Expo Bound: Wanting to See Everything

Tia Lyn Warnet

Name: Tia Lyn Warnet
Title: Production Manager
Company: Elevation Printing Services

Pretend this is an elevator pitch. Tell me a little bit about your company?

Elevation Printing Services (South Plainfield, NJ) is a full-service commercial printing company, and we’re definitely a “let’s figure out how to make it happen” kind of shop.

We handle everything from everyday commercial printing and finishing to wide-format graphics, signage, banners, displays, mailing projects, installations, and plenty of unusual projects that keep things interesting!

One of my favorite things about Elevation is how hands-on we are with our customers. Sometimes they come to us with finished artwork, and sometimes they come to us with nothing more than an idea and a “Can you guys make something like this?” Either way, we love figuring out the best way to bring their idea to life.

What motivates you to attend this year’s PRINTING United Expo?

This is my first PRINTING United Expo, so honestly, I want to see everything! 😂

I work in production every day, so I’m constantly thinking about how we can do things better, faster, more efficiently, or offer something new to our customers. There is only so much you can learn from emails, videos, and product information. I want to see the equipment running, touch the materials, see actual finished samples, ask questions, and discover things I may not even know exist yet.

I have a feeling I’m going to come home with a phone full of pictures and about 100 new ideas for the shop!

If you’re a first-time attendee, what are you hoping to learn?

Since this is my first time attending, I really want to soak it all in. I’m especially interested in learning about new wide-format applications, equipment, finishing options, substrates, specialty products, and ways we can expand what we currently offer.

But I’m also going in with an open mind. I think some of the best ideas are probably going to come from seeing something I wasn't specifically looking for and immediately thinking, “Ohhh… we could do THAT!”

Which products, brands, or services are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

Wide-format is definitely at the top of my list. I want to see new printers, finishing equipment, substrates, signage applications, dimensional products, specialty printing, and anything that could help us bring more capabilities in-house.

I’m also really interested in workflow and automation. Production can get crazy, especially when you’re juggling multiple jobs and tight deadlines, so anything that can make the process more efficient without sacrificing quality is going to get my attention.

And, I’m fully expecting to find at least one piece of equipment that I suddenly decide we absolutely NEED. 😂

How do you plan to maximize your time at the Expo?

My plan is to go in somewhat organized—with a list of the vendors, equipment, and products I definitely want to see—but also leave plenty of time to wander.

I know myself. I’m going to be taking pictures, asking a million questions, looking at samples, touching every interesting material I see, and probably saying, “Wait…what does THAT machine do?” more than once.

I want to come back to Elevation with real ideas that we can actually use—not just a bag full of brochures!

How do you think attending the Expo will impact your business or career?

I think working in production means you can never stop learning. Printing and wide-format technology are always changing, and I want to make sure I’m changing and learning right along with it.

I’m hoping the Expo gives me new ideas, introduces me to products and technology I haven't seen before, and helps me find ways to make our production process even better.

Most importantly, I want to come home excited about what we can do next. If I find even one new product, process, or piece of equipment that helps Elevation grow or allows us to say “YES” to something we couldn't do before, I’ll consider the trip a success.

For information, and to register for the 2026 PRINTING United Expo (September 23-25 in Las Vegas), visit printingunited.com.