PRINTING United Expo Returns Unleashing the Power of Print and Uniting Industry Professionals

Mark your calendars and get ready for an amazing event! PRINTING United Expo is back and better than ever, offering an unparalleled experience for print and graphic communications professionals. At the Expo— to be held Oct. 18-20 in Atlanta — you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of printing technologies, décoring wide-format, apparel decoration, mailing, digital, offset, packaging, functional, industrial, and more. Connect with industry experts, attend informative sessions, and discover new strategies to grow your business. Whether you’re a printer, graphic designer, marketing professional, or industry supplier, there’s something for everyone at PRINTING United Expo.

“PRINTING United Expo is the beating heart of the printing industry,” says Mark Subers, president – Events and Exhibitions for the PRINTING United Alliance. “It’s where we come together to learn, network, and grow our businesses. If you’re serious about your printing business, you need to be at PRINTING United Expo.”

With more than 730 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, and occupying more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, attendees have the chance to explore the latest advancements in printing equipment, software, substrates, and more. Expect to see global product launches, North American product debuts, and hundreds of new products to help grow your current business — and any new business expansions.

No matter what your needs are, you’re sure to find it at PRINTING United Expo. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect with the industry’s leading companies and learn about the latest trends in printing.

Additionally, PRINTING United Alliance and Domtar have partnered to launch a sustainability program for the upcoming 2023 Expo. For every registration completed for the Expo, Domtar will plant two trees on land dedicated by local small forest landowners. This initiative is part of Domtar’s commitment to sustainability and the circular nature of paper.

The trees will be planted in the spring of 2024, and registrants will be able to follow the progress of the trees throughout the year.

In addition to the tree planting initiative, Domtar will also be highlighting other sustainability initiatives at its booth on the show floor. This includes information about Domtar’s recycled content paper products, its carbon neutrality goals, and its commitment to responsible forestry.

This partnership is a great example of how the printing and packaging industry can take steps to be more sustainable. By planting trees and highlighting other sustainability initiatives, PRINTING United Alliance and Domtar are helping ensure the industry is part of the solution to climate change.

Discover Engaging Community Hubs

Looking to explore the latest trends and innovations in the printing industry? Look no further than the Community Hubs at PRINTING United Expo.

The Community Hubs are interactive and engaging spaces designed to foster networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among industry professionals. These hubs bring together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts from various sectors of the printing and graphic communications industry, creating a vibrant atmosphere of ideas and insights. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer in the field, these hubs offer valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow your network.

The Community Hubs will be located at the heart of the PRINTING United event, making them easily accessible to all attendees. Take advantage of these vibrant spaces to exchange ideas, collaborate with peers, and gain fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving printing landscape. And don’t forget to join your community for a daily happy hour!

Oct. 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
Oct. 19, 4 – 5 p.m.
Oct. 20, 2 – 3 p.m.

Hub Locations

• Commercial (Booth B18069)
• Functional Printing & Industrial (Booth C1065)
• Future State & Apparel (Booth C107)
• In-Plant (Booth B19013)
• Label & Packaging (Booth B613)
• LATAM (Booth B15095)
• Mailing & Shipping (Booth B1343)
• Wide-Format & Digital Textile (Booth C3409)

The Power of Knowledge

Are you ready to take your printing and graphics business to new heights? Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities for growth and learning at PRINTING United Expo.

You’ll have the chance to attend a range of paid educational sessions designed to equip you with the latest industry insights, trends, and strategies. From thought-provoking panel discussions to expert-led presentations, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the printing industry, these education sessions will help you sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and stay ahead in this dynamic field. Join industry leaders, innovators, and experts for an immersive experience that will transform the way you approach your business.

Looking for new opportunities to grow your print business? Don’t miss out on the “Opportunity Pocket Guide” sessions at PRINTING United Expo 2023. These sessions are based on the popular Opportunity Pocket Guides that debuted in Las Vegas at the PRINTING United Expo in 2022. They are a must-attend for anyone looking to diversify into new markets — from apparel decoration, digital label printing, and flexible package printing to folding cartons, graphics, and promotional products.

Keynotes

This year’s event promises to be a powerhouse of inspiration and industry insights, with keynote speakers who are experts in their fields. Whether you’re a printing professional, business owner, or simply interested in the latest trends in the industry, attending the keynotes is a must. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals.

The PRINTING United Alliance annual State of the Industry Report, sponsored by Canon U.S.A. Inc., serves as a compass for businesses looking to navigate the ever-changing printing industry. On Wednesday at 10 a.m., Andy Paparozzi, chief economist at PRINTING United Alliance, will provide valuable guidance to industry professionals, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he is well-equipped to deliver a comprehensive overview of the industry, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into market dynamics, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer behaviors that are shaping the printing landscape.

Whether you’re a printer, supplier, or industry enthusiast, be sure to mark your calendars for the Expo’s opening session (starting at 10 a.m. in Room C101), where Paparozzi will share his invaluable insights and set the stage for an eventful and enlightening experience.

During Thursday’s keynote (10 a.m. in Room C101), author and workforce expert Eric Chester will delve into the pressing issue of finding and retaining great employees in challenging labor markets. The discussion — centering around his latest book, “FULLY STAFFED: How to Find and Keep Great Employees in Difficult Labor Markets” — will provide insights for businesses struggling to attract and retain top talent.

Chester’s expertise and real-world insights shed light on the challenges businesses face in today’s labor markets and offer a roadmap for finding and keeping exceptional employees. Attendees will leave the keynote session armed with valuable strategies to adapt to the changing job landscape and build a team that will drive their organizations to new heights of success.

Peer into Your Future

Are you curious about the future of the apparel decoration industry and the latest innovations in technology? Look no further than the Future State showcase, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the industry.

This immersive experience brings together the industry’s top experts, thought leaders, and innovators to explore emerging trends, technologies, and applications revolutionizing the apparel decoration landscape.
Entry to the theater (C102 Auditorium) will be located on the Expo floor in the Future State Hub (Booth C107) where you can grab a coffee or beer, network with colleagues in comfortable seating, and even take in a live podcast.

Get Hands-On with the Technology

One of the most exciting features of the Expo is the “Hands-On Training Zones.” These zones provide attendees with practical, interactive sessions where they can learn new skills and techniques directly from industry experts. Participants can gain valuable insights and knowledge through live demonstrations and interactive workshops, allowing them to explore and experience firsthand the capabilities of various printing technologies.

Whether you are interested in screen printing, digital printing, wide-format graphics, or other print-related disciplines, the Zones provide a platform to enhance your skills, stay up to date with the latest industry advancements, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied in your own business or career.

Be sure to explore the two Zones on the show floor:

• Apparel Zone (Booth C147)
• PDAA Wide-Format Zone
  (Booth B8110)

Co-Located Events

This year, PRINTING United Expo is co-located with several other events, making it an even more comprehensive and enriching experience for attendees. These co-located events offer a diverse range of specialized content and networking opportunities. They provide a unique platform to learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

FSEA Breakfast at PRINTING United Expo

Improving Profitability Through
Digital Embellishments

Oct. 19
Room N204

Moderator: Jeff Peterson, executive director, Foil & Specialty Effects Association (Panel Discussion)

Learn how digital embellishments for print can turn ordinary into extraordinary — and improve the bottom line. Today’s technologies allow print service providers (PSPs) to add foil and specialty coating services with minimal investment and floor space. Peterson will moderate a panel of current users who will share their experiences and how they have leveraged embellishments to help grow
and create new customers and
increase ROI.

Xplor Breakfast at
PRINTING United Expo

Efficient Workflows Make Your
Press Run Faster
Oct 19, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Room B203

This moderated panel will explore the ways printers waste money with outdated workflows. It begins with how you create the print files and continues through every task. Panelists will be answering the hard questions about how they help printers save money. The panel will be moderated by industry expert Pat McGrew, M-EDP

The breakfast and session are complimentary, but you must register in advance to attend.
Women in Print Alliance

Networking Lunch

Oct. 19, Noon – 2 p.m.

This ticketed event features a seated lunch, a keynote presentation by Madeline Fetterly, CEO and founder of Be the Brand Collective, and an exclusive Women-2-Women (W2W) networking opportunity during Expo 2023. Located just steps from the show floor in the Georgia World Congress Center, the Women in Print Alliance Lunch will allow you to gain insight, knowledge, and inspiration, while enjoying quality time with your peers. To attend this event, you may purchase a ticket ($75 per person) and select the Women in Print Alliance Lunch option as part of general registration for Expo 2023. Please note that event space is limited; you are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

In-plant Impressions & IPMA

Forum Lunch | Oct. 18, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Forum Breakfast | Oct. 19, 7:30 - 9 a.m.
IPMA Luncheon | Oct. 19
Room B208

The In-plant Impressions forums will take place at breakfast or lunch during the PRINTING United Expo to provide in-house printers with more focused sessions, to give them an opportunity to network, and help them find new opportunities for revenue growth. Please note: These sessions are invite-only.

Packaging Impressions Forum

Oct. 19, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Room B207

The Packaging Impressions Forum is a luncheon designed to provide commercial and wide-format printers with focused sessions from peer companies that have already expanded into labels and packaging, to give them an opportunity to network, and to learn from industry analysts on the latest packaging technology and entry points.

Opening Night Party

PRINTING United Expo is back with a bang. And what better way to kick off the event than with an unforgettable Opening Night Party? You’re invited to join us at the Tabernacle for a night of live music, complimentary apps, drinks, and an amazing time celebrating the printing industry.

Make sure you mark your calendars. The Opening Night Party promises to be a night of fun, networking, and celebration with industry professionals from all over the world. Mingle, dance, and connect with fellow attendees while enjoying delicious food and drinks. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind after a day of exploring the latest innovations and technologies in the printing world.

Oct. 18, 8 – 10 p.m.

Tabernacle, 52 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Show your Expo pass for free admission.

Plan to Attend

To make the most of your time at the Expo, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are a few things you can do to get ready:

• Book your hotel early. The Expo is a popular event, so hotels fill up quickly. Book your hotel as early as possible to get the best rates. Book your hotel through the Expo’s official hotel block to get the best rates with no cancellation fees.
• Download the Expo mobile app. The app will help you navigate the show floor, find exhibitors, and stay up-to-date on the latest events.
• Plan your schedule. There’s a lot to see and do at the Expo, so it’s important to plan your schedule in advance. Make sure to check out the show schedule and highlight the sessions and exhibits you’re most interested in.
• Network with other attendees. The Expo is a great opportunity to network with other printers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to talk about your business.
• Bookmark PrintingUnited.com for the latest updates. If you are planning to attend the Expo, it is important to bookmark the website so that you can easily access it for information about the event, such as the schedule of events, the exhibitor list, and the registration process. You can also use the website to sign up for the Expo’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the event.

PRINTING United Expo is a must-attend event for anyone in the print and graphic communications industry, offering a unique and immersive experience to learn, network, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.