Expo Day Three: Closing on a Very Strong Note

After two eventful days, energy and enthusiasm still remained high for day three of PRINTING United Expo.

If you had to fly back early to avoid the Nor'easter, we've got our day three takeaways for you.

Day Three Takeaways: Gabby Houck

She*t for Brains Press Conference

Mental Health is taking priority: When it comes to the printing industry we talk about things like tariffs and labor shortages plaguing our industry. But now, we're beginning to address something that's affecting not just our industries, but all around the globe — the mental health crisis. Increasingly, thanks to industry experts like Adriane Harrison, vice president of Human Relations, Consulting, PRINTING United Alliance, and initiatives like Sheet For Brains, an inclusive platform that encourages meaningful dialogue and transformative collaboration regarding mental health — the conversation is shifting. Instead of people shying away from sharing how they're feeling, they're seeking community now more than ever.

This year was Sheet for Brains first year at PRINTING United Expo, and they had an official setup in the Spill the Ink district where they hosted panels all surrounding mental health conversations. They also had some exciting news, On the last day of the Expo they announced that they're joining forces with Eric Vessels and Taktiful to form a new initiative called The One.

SEG is still dominating Industry events: Given that everyone is hyper aware of shipping costs and sustainable/reusable materials — SEG continues to soar in popularity at not just industry events, but other segments like retail, airports, and even museums. Especially now that there is the option for modular setups from equipped with backlit lightboxes that give these lightweight materials a more heavy and polished look. If you're in the market for SEG graphics, check out PRINTING United Expo vendors Orbus Visual Communications Group, NADisplay, or Fisher Textiles.

Day Three Takeaways: Dan Marx

Taktuful Tour

Taktiful Tour: I had the pleasure this morning of joining one of the Taktiful wide-format embellishment tours. Let by industry analyst Tim Greene of IDC, the tour was an informative “first step” into taking wide-format printing into new and interesting levels. While valuable, it presented tested technologies, and in some cases, leading-edge innovation. In a quickly expanding area like wide-format embellishment, I think one must also explore near-bleeding-edge technologies featured in some of the smaller booths. Every new technology represents a strong opportunity their specific businesses is up to them.

Purchases Amid Uncertainty: If there is one thing that feel certain, it is that PSPs to day are working to grow and succeed in very weird times, and in my experience, that’s the spirit that’s gotten the wide-format segment through numerous challenges. And it’s those who feel cautious, and who hold back in times of uncertainty that may find themselves behind when more favorable times return.

After walking the Expo show floor these past three days, I was struck by the positive spirit I encountered, the curiosity to ask “what’s next,” and the product development that’s improving throughput, quality, and possibilities that can promote new possibilities. For those who say this segment has “plateaued,” I would ask them to open their eyes and refocus them for PRINTING United Expo 2027, September 14-16, right here in Las Vegas. We'll see you (and them) there!

Until then, have a profitable year!

PRINTING United Alliance, the industry association that presents the annual PRINTING United Expo gains strength thorough member support. Join to make a positive difference in printing!

Mark your calendar! The 2027 PRINTING United Expo will be in Las Vegas, September 14-16. Be there!