One of my favorite things about the printing industry is the ability to gather in person at events like PRINTING United Expo. There are a multitude of benefits to these trade shows: networking with other printers, seeing new equipment, getting a pulse on the industry, and engaging in top-notch education.

But if we can get specific for a minute, there are a lot of things the Expo will bring to the industry this year that apparel decorators must put on their list of things to experience while they’re at the show.

What are they?

Let’s take a look.

No. 1: The Apparel Zone (Booth 886)

This one might seem like an obvious choice, but there is a reason you should stop by this special Zone at Expo. First, there are several expert sponsors that are supporting the area. They are there to teach you about the various decorating technologies, like direct-to-film, embroidery, and more.

If you think you know everything about embroidery, you should still go see the folks at Hirsch, because it’s likely there’s a trick or technique to make you better.

If you haven’t yet explored the different heat transfer applications because you specialize in screen printing, the team at STAHLS’ will guide you through all of them.

New to the industry? This is the Zone for you.

The second reason to stop by this section is the Apparelist Live Theatre. Throughout the entire Expo, presenting sponsors will talk on a variety of different topics. You can come and go as you please, but know you will learn something from every presentation.

No 2: PRINTING AI Pavilion (Booth 4255)

AI is everywhere, and changing fast! It can be used in a multitude of ways in an apparel decorating shop. Rather than look at it as a threat, visit the pavilion and find out how it serves as a complementary tool to your business.

This new section of the Expo is designed to showcase real AI applications, spotlight the latest solutions from pioneering exhibitors, and deliver discussions from experts all on the show floor.

No. 3: Spill the Ink Zone (Booth 5659)

Brand new this year, we’re pretty excited about the candid conversation that will take place in this area! It’s unfiltered, it’s open, it’s real, all within respectful and professional boundaries. “One of the main reasons people go to trade shows is for the networking; however, we didn’t have anything on the show floor that really fostered an environment to easily engage with others,” explains Nicole Cho, director of Expo marketing. “We’re creating a space that’s going to spark real conversations. And hopefully make a positive impact to someone’s business!”

If you’re looking for a place to brainstorm about real problems, and place where you can get unfiltered feedback on hot topics, a place where there’s no mic, just attendees spit-balling, the Spill the Ink area is for you. Apparel decorators love to have candid conversations, so I highly suggest utilizing this space.

Note that there are only certain dates and times this area will be open; you can find those here. “You might sit next to your future business partner, your next boss, the employee you always wanted — this space gives you the opportunity to meet a variety of new people in the industry,” Cho says.

No. 4: New Product Launches

If you attend the Expo for only one reason (which I highly discourage), it should be to check out the plethora of new products. From new equipment to blanks, accessories, and even software, exhibitors often use the Expo as the platform to launch their new wares. This year is no exception.

Starting on the apparel blanks side of things, attendees will see what’s fresh and trending, such as the Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 (booth 694): a unisex iconic T-shirt made from 100% organic cotton. You’ll also get a look at new inks, like the DTF ink that will be on spotlight at Ink Total Solution’s booth (3082); and new equipment, such as the Prestige XL2 Pro nine-color DTF printer from DTF Station (booth 4486).

Your peers are keeping a pulse on what’s new, so if you aren’t currently registered, know you’ll be missing out on seeing all of these new products first-hand.

No. 5: General Education

If attending the presentations in the Apparel Zone aren’t enough for you, I recommend you look at the robust lineup of general education classes offered during Expo. Even if you aren’t an alliance member, you can still pay to add these conference-style courses to your attendee pass.

There will be several that are specific to apparel decoration, including (but not limited to):

• State of the Decorated Apparel Industry – Based on the PRINTING United Alliance State of Decorated Apparel Industry Survey, this session will cover how apparel decoration sales, prices, and profitability are trending, diversification beyond apparel decoration, print-on-demand growth and expectations, products expected to grow fastest, how apparel decorators view artificial intelligence.
• DTF Printing Deep Dive: Best Practices, Industry Impact, and Winning More Customers – This panel session will explore DTF technology and its rapid evolution in the apparel decorating industry. Panelists will discuss the do’s and don’ts of DTF printing, where it can help decorators find more customers, and why going cheap isn’t a good choice.

But don’t limit yourself: Explore wide-format training options, what’s the latest in the commercial printing space, and more. Convergence in this industry is a key to success, and these classes help get you there.

Honorable Mention: AFTER DARK Networking

Who doesn’t want to unwind in a fun, casual atmosphere wit your fellow printing peeps? Join your peers, manufacturers, and suppliers for some after-hours fun during the PRINTING United Expo AFTER DARK Networking events. There are two options:

• Wednesday, Oct. 22: 8:30-10:30 p.m. at PBR Cowboy Bar
• Thursday, Oct. 23: 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Sports & Social