 2025, the Enterprise Track offers specialized education for the enterprise print segment. From the opening session with industry veteran Skip Henk — marking the close of the Xplor era, and the rise of new opportunities for professional development — to forward-looking panels exploring the realities of hyper-personalization, accessibility, and workflow transformation, this track is tailored for service providers and enterprise teams managing high-volume, high-stakes output. Xplor EDPs will also be recognized during the opening session.
PRINTING United Expo 2024
Whether you’re focused on regulatory mail, transactional communication, or omnichannel engagement, the sessions will deliver actionable insights on harnessing AI, future-proofing workflows, and unlocking hidden revenue through USPS incentives and accessibility compliance.
“Enterprise print is no longer just about output — it’s about outcomes,” says Pat McGrew, M-EDP, managing director, McGrewGroup. “The Enterprise Track brings together the brightest minds and most practical insights to help organizations streamline workflows, meet compliance demands, and deliver the kind of personalized experiences today’s customers expect.”
Each session features moderators with deep industry credentials, including Betsy Keplinger, Joanne Gore, Scott Mulkey, and Ernie Crawford, who will guide discussions that demystify modern challenges and highlight the tools that move the enterprise print needle. From MailPrep modernization, to the intersection of personalization and compliance, these sessions are more than thought leadership — they’re roadmaps. And with a wrap-up session that distills the top takeaways, attendees will leave with a toolkit of strategies to apply immediately in their operations.
Specialized Learning Zones and Experiences
One of the most valuable aspects of the Expo is its collection of specialized learning zones, each designed to provide focused, hands-on education tailored to specific industry segments. These zones move beyond traditional booth displays to create immersive learning environments where attendees can experience technologies firsthand, compare different solutions side-by-side, and receive expert guidance from industry professionals. By concentrating related technologies and expertise in dedicated areas, these zones enable attendees to delve deeply into their areas of interest while efficiently exploring new opportunities for business expansion.
The Apparel Zone
The Apparel Zone remains a cornerstone of hands-on learning at the Expo. This year’s programming is structured to help attendees compare various decoration technologies directly and determine which solutions best fit their business needs.
The zone enlists top experts in each decorating technology to provide hands-on demonstrations. Attendees can experience heat transfers, direct-to-film, direct-to-garment, embroidery, sublimation, and more through professional walkthroughs and personal trials. As Cassie Green, content director, Apparelist, explains, "The best way to learn all of the technologies is to watch a professional walk through the equipment, then let attendees try it themselves."
The Apparel Zone also features the Apparelist Live Theater, offering rolling educational presentations tailored to various technologies. This approach ensures attendees receive complete engagement, enabling them to make educated decisions about equipment investments.
“We’re highly aware of the challenges the apparel industry faces and the changing economic climate,” says Green. “Sessions that focus on topics such as print-on-demand, updated technology, and even sustainable printing options will equip attendees to implement new practices in their shops.”
PDAA Zone
The PDAA Zone is designed for both experienced installers and those new to the industry. It offers demonstrations on various surfaces, including windows, faux rough surface walls, plain walls, floors, and a car hood, highlighting films from different manufacturers.
Ray Weiss, vice president, eLearning and Certifications at PRINTING United Alliance, explains the approach: “Seasoned installers have opportunities to network with other installers during our two happy hours. They also have an opportunity to see new films being installed on a variety of surfaces.” The zone includes a new mini-competition with three stations — a Ford Mustang Hood, window film applications, and rough surface wall applications — creating an energetic atmosphere that culminates in daily winners receiving VISA gift cards.
AI Pavilion: The Future of Print Technology
A significant new addition to PRINTING United Expo is the PRINTING AI Pavilion (Booth 4255), serving as a central hub for exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the printing industry. This activation showcases real-world AI applications, spotlights solutions from pioneering exhibitors, and delivers expert talks directly from the show floor.
The pavilion represents a strategic response to the growing importance of AI across all print segments. As workflows become increasingly complex and customer demands for personalization and efficiency continue to rise, artificial intelligence has emerged as a critical tool for addressing key industry challenges, including speed, consistency, and mass customization. The pavilion’s structure is designed to help attendees understand not just the theoretical possibilities of AI, but its practical applications in real-world print environments.
The pavilion features dedicated kiosks for sponsor engagement, curated educational content, and the “AI Wall” — a visual guide to all AI-focused technologies displayed across the Expo. This approach ensures attendees can easily identify and connect with AI-focused exhibitors throughout the entire show floor, maximizing their ability to explore AI solutions relevant to their specific business needs.
Built to spark connections and generate energy, the pavilion also includes resources from PRINTING United Alliance’s AI initiatives, including consulting services, research, and iLearning+ modules. The expert talks, delivered right from the show floor, provide attendees with immediate insights into emerging AI trends, implementation strategies, and success stories from early adopters across various printing segments.
The pavilion’s design as a “one-of-a-kind destination where innovation meets action” reflects the industry's recognition that AI is not just a future consideration, but a present reality that successful printing businesses must understand and embrace. By consolidating AI-related content, demonstrations, and expertise in a single location, the pavilion serves as both an educational resource and a catalyst for AI transformation.
Networking and Community Building
In-plant managers from Iowa State University, Lockheed Martin and Palm Beach County await the opening of the show floor.
