What’s New at IPMA 2026: New Experiences, New Ways to Engage, and More Value for Attendees

The In-plant Printing and Mailing Association’s 2026 Educational Conference will bring new experiences, new opportunities to engage, and new reasons to attend when in-plant professionals gather June 14–18, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Greenville, South Carolina. Centered on this year’s theme, Taking Care of Business, the conference is designed to help attendees strengthen performance, build connections, and return to their organizations with practical ideas they can put to work right away.

Attendees of the leadership session at IPMA 2025.

IPMA’s annual conference is the association’s flagship educational event, bringing together professionals from across the in-plant industry for targeted education, peer benchmarking, networking, supplier engagement, and professional development. The 2026 conference will feature keynote speakers, industry experts, general and breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, panels, networking events, a press tour at Bob Jones University, and opportunities to participate in IPMA’s certification program.

Sold-Out Vendor Fair

The vendor fair at IPMA 2025.

This year’s conference will also feature a sold-out fair featuring 55 vendors onsite, including nine first-time exhibitors. From long-time industry partners to new companies bringing fresh ideas to the IPMA community, the vendor fair gives attendees another valuable way to explore solutions, ask questions, and make connections that can support their operations long after the conference ends. See the vendor fair exhibitor map here: Vendor Fair Map

John Cruser 

“IPMA’s conference is where our community comes together to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and return to work with new momentum,” said John Cruser, IPMA’s international president and global manager of Bloomberg Ink Print Services. “With this year’s Taking Care of Business theme, we’re excited to introduce new experiences that reflect the practical, collaborative spirit of IPMA and give attendees even more ways to engage, solve challenges, and get value from their time in Greenville.”

Shop Talk Live

Normally a virtual, member-only forum where in-plant professionals come together to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in real time, Shop Talk is coming to the show floor for this year’s conference as Shop Talk LIVE. In past years, members may have known it as Bring Your Own Problem, and this live format builds on that same spirit of peer-driven problem-solving. Staying true to the Taking Care of Business theme, this first-ever live conversation will be led by Amanda Bronowski and Joanne Gore of Joanne Gore Communications on Wednesday, June 17, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., giving attendees a new opportunity to bring real challenges to the table, brainstorm solutions, and learn from peers in real time.

IPMA 2025

Another new feature for 2026 is the IPMA Store, where attendees will be able to shop conference-branded merchandise, Shop Talk swag, and association merch. The store gives members a new way to show their IPMA pride, celebrate the conference experience, and take a little of Greenville home with them after the event. Visit the IPMA Store here: https://shopipma.itemorder.com/

The conference will also shine a brighter spotlight on the IPMA Ambassador Program, which was created to help members get more value from their membership by encouraging greater engagement, participation, and connection across the association. Designed to strengthen communication and bring more grassroots voices and ideas into the organization, the program helps support IPMA’s mission while creating more opportunities for members to connect, contribute, and feel welcomed within the community. In Greenville, attendees will have the chance to see that spirit in action as the Ambassador Program helps foster stronger member engagement throughout the conference.

IPMA 2025 attendees at a session.

Registered attendees are encouraged to download the conference app and begin planning their week in advance. With education sessions, networking, meals, and social events happening throughout the event, the app gives attendees a practical way to organize their schedules and stay informed. Attendees are invited to watch the app demo at Conference App Demo and join a live Q&A on May 28^th, 2026 at 2pm EST/1pm CST.

Get Certified

For those looking to get even more from the conference experience, IPMA will once again offer attendees the opportunity to pursue certification while onsite. IPMA’s industry-recognized Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) and Certified Mail Manager (CMM) certifications reinforce professional standing, provide CEU credits, and are updated to stay current with technologies and processes. Both certifications are offered at IPMA’s annual education conference, giving attendees a convenient opportunity to advance their professional development while already onsite.

The 2026 conference will also provide an opportunity for the IPMA community to recognize IPMA Executive Director Mike Loyd, who will retire at the end of 2026 after a tenure that helped expand IPMA’s reach, relevance, and impact. Members attending in Greenville will have a meaningful opportunity to recognize his contributions in person.

IPMA 2025 attendees at one of the sessions.

“We’re always looking for ways to make conference more useful, more welcoming, and more rewarding for attendees,” said Theresa Hatcher, manager of events and resources at IPMA. “From Shop Talk LIVE and the Ambassador Program to certification opportunities and new ways for members to engage throughout the week, this year’s conference is designed to help attendees connect, participate, and take care of business.”

IPMA 2026 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Greenville, and attendees can secure the special conference room rate of $189 plus fees and taxes through May 21, 2026. Rates will increase on May 22, 2026, so early registration and hotel booking are encouraged. Register and reserve your hotel through the IPMA 2026 Educational Conference page.

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About IPMA

Founded in 1964, IPMA is the only professional association dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of all segments’ in-house printers and mailers. The more than 700 members of IPMA are managers and directors from in-plant printing and mailing facilities throughout the United States. IPMA is headquartered in Kearney, Missouri. For more information, visit www.ipma.org.