PRINTING United Expo: More Than Just The Show Floor

Although the PRINTING United Expo show floor is teeming with new technologies and innovations from some of the largest names in the printing industry, it’s not the only thing that makes the Expo the can’t-miss event of the year.

Along with the expo show floor are educational sessions, hands-on training zones, and endless networking opportunities. Let’s get into what you shouldn’t miss.

Educational Sessions

There are more than 70 sessions spanning all different tracks – but don’t worry, I’ve plucked some of the ones that are wide-format specific and some others that can apply to all sectors of the industry.

Efficiency Unleashed: Exploring Automation in Wide-Format Printing

This presentation, lead by Principal Analyst for Alliance Insights, Lisa Cross, will be based on current Alliance Insights survey research. This session will explore the transformative impact of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and workflow innovations on automating wide-format printing. Using real-life data and research, Cross will identify the key challenges, emerging trends, and technology options that are driving wide-format print providers to invest in and harness automation options to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and embrace innovation.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 11-11:50 AM

Where: Room S320 C

Personalization in Print: The Uniqueness of Human Art in an AI World

In this presentation, Jennifer Corbett and Christopher Young of Sensaria will discuss how the success of print-on-demand businesses will depend on their ability to offer true personalization in their products. Thanks to the growing use of AI, making striking art is now at everyone’s fingertips. However, with all this availability comes the potential for homogenization. Corbett and Young will discuss how, in the end, unique and original content created with a personal, human touch will grow to be rare and sought-after in a world dominated by AI-generated images – and how print service providers should go about doing it so they don’t get lost in the AI-generated mix.

When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 3-3:50 PM

Where: Room S320 B

Promo Success Stories from Print Pros

A panel led by ASI’s Brendan Menapace will explore the success stories of different print service providers who have made the leap into branded merchandise. As the wide-format and promo industries continue to merge, this panel is a must-attend for any printer who is looking to get their feet wet in the promo game.

When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 1-1:50 PM

Where: Room S320 C

Hands-on Training Zones

For those who consider themselves more tactile learners, boy, are they in for a treat. The PDAA installer zone will be alive with demonstrations from names like General Formulations, Drytac, and more.

General Formulations on the faux brick wall

Join General Formulations for a live demonstration of their rough surface wall film on our faux brick wall. PDAA Certified Installers will showcase the techniques, while General Formulations shares insights on film performance and application tips.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 11-11:30 AM

Where: PDAA Installer Zone – Booth 818

Drytac with wet and dry window install

Also on Wednesday, make sure to check out live window film installations using both wet and dry application methods. Drytac will walk attendees through the product details while PDAA Certified Installers show you how it’s done right.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1-1:30 PM

Where: PDAA Installer Zone – Booth 818

Kelly Spicer Window Perf Film Demonstration

If you can’t make the demos on Wednesday, there’s a great lineup on Thursday too. On Expo Day 2, be sure to catch the live demo with Kelly Spicer featuring Continental Grafix window perf film. PDAA Certified Installers will handle the installation while the sponsor team walks attendees through the product's unique features and real-world applications.

When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 10-10:30 AM

Where: PDAA Installer Zone – Booth 818

Networking After Dark

Surely, all the excitement shouldn’t just be shown on the show floor. If you’re still eager to get out and network after the expo doors close, then the networking After Dark events are right up your alley. After a long day of educational sessions and innovation intake, relax and unwind with your print industry peers at the PBR Cowboy Bar and Sports and Social. Currently, an all-access pass is $89 and includes admission to the two Networking Events, with snacks provided. There’s also a VIP package that’s $225 and gets you an all-access pass to the offerings above, plus a two-hour open bar at both events.

When: Oct. 22 & 23, 8:30-10 PM

Where: PBR Cowboy Bar (Wednesday) & Sports and Social (Thursday)

Women in Print Alliance

With its first official year of membership under its belt, the Women in Print Alliance will have its largest presence at an Expo to date, and will serve as a central hub for connection, leadership, and empowerment. This year’s Women in Print Alliance programming will include the following:

Allyship: A Candid Conversation on Supporting Women in Print

Join Women in Print Alliance Director Lisbeth Lyons Black for a candid discussion with three male print industry leaders about what real allyship looks like in action. The panel will be joined by Brian Adam, president of Olympus Group; Chris Huff, president of Operations at TM International; and Cliff Hollingsworth, field operations at Fortidia, and will delve into the practical ways men can use their influence to challenge bias, champion their female colleagues, and help build workplaces where everyone can succeed.

When: Oct. 22, 1-1:50 PM

Where: Room S320C

Women in Print Alliance Networking Luncheon

There’s also the annual WIPA networking luncheon that gives a breather from the show floor, along with a three-course plated lunch, and the opportunity to chat with other women in the industry. The event is ticketed, and sales end on October 15. However, to ensure you don’t miss out on other WIPA events, become a member today to gain access to year-round opportunities, including webinars, meet-ups, and more.

When: Oct. 23, 12:00-2:00 PM

Where: Orange County Convention Center

The show floor may be the heart of the Expo, but some of the real magic happens off the floor at the sessions, the meetups, and the after-hours events. So, take a break from the buzz, explore, and discover why PRINTING United Expo is our industry’s main event.