New event breaks down segment boundaries, brings printing community together

Fairfax, Va. – Registration is open for PRINTING United (Dallas, October 23 - 25, 2019), the new event from the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and NAPCO Media.

“There’s a transformation taking place in the printing industry, a blurring of segment boundaries as print service providers (PSPs) seek out new products and technologies to better serve their customers,” said Mark Subers, President/CRO, Printing and Packaging, NAPCO Media. “Convergence is changing how PSPs and their suppliers do business, the technologies they choose and the information they need to stay ahead of the competition.”

“PRINTING United represents a sea change in event strategies for addressing the industry environment. Rather than focusing on a single industry segment, it’s welcoming in the entire community,” he added.

Bigger.
PRINTING United brings the universe of printing under one roof, serving markets including apparel decorating, graphics production and installation, functional printing, commercial printing, packaging printing and in-plant. More than 570 suppliers have committed to exhibit, bringing the show floor to 93% sold out.

“PSPs who want to improve their businesses and better serve their customers need access to suppliers and manufacturers. PRINTING United provides this access across market segments. It’s critical that PSPs have the opportunity to build their connections,” said Ford Bowers, President & CEO, SGIA.

In a Fall 2018 survey by SGIA and NAPCO Research, 80% of PSPs said they believe a consolidated printing industry event would serve them better than single-segment events.

“PRINTING United will provide a powerful return on investment for PSPs who see opportunity for expansion within and beyond their primary market segments,” Subers added. “With less time out of the office, they’ll reduce travel expenses but achieve more with access to the equipment, education and networking that drives innovation.”

Better.
PRINTING United is built on the strong foundation of the SGIA Expo, strengthened and extended by NAPCO Media’s trusted brands and extensive audience reach.

“It’s a time of great opportunity and convergence in the printing industry. According to our research, 95% of printers are seeing remarkable opportunities for expansion. Commercial printers are considering adding wide-format graphics and packaging. Rigid packaging printers are adding flexible packaging to the mix. Digital textile printers in the home furnishings realm are exploring fast fashion,” Bowers said. “To make all that happen, they need education and interaction.”

PRINTING United programming will bring the community together. The 96-session conference program features sessions tailored to apparel, commercial, functional, graphics, packaging and in-plant printing on topics ranging from technology to business operations. Three pre-show intensive workshops on October 22 focus on starting a wide-format graphics business, digital textile printing and convergence opportunities. Three amphitheaters on the show floor will bring additional opportunities to learn from exhibitors and thought leaders.

“Learning is critical, especially in an industry that’s changing as quickly as printing is,” Bowers said.

Supplementing the conference, workshops and amphitheater sessions are networking events featuring informative speakers for the apparel, functional printing, sustainability and Women in Print Alliance communities.

Bolder.
The expansive show floor is more than a comprehensive view of the latest printing technologies. It’s also home to The Experience Zone, a 4,000-square-foot exhibit with over 100 printed applications that demonstrate how printing shapes consumers’ lives.

“Our industry touches everything around us,” Subers said. “The Experience Zone will put a face on it, with displays from in-home, out-of-home and retail environments. We want the PSPs visiting The Experience Zone to leave inspired to try new product lines and markets.”

Work hard and play hard! PRINTING United is hosting an Opening Night Party at iconic Gilley’s Dallas on October 23.

“The launch of PRINTING United is something to celebrate,” Bowers said. “It encompasses and serves today’s printing industry better than any event in the printing and packaging space has before. If you’re part of the industry, you need to be there from the start.”

Registration for PRINTING United will be free through September 10. Some events have additional fees. Learn more and register today at PRINTINGUnited.com.