While technology and education form the backbone of the Expo, the event's true power lies in its ability to bring together thousands of printing professionals who share common challenges, goals, and aspirations. In an industry where relationships drive business success, and collaboration often leads to innovation, the Expo serves as the premier platform for meaningful face-to-face connections.
From structured networking events to informal community gatherings, the Expo creates multiple opportunities for attendees to build relationships that extend far beyond the three-day event, fostering the kind of professional networks that can transform careers and businesses alike.
Women in Print Alliance
The Women in Print Alliance maintains a significant presence at PRINTING United Expo, hosting multiple events throughout the week that reflect the organization’s commitment to workforce development and community-building. (Read more on the opportunities during the Expo here.)
Specialized Forums and Industry Segments
PRINTING United Expo features a collection of specialized forums designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing different segments of the printing industry. These invite-only forums provide focused educational content and networking opportunities tailored to specific market segments and business interests.
Apparel’s Digital Workflow
The Apparelist Forum on October 23 focuses on “Implementing Digital Workflow,” addressing how apparel and textile printing businesses can effectively integrate digital technologies into their operations. As digital technology continues to evolve, this forum explores implementation strategies for various platforms, ranging from digital printing technologies, such as direct-to-garment, to automation tools, including AI and customer management software.
The forum addresses a critical challenge facing the apparel decoration segment: determining when and how to integrate digital technology into existing operations seamlessly. Industry experts will outline how to bring digital workflow into businesses, where it complements current technologies, and how to capitalize on all available opportunities.
Focused Solutions for In-plant Printing
2024 In-plant Forum
The In-Plant Impressions Forum, taking place on October 22, acknowledges that in-plants are a vital component of the printing industry and offers in-plant printers more targeted sessions, networking opportunities, and revenue growth strategies. These conference sessions take place during lunch at PRINTING United Expo, offering exclusive access to the in-plant community.
Previous Forum topics have included opportunities in wide-format, promotional products, workflow optimization, and innovative applications in toner printing. The forum provides in-plant printers with education specifically tailored to their unique operational environment and challenges, while offering networking opportunities with peers facing similar situations.
Exploring Automation's Wide-Format Future
The Wide-Format Impressions Forum, scheduled for October 23, will present “Explore the Future of Wide-Format Automation,” offering an in-depth exploration of technologies transforming wide-format printing. From AI and robotics, to workflow optimization and advanced finishing, these sessions merge data-driven insights with real-world expertise to guide attendees through automation and foster more innovative production.
The agenda includes two presentations:
- “Smarter Printing: The Impact of Robotics, AI, and Workflow Innovation” explores how automation is transforming wide-format printing. Drawing from the latest NAPCO Research, this session examines how robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart workflow technologies are driving operational transformation. Presented by Lisa Cross, principal analyst at NAPCO Research, attendees gain valuable insights into key challenges, investment trends, and innovative strategies that are shaping the future of automated print production.
- “Powering Production: Real-World Insights into Workflow and Finishing Automation” features a panel that explores real-world strategies for integrating automation into print workflows, enhancing finishing operations, and ensuring seamless installations. Moderated by Dan Marx, content director of Wide-Format Impressions, the panel discovers how leading businesses adapt processes to boost efficiency, meet demand, and remain competitive in a fast-paced market.
The forum is designed explicitly for decision-makers actively seeking to enhance their print operations through automation, robotics, software, and smart workflow tools, providing opportunities to gain visibility, demonstrate thought leadership, and connect with companies driving innovation in wide-format production.
Official Networking Events
October 22, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Houndsmen Lounge
This welcome event offers attendees an early opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and establish new relationships before the show floor’s intensity takes center stage. The timing allows attendees to celebrate their arrival in Orlando while creating anticipation for the days ahead.
October 23, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Sport & Social
This event offers a mid-Expo opportunity for attendees to reflect on and discuss their experiences so far. This timing is particularly valuable because attendees have had the opportunity to explore the show floor, attend educational sessions, and identify potential business opportunities that can be further explored in the relaxed networking environment.
Making the Most of Your Expo Experience
With more than 800 exhibitors spanning over a million square feet of exhibition space, PRINTING United Expo requires strategic planning to maximize value and ensure attendees can efficiently navigate what represents one of the largest gatherings in the printing industry.
The event mobile app serves as an essential companion for attendees, providing tools to search for sessions specific to their market segments, create personalized agendas, and navigate the massive show floor efficiently. The app’s functionality extends beyond basic directory services to include interactive floor plans, real-time schedule updates, exhibitor filtering by technology category, and integrated networking features that help attendees identify and connect with relevant contacts.
Looking Forward: The Future of Print
As the printing industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, events like PRINTING United Expo become increasingly vital. They serve not just as showcases for the latest technologies and solutions, but as crucibles for innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
The convergence model that defines the Expo reflects the reality of modern printing businesses — they must be agile, diverse, and ready to embrace opportunities across multiple segments. Whether attendees are exploring AI integration, seeking sustainable solutions, developing workforce capabilities, or investigating new market opportunities, the Expo provides the platform, tools, and connections necessary for success.
For professionals across the printing industry spectrum — from seasoned veterans to students just beginning their careers — the Expo represents more than just an event. It's a catalyst for growth, innovation, and community building that will shape the future of print for years to come.
Registration can be found online at printingunited.com, where Alliance members receive VIP perks and enhanced access to the full Expo experience. As the industry prepares to converge in Orlando this October, the stage is set for what promises to be the most influential gathering in the printing industry.
More Expo pre-show coverage:
