Expo Bound: Seeking Cutting-Edge Tech and Industry Insights
The following article was originally published by Wide-format Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Wide-Format Impressions.
The PRINTING United Expo — September 10-12 in Las Vegas — is just around the corner, and attendees are eagerly preparing for days filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. As we approach the Expo, we're excited to present a series of Q&A interviews with attendees from diverse sectors. They'll share their reasons for attending the PRINTING United Expo, the knowledge they hope to gain, and what they're most looking forward to at the event.
Visual Marking Systems
Dolf Kahle, CEO
Twinsburg, OH
vmsinc.com
VMS helps elevate our customer’s branding of their products (decals, overlays, labels), vehicles (design, print, install graphics), employees (decorated apparel and promo items), and buildings (signage, banners, floor, and wall graphics).
WFI: What motivated you to attend the Expo this year?
Kahle: The Expo is the event to see all aspects of the printing industry. The key to me is twofold. First, to find the newest in technology and productivity improvements. Second, to continue to network with the leaders in the industry on best practices.
WFI: If you're returning, what brings you back?
Kahle: This will be my 40th+ show since 1982. Technology, networking, and time to catch up with old friends.
WFI: Which products, brands, or services are you most looking forward to seeing at the Expo?
Kahle: Lately, our best capital equipment and services have come from booths we have seen at past Expos. We will continue to look for technology improvements in digital printing (narrow and wide-format), finishing equipment to improve turnaround time and quality, and IT/AI technology to improve communication and efficiency.
WFI: How do you plan to maximize your time at the Expo?
Kahle: I enjoy walking the entire show twice. Many of the booths are not in my product portfolio. However, keeping my eyes open to what other markets are presenting helps get my creative juices flowing for new ideas. We usually bring a team of three to five people to look for new ideas. We meet daily to review what we each saw. By the end of the show, we have our latest capital expenditures list for the next 12 months.
WFI: How do you think attending the Expo will impact your business or career?
Kahle: My career is winding down after 42 years. Now, my primary jobs are strategic planning and mentoring the next generations. The Expo plays into both jobs.
To read more Q&As with PRINTING United Expo attendees, visit the article: Are You Expo Bound?. To register to attend, please visit PrintingUnited.com
Denise Gustavson is the Editorial Director for the Alliance Media Brands — which includes Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Wide-Format Impressions, Apparelist, NonProfitPRO, and the PRINTING United Journal — PRINTING United Alliance.
