This feature was originally published in Sign Builder Illustrated‘s July 2024 edition.
Spanning over a million square feet, the annual PRINTING United Expo is the most comprehensive printing event in the world. The three-day trade show and conference covers every facet of the print industry, including the latest technology in signage, wraps and promotional products for sign shops wanting to level up their business.
Sign Builder Illustrated recently checked in with PRINTING United Expo President Mark J. Subers about what’s on tap for the 2024 show, which will take place September 10-12 in Las Vegas. Read on to find out what Subers has to say about the latest industry trends, challenges and more.
SBI: In addition to hundreds of exhibitors, what features does the show plan to add this year?
SUBERS: As we anticipate more than 800 exhibitors at the 2024 Expo, we are excited to share that we are trending to a wall-bound, sell-out event this September. New this year is our Knowledge Center Experience area, where attendees can meet with global media and association partners (such as SBI!); have the chance to grab the very latest samples, research, white papers, publications and more; as well as listen in on live TED-talk type sessions. Back by popular demand is a special Happy Hour for this community as a chance to network and further connect.
Another exciting feature is the chance to see live and in-person installer demonstrations as well as talk to the experts and learn more about how to become PDAA certified, and more. Education by some of the foremost names in the sector will be held throughout the three-day event.
SBI: Training is an ongoing challenge in the print community. What educational opportunities will the 2024 show offer to address this?
SUBERS: The Alliance’s iLEARNING+ education and certification platform will be on display and attendees can see a live demo on the very latest courses available to anyone around the globe. On-site will be hands-on educational opportunities such as PDAA, as well as areas for diversification for those looking to expand their revenue and business operations. A multitude of educational sessions are on tap.
SBI: In terms of speakers, who are some of this year’s biggest names?
SUBERS: By popular demand, Chief Economist Andy Paparozzi will be holding sessions; the Alliance/NAPCO Research’s Lisa Cross and Nathan Safran will be presenting on the industry’s latest trends and areas of opportunity in this space. The Alliance’s VP of eLearning & Certifications, Ray Weiss, will be covering installations, certifications and more. Sessions on the all-important topic of color, including new G7+, will also be on tap. Stay tuned for more names being added!
SBI: What is it like planning an event of this scale? What considerations do you have to make that you wouldn’t at a smaller conference?
SUBERS: PRINTING United Alliance’s all-segment, one-roof approach, and mission-driven support to its members and the industry at large, is foundational to PRINTING United Expo. To execute properly on this vision requires partnerships with exhibitors and likeminded organizations, communication with attendees, and [help from] thought leaders across market segments. We have relationships with global exhibitors and brands, which allow us to bring the magic.
A big equipment show that brings over 5.5 million pounds of solutions to the floor is vastly different than running a smaller, more focused conference, though we strive to provide robust education and takeaways that can be found at these events, such as our own Summits.
SBI: How can attendees get the most out of the show? How would you recommend they navigate the event to address their specific shop needs?
SUBERS: The Expo provides many ways for attendees to set up their three days for maximum ROI. The PRINTING United Expo website is up to date with the very latest education, information and experiences. We always encourage attendees to sign up to receive the regularly scheduled Expo Newsletters, as well as sign up for the Expo app. Access the event’s MyShowPlanner via the MapYourShow floor plan on the Expo website and establish a plan of those exhibitors you want to meet with by “favoriting” each one to help manage your schedule. With a show of this magnitude, it is important to have a game plan!
SBI: What is PRINTING United AFTER DARK? What can attendees expect from these networking events?
SUBERS: The PRINTING United AFTER DARK program is modeled after large-scale shows that have successfully adopted this program to enhance their attendee experience. While this is the first year we are offering the program, it serves the same purpose for those looking to gather as a community for a bit of extended fun and networking. Instead of a single opening night event, this will offer a multitude of opportunities for the communities to gather. We’re excited to work with Jampack to bring this to the print community. We’re confident that our attendees and exhibitors will find this program exhilarating and fun! When you register for the Expo, you can opt to join this fun program, or you can sign up on site.
SBI: What are the fastest growing sectors in the print signage and graphics space? What types of innovations and solutions do you expect more exhibitors to be showcasing this year?
SUBERS: While a lot of the “bread-and-butter” markets sign and graphics companies produce, like signs, banners, vehicle graphics, are still profitable, those are also pretty competitive. Among wide-format companies, there has been a lot of interest and growth in textile printing, particularly for soft signage applications and silicone-edge graphics (SEG). It’s a great growth area. Also, there has been a lot of growth in décor applications, including wallcoverings, whether decorative or informational. I expect we will, again, see a lot of those applications on display this year.
SBI: What are some of the biggest challenges sign and print shops are up against now? How is this year’s show designed to help professionals address these hurdles in their business?
SUBERS: Like most print producers, sign and graphics shops are being squeezed by both labor costs and costs to produce. Their challenge is to maintain margins, but also not raise prices. To do so, many are looking at ways to automate work. One way is by adding software to add greater reliability and efficiency to jobs and to eliminate touches in their processes. The other is to automate equipment, which can speed production and improve quality—but it all comes at a cost. This year’s Expo will offer all the solutions the segment has to offer, so it is the best place to weigh options and carefully identify the right solutions.
