PRINTING United Expo Begins This Week: Shaping The Future of Print in Las Vegas

As the printing industry gears up for its most anticipated event of the year this week, PRINTING United Expo 2024 is set to redefine the landscape of print technology, innovation, and networking. Taking place Sept. 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Expo is generating buzz and breaking registration records across all market segments.

With more than 800 exhibitors spanning more than a million square feet of exhibition space, PRINTING United Expo 2024 promises to be a transformative experience for professionals from every corner of the print world. It will offer attendees a glimpse into the future of print while providing unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, diversification, and business growth.

Unparalleled Growth and Industry Interest

PRINTING United Alliance reports that registration and hotel bookings for the 2024 Expo are significantly outpacing last year’s figures, with the apparel, commercial, and graphics/wide-format sectors leading the charge.

Mark J. Subers, president of exhibitions & events, PRINTING United Alliance, attributes this surge to the event’s growing reputation as the premier gathering for the printing industry. “The incredible momentum underscores the value and importance of this event in this hemisphere in the printing industry,” Subers stated.

A Comprehensive Industry Showcase

PRINTING United Expo 2024 will showcase the latest solutions across nine key market segments: apparel decoration, commercial and publishing, functional/industrial, graphic installation, graphics/wide-format, in-plant, labels and packaging, mailing, shipping and fulfillment, and promotional printing.

“PRINTING United Expo has experienced a meteoric rise … based on an all-encompassing model that includes all printing and packaging technologies,” says Subers. “It is a one-roof approach that satisfies the ‘convergent’ needs of modern printers. It’s the place the industry gathers to discover their next investment strategy.”

Building on the excitement generated at drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf, PRINTING United Expo 2024 is set to showcase a wave of cutting-edge technology launches, bringing the latest innovations directly to the North American market.

For printing professionals eager to stay at the forefront of industry advancements, PRINTING United Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to see, touch, and experience these innovations firsthand.

Education and Professional Development

Education remains a cornerstone of PRINTING United Expo, with a robust program designed to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. The Alliance’s iLEARNING+ platform will take center stage, offering live demos of the latest courses and certifications.

“We are excited to offer something for everyone at the Expo this year — economic overview keynotes, sessions by segment including AI, workflow, and other important topics,” says Subers. Education also includes invite-only forums run by NAPCO Media brands, sessions in the Knowledge Center, and hands-on demonstrations in the PDAA Wide-format Zone. All attendees should create a plan to ensure they get to see all that the Expo has to offer.

Of special note are two keynote sessions on the first two days of the Expo:

“Harnessing Business Investment to Drive Profitability and Competitive Advantage” (Sept. 10) will delve into current trends shaping the printing industry and recommend the best business investments for achieving success. The session will cover key performance metrics, print providers’ concerns heading into 2025, competitive trends, and strategies for improving productivity and growing sales.

“G7+, the World’s Best Calibration System, Made Better” (Sept. 11) will introduce the next evolution of the G7 calibration system. R&D team leader Don Hutcheson will showcase how G7+ improves upon its predecessor while maintaining compatibility with existing workflows.

Additional educational sessions will cover a wide range of topics crucial to today’s printing professionals, including:

• Business diversification strategies
• Automation solutions
• Sustainability initiatives
• Workforce development
• Pricing strategies
• AI’s impact on the printing industry
• Advanced color management techniques, including the new G7+ standard
• Strategies for addressing current industry challenges

Attendees can easily navigate the schedule in the mobile app by searching for sessions specific to their market segment.

The Knowledge Center: A Hub of Innovation and Insight

New for 2024, the Knowledge Center will serve as a dynamic, interactive hub where attendees can immerse themselves in the latest trends and developments. It will feature:

• Campfire sessions led by industry leaders
• Samples from participating exhibitors
• White papers and industry resources
• Engagement opportunities with industry media outlets and association partners

The Knowledge Center is designed to be a go-to destination for innovation and insight, offering attendees a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of industry developments.

Networking and Community Building

PRINTING United Expo 2024 is not just about technology and education; it’s also about people. The event will bring together thousands of attendees who share common interests, goals, and challenges.
This presents an opportunity for face-to-face networking, relationship building, and knowledge sharing.

“We are excited to launch our ‘AFTER DARK’ program with our new partner — JamPack,” says Subers.

“There will be many networking opportunities — from our opening day happy hour to our VIP events.”

The Expo will kick off with two Official Welcome Networking Events:

1. Monday, Sept. 9, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at Atomic Golf (golf included)
2. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at RockHouse

PRINTING United AFTER DARK: Vegas After Hours

New for 2024, PRINTING United Expo is introducing the AFTER DARK program, offering attendees a chance, from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., to unwind and network in true Las Vegas style. It includes access to four of the city’s top nightclubs:

• Monday, Sept. 9: JEWEL Nightclub
• Tuesday, Sept. 10: OMNIA Nightclub
• Wednesday, Sept. 11: XS Nightclub
• Thursday, Sept. 12: ZOUK Nightclub

Two package options are available for the AFTER DARK program: The All Access Pass includes entry to Official Networking Events, complimentary “Guest List” access to the four nightclub events, and dedicated concierge services. The VIP All Access Pass offers all the above, plus an open bar at both Official Networking Events.

At these after-hours events, attendees can forge deeper connections in a more relaxed setting, potentially fostering valuable business relationships and collaborations.

Women in Print Alliance

The Women in Print Alliance will have a significant presence at the Expo. “As part of our community-building mission, Women in Print Alliance will offer formal and informal networking opportunities for women attendees throughout the entire week of Expo,” says Lisbeth Lyons Black, director, Women in Print Alliance. “Whether you are a first-time attendee or have experienced Expo for multiple years, Women in Print Alliance events offer rewarding learning and connection opportunities.”

With an official hotel block at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the alliance aims to create a hub for women in the industry to connect, learn, and grow together. Planned activities include meetups, cocktail events, a unique networking luncheon, and additional programming to foster community and professional development among women in the printing industry.

The three-course luncheon — scheduled for Sept. 11 at noon — will feature Maureen Zapalla, an impostor syndrome expert and former NASA Propulsion Engineer. Her keynote, “Confidence is NOT Rocket Science: Reframing Imposter Syndrome for Women at Work,” will help attendees understand what impostor syndrome is and isn’t; learn to turn their thoughts from pitiful to powerful; eliminate the “compare & despair” trap when around peers; and begin to match their confidence to their competence and unleash their influence. Luncheon tickets are $75. Registration is required.

To learn more, visit womeninprintalliance.org/expo-events.

Now’s the Time

It’s clear that PRINTING United Expo 2024 is more than just a trade show — it’s a comprehensive experience designed to inspire, educate, and connect the entire printing industry. Whether you’re looking to explore new technologies, learn about emerging trends, connect with industry leaders, or find ways to diversify and grow your business, the Expo offers a unique opportunity to do so.

Moreover, the networking opportunities are unparalleled. Connecting face-to-face with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners can lead to valuable insights, collaborations, and business opportunities that might otherwise not be possible.

The industry evolves rapidly, and staying informed and connected is more crucial than ever. PRINTING United Expo 2024 offers the perfect platform to do just that, uniting the entire printing community to explore, learn, and grow. Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or new to the world of print, this event promises to provide valuable insights, connections, and opportunities that can help drive your business forward.

To secure your place at what promises to be a landmark event for the printing industry, register today at printingunited.com.