What to Expect at PRINTING United Expo

PRINTING United Expo begins two weeks from today. Taking place Oct. 18-20 in Atlanta, the Expo will give you the opportunity to explore a range of printing technologies for your in-plant: wide-format printing, apparel decoration, mailing, digital printing, offset, packaging, and more. You can connect with industry experts, attend informative sessions, and find new strategies to grow your business.

“We are very pleased to be the stewards of a platform in which the full printing and packaging industry can flourish,” says Mark J. Subers, president, Events and Expositions, for the PRINTING United Alliance. “The Expo’s one-roof approach enables all segments of the industry to come together to learn, network, and grow their businesses.”

With more than 725 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, the Expo will occupy more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space. Attendees will have the chance to explore the latest advancements in printing equipment, software, substrates, and more. Expect to see global product launches and hundreds of new products.

Additionally, PRINTING United Alliance and Domtar have partnered to launch a sustainability program. For every Expo registration, Domtar will plant two trees on land dedicated by local small forest landowners. It’s part of Domtar’s commitment to sustainability and the circular nature of paper. This partnership is a great example of how the printing and packaging industry can take steps to be more sustainable and ensure the industry is part of the solution to climate change.

Domtar will also highlight other sustainability initiatives at its booth (number B17058) on the show floor. This includes information about Domtar’s recycled content paper products, its carbon neutrality goals, and its commitment to responsible forestry.

Discover Engaging Community Hubs

To foster networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, PRINTING United Expo will feature Community Hubs that bring together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts from various sectors of the industry, creating a vibrant atmosphere of ideas and insights. The hubs will be located at the heart of the event, making them easily accessible.

Take advantage of these vibrant spaces to exchange ideas, collaborate with peers, and gain fresh perspectives. And don’t forget to join your communities for daily happy hours at these times:

• Oct. 18, 4 - 5 p.m.
• Oct. 19, 4 - 5 p.m.
• Oct. 20, 2 - 3 p.m.

Hub Locations:

• In-plant (Booth B19013)
• Commercial (Booth B18069)
• Wide-Format & Digital Textile (Booth C3409)
• Mailing & Shipping (Booth B1343)
• Functional Printing & Industrial (Booth C1065)
• Future State & Apparel (Booth C107)
• Label & Packaging (Booth B613)
• LATAM (Booth B15095)

The Power of Knowledge

At PRINTING United Expo you’ll have the chance to attend a range of paid educational sessions ranging from thought-provoking panel discussions to expert-led presentations. These sessions will help you sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and stay ahead.

Don’t miss out on the “Opportunity Pocket Guide” sessions at PRINTING United Expo — a must for anyone looking to diversify into new markets, from apparel decoration and digital label printing, to flexible package printing and promotional products.

This year’s event promises to be a powerhouse of inspiration and industry insights, with keynote speakers who are experts in their fields. On Wednesday at 10 a.m., Andy Paparozzi, chief economist at PRINTING United Alliance, will provide valuable guidance to industry professionals when he presents the PRINTING United Alliance annual State of the Industry Report, sponsored by Canon U.S.A. Starting at 10 a.m. in room C101, it will serve as a compass for businesses looking to navigate the ever-changing printing industry.

Tapping into his extensive knowledge and expertise, Paparozzi will deliver a comprehensive overview of the industry, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into market dynamics, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer behaviors that are shaping the printing landscape.

During Thursday’s keynote, author and workforce expert Eric Chester will delve into the pressing issue of finding and retaining great employees in challenging labor markets. The discussion — centering around his latest book, “FULLY STAFFED: How to Find and Keep Great Employees in Difficult Labor Markets” — will provide insights for businesses struggling to attract and retain top talent. Attendees will leave the session armed with valuable strategies to adapt to the changing job landscape and build a team that will drive their organizations to new heights of success.

Peer Into Your Future

Are you curious about the future of the apparel decoration industry and the latest innovations in technology? Look no further than the Future State showcase, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the industry.

This immersive experience brings together the industry’s top experts, thought leaders, and innovators to explore emerging trends, technologies, and applications revolutionizing the apparel decoration landscape.
Entry to the theater will be located on the Expo floor in the Future State Lounge (Booth C102) where you can grab a coffee or beer, network with colleagues in comfortable seating, and even take in a live podcast.

One exciting feature of the Expo is the “Hands-On Training Zones,” which will provide attendees with practical, interactive sessions where they can learn new skills and techniques directly from industry experts. Whether you are interested in screen printing, digital printing, wide-format graphics, or other print-related disciplines, the Zones provide a platform to enhance your skills, stay up to date with industry advancements, and gain practical knowledge.

• Apparel Zone (Booth C147)
• PDAA Wide-Format Zone (Booth B8110)

Plan to Attend

To make the most of your time at the Expo, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are a few things you can do to get ready:

• Book your hotel early through the Expo’s official hotel block to get the best rates with no cancellation fees.
• Download the Expo mobile app to help you navigate the show floor, find exhibitors, and stay up-to-date on events.
• Use the show schedule to highlight the sessions and exhibits you’re most interested in.
• Network with other attendees and suppliers. Bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to talk about your business.
• Bookmark PrintingUnited.com for the latest updates to the schedule, the exhibitor list, and the registration process.
• Sign up for the Expo newsletter at PrintingUnited.com.

PRINTING United Expo is a must-attend event for anyone in the print and graphic communications industry. It will offer a unique and immersive experience to learn, network, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.