Student Day at the Expo: Inspiring the Next Generation

By Denise M. Gustavson

One of the most impactful initiatives returning to PRINTING United Expo 2025 is Student Day, scheduled for Thursday, October 23. This full-day program will again take place on day two of the show (October 23), where graphic arts and printing students, as well as educational institutions, will have a dedicated tour and show experiences to further expose them to the industry, technology, and global leaders.

Christine Cachuela, vice president of Member Operations at PRINTING United Alliance, emphasizes the dual purpose of this initiative: “Our goal this year is twofold. We want students to leave feeling inspired about what’s possible in print — but also equipped with practical knowledge, contacts, and ideas they can use to plan a future in this industry.”

The program, held in partnership with the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), is designed to give high school and college students a first-hand look at the vibrancy, creativity, and opportunity within the world of print and graphic communications. Students will experience hands-on demonstrations, guided show floor tours, and curated programming that introduces them to real-world applications of the skills they’re developing in school.

From wide-format signage and digital textile printing, to packaging design, automation, and workflow software, students will witness their classroom learning brought to life in exciting ways. PRINTING United Alliance partners with schools and sponsors to provide free registration, ensuring cost is never a barrier to student participation.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

This year’s Student Day places even greater emphasis on meaningful interaction with exhibitors and industry professionals. Participating companies are encouraged not only to display technology but also to engage with students, answer questions, and share their career journeys and job roles within their organizations.

“We’re asking exhibitors to see these students not just as attendees, but as the future workforce of print,” Cachuela explains. “A simple conversation at a booth can plant a seed that grows into a career path, an internship, or even a mentorship.”

In addition to show floor exploration, students will have access to:

Dedicated sessions and career chats with industry leaders
Networking opportunities with product managers and representatives from leading companies
The opportunity to learn more about how their sponsored membership in the Alliance works for their future in the industry, including complimentary access to a wide array of industry courses and certifications via the Alliance’s industry-leading iLEARNING+ educational platform.

“The 2025 Student Day at the PRINTING United Expo aligns with our goal to inspire the amazing career pathways in print,” says Jules VanSant, partner and chief inspiration officer, PGSF. “We are thrilled to celebrate year four working in partnership with the PRINTING United team and key vendors to host another robust schedule of tours to inspire and engage with our industry's future.”

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Denise M. Gustavson Author's page Denise Gustavson is the Editorial Director for the Alliance Media Brands — which includes Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Wide-Format Impressions, Apparelist, NonProfitPRO, and the PRINTING United Journal — PRINTING United Alliance.