Our 2025 Technology Outlook series is designed for you to quickly learn about new innovations from industry analysts and thought leaders.
The Annual Technology Outlook Issue
Our Technology Outlook breaks the industry down into several sectors (there is overlap between and among them of course). The Technology Outlook articles are designed to help bring print businesses up to speed on the latest technology trends, and arm them with things to look for and questions to ask at the fall trade events and 2026 planning.
Production Print Technology Outlook
Join WhatTheyThink contributor Kelly Lawrence as she highlights the latest technology and product announcements from manufacturers of production inkjet digital printing equipment.
What you’ll learn about:
- Market leading features of the newest press technology.
- The impact of inkjet technology on market segments and print businesses.
- Trends driving volume and profitability for printers.
- Strategies for differentiating and streamlining your inkjet operation.
- Questions to ask vendors at upcoming events like LabelExpo & PRINTING United.
Labels & Packaging Technology Outlook
Join WhatTheyThink contributor David Zwang as he highlights the latest technology and product announcements from manufacturers of label and packaging solutions.
What you’ll learn about:
- New label and packaging technology developments and trends.
- New label and packaging products from major industry vendors.
- New features, capabilities, and applications.
Software & Workflow Technology Outlook
Join WhatTheyThink contributor Pat McGrew and Pixel Dot Consulting’s Ryan McAbee as they look at the latest trends in software and workflow—which are not the same things. Software is the collection of tools to support your workflow processes. Software, when used well, allows the business to succeed by improving efficiency, exceeding key performance metrics, and enhancing the customer experience. The path is to disrupt the flow of endless phone calls, emails and texts asking questions, chasing information, and looking for approval by creating solutions where customers can self-serve for most of their needs.
What you’ll learn about:
- Current trends in software and workflow.
- How is AI being integrated into print workflow software-and what the practical benefits are.
- What automation options are there-and how can printers take advantage of them.
Display Graphics & Signage and Textiles & Apparel Technology Outlook
Richard Romano and Cary Sherburne will highlight the latest trends and technologies in display graphics, signage, and textiles and apparel. Display graphics (aka “wide-format printing”) is a maturing market, but new application areas are gaining traction and seeing tremendous growth. Meanwhile, digital textile printing is a hot new area—and in fact display graphics printers are starting to add textile printing. What are the top trends in both these areas, and how do they complement each other?
What you’ll learn about:
- New developments and trends in wide-format printing, signage, and textiles and apparel.
- New products from major industry vendors
- New features, application areas, and marketing opportunities
- How the two sectors can complement each other
Binding & Finishing Technology Outlook
Join Patrick Henry as he highlights the latest trends and technology and product announcements from manufacturers of binding, finishing, and embellishment equipment. This session will give you the lowdown on new features, capabilities, and applications that can give your business a competitive edge.
What you’ll learn about:
- New developments and trends in binding and finishing.
- The latest in digital embellishment technologies.
- New products from major industry vendors.
- New trends, features, capabilities, and applications.
Sponsors
Thanks to all our generous sponsors for making the annual Technology Outlook possible.
