On Feb. 24-26, a group of industry suppliers, manufacturers, and decorators gathered in Chandler, Arizona for the inaugural Print-on-Demand Conference, hosted by STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine.

Packed into two-and-a-half days, the event featured a selection of networking, educational presentations, and activations designed to spotlight the capabilities of print-on-demand (POD).

L to R: Carissa Richmond, BELLA+CANVAS; Amanda Pritchett, Momentec; Milissa Gibson, Lane Seven; and Cassie Green, Apparelist. Credit: STAHLS’

Print-on-Demand Spotlights Premium Personalization

The majority of sessions were presented on Tuesday, Feb. 25, where a discussion led by Rusty Pepper, Taylor on Demand, outlined innovations in POD and how they have led the charge in reshaping not only the apparel decorating, but the promo and printing industries as well.

Panelists Jenna Sackett, STAHLS’, and Joey Klinger, SanMar, offered attendees insight on how, in a sea of sameness, those in the POD space can be difference makers. All three speakers noted that attendees should elevate a product through high-quality products, printing practices, and customization, along with focusing on the sustainability aspect.

Following was a presentation from Jason Lucash, Rupt, that shifted the focus to packaging. He noted that packaging is an extension of a brand and offers a plethora of opportunities to not only lean into reusing items, but also build stronger brand identity.

Before breaking for the lunch session, Maddy Alcala of Gooten and Dave Higashi of Crowdmade took to the stage to discuss consumer behavior when it comes to POD. Both made observations about how consumers interact with brands on social media, the overstimulation of audiences on digital platforms, and opportunities for POD providers to shine.

The second half of the day started with Jayson Tompkins of Fulfill Engine and Alejandro Lozdziejski of Customily having a conversation about innovation in art, with particular focus aimed at using AI tools to streamline the user experience designing custom art. One point that was made is that the consumer is increasingly becoming a co-creator, so printers and fulfillment partners must ensure that certain parameters are in place to set everyone up for success.

Credit: Cassie Green

Following, a panel made up of Rodney McDonald, USColorworks; Richard Nadel, MWW On Demand; and Tompkins outlined what a modern shop floor should look like. Most speakers and attendees agreed that all printing technologies have a place within a shop, and understanding when to use each is crucial.

Discussion on Industry Changes

The final day of the conference opened up with a panel moderated by Cassie Green, Apparelist. Speakers included Carissa Richmond, BELLA+CANVAS; Amanda Pritchett, Momentec; and Milissa Gibson, Lane Seven. The discussion explored how blank apparel trends play out in today’s POD world, what drives those trends, and how the face of manufacturing and following hot markets is responding.

The Print-on-Demand Conference ended with a Burning Questions session where attendees broke into groups to discuss some of the top questions everyone has about the industry.

“This conference was a game-changer,” said Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeSTAHL, in a press release from the company. “For the first time, industry leaders came together to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of print-on-demand.”

“No one succeeds in POD alone,” said Tompkins. “Aligning with the right partners and technology is what separates the industry leaders from the rest.”

Josh Ellsworth, CRO of GroupeSTAHL, emphasized the industry’s collective power, stating, “Print-on-demand is evolving fast, and success depends on collaboration. This event was the perfect space for industry leaders to connect, learn, and innovate together.”

For more information about STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine and future events, visit fulfillengine.com.