We speak with Mark Subers, president of Events and Expositions at PRINTING United Alliance about what to expect from the show
With PRINTING United Expo set to take place next week (September 10 – 12), we speak with Mark Subers, president of Events and Expositions at PRINTING United Alliance about what to expect from the show.
Could you provide a brief introduction to PRINTING United Expo for anyone who hasn’t attended before?
PRINTING United Expo is the most comprehensive, multi-day event in the printing industry, bringing together professionals across all market segments to showcase the latest technologies, products, and innovations.
The Expo features an expansive show floor, cutting-edge equipment demonstrations, educational sessions, and numerous networking opportunities. It serves as a hub for business growth, knowledge exchange, and community building, drawing attendees from around the world to experience the full spectrum of the printing industry.
PRINTING United Expo is produced annually by PRINTING United Alliance, North America’s leading member-based, mission-driven association dedicated to supporting and advancing the printing and graphic arts industry.
The Alliance represents all segments of the printing industry and provides its members with valuable resources, advocacy, education, and events like PRINTING United Expo, which are designed to help businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
What areas of the industry does the Expo span and does the show cover everything (hardware, software, media, and consumables)?
PRINTING United Expo is uniquely positioned to serve the entire printing industry, and we feel very strongly about our duty to represent printing in its entirety.
Our ‘one roof’ approach spans commercial and publishing, graphics and wide-format, labels and packaging, mailing, shipping and fulfilment, apparel decoration, promotional, functional and industrial, in-plant, and graphic installers.
Our exhibitors offer solutions across hardware, software, media, consumables, and more. If it plays a role in the output and success of a printing business, you’ll find it at PRINTING United Expo.
The Expo moves from venue to venue each year with this year being back in Las Vegas, what is the thinking behind this format?
Thanks to the growth of the event, there are only a handful of exhibition centres in North America that are large enough to host the Expo. Each year we alternate between East Coast and West Coast venues to ensure we’re making it as convenient as possible for all our North American and overseas visitors to be able to attend. We like to keep things fresh, and a variety of cities, venues, and experiences is a great way to do that.
What are some of the key standout features you’re expecting from the 2024 show?
While an incredible experience at the show is at the heart of PRINTING United, ultimately, we want visitors to go back to their businesses inspired and equipped to be even more successful, productive, and profitable. That’s why many of our features are hands-on and interactive, designed to provide value that is actionable rather than abstract.
Attendees can experience a variety of education through practical demonstrations, keynote addresses and paid education, training and education, like our G7+ live Expert Training and Certification opportunity (https://pru24.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=77), our new Knowledge Center footprint where attendees can meet with our global media and association partners, grab samples, take in a short stage-side session, and so much more.
The Expo offers dynamic and immersive elements, and we have a number of great networking events including our PRINTING United AFTER DARK Networking packages (https://www.printingunited.com/attend/show-features/after-dark/), our exciting Opening Night Shindig (https://www.printingunited.com/attend/show-features/opening-night-shindig/), and multiple planned Women in Print Alliance events, including a Las Vegas Dine-Around, special luncheon, meet-ups at the Women in Print Alliance host hotel, and more (https://womeninprintalliance.org/expo-events/).
Are there any key trends you’re expecting to influence the technologies/launches taking place at this year’s Expo?
We’re certainly expecting the fanfare around artificial intelligence to play a role and are excited to be launching a new study on AI at the show, put together by our research team. Attendees can listen to a special presentation about this study at 9.15am in the Knowledge Center on Tuesday, September 10th.
Other key trends we expect to see are sustainability, with many companies showcasing eco-friendly materials, processes, and technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. Digital transformation and automation will also be prominent, as exhibitors demonstrate how these innovations can enhance efficiency, customisation, and cost-effectiveness in printing operations.
Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on the convergence of printing and packaging, reflecting the growing trend towards integrated solutions that offer both visual appeal and functionality. Other key topics will include advancements in inkjet technology, the impact of artificial intelligence, and strategies for navigating supply chain challenges.
Tell us about any other in-show features such as speaker schedules, etc
We are offering a very robust educational program this year with over 50 sessions. This includes a paid program for direct educational sessions, plus educational experiences on the floor that will be open to everyone. Our convergent/diversification model is based on education and exposing the attendees to new opportunities. Education is foundational to our model.
From sessions on AI to how to diversify your business, automation, sustainability, workforce development, pricing and sales strategies, and so much more; there is truly something for everyone.
The complete session listing can be found at: https://www.printingunited.com/attend/show-features/paid-education/. With so much going on, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for visitors to plan their trip around what’s most valuable to them, so at printingunited.com you can search by segment and topic and add what interests you most to your digital Show Planner.
With drupa having recently taken place in Dusseldorf, would you say this has been a benefit to the 2024 show?
Absolutely, many of the solutions and product launches that we saw at drupa will be at PRINTING United this year, so in terms of new, innovative technology, it’s certainly an exciting year.
For those that didn’t have an opportunity to attend drupa, particularly in North America, they can still experience the latest and greatest printing technology at this year’s event. Exhibitors will be showing these solutions for the first time ever in North America and there will also be some brand new, never-seen-before product launches.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for visitors wanting to get the most out of their visit?
I would definitely encourage visitors to plan ahead to maximise the value of the show, and fortunately we’ve made it easy to do so. Our ‘My Show Planner’ tool allows you to connect with exhibitors of interest, search and save all the educational sessions you want to attend, and register for show features that you don’t want to miss.
You’ll also find all the hotel, transport, and local information you need. Our media brands are covering the big news in the run-up to and at the show, including our ‘Expo Bound’ series in which new and returning visitors share their experiences and plans for PRINTING United, which can help you get a feel for how your peers plan to use their time most effectively.
Also be sure to download our PRINTING United Expo Mobile App (https://www.printingunited.com/attend/plan-ahead/mobile-app/). This will allow you to easily navigate the show floor, view sessions and our schedule of events, and receive notifications when new sessions and events are beginning.
Having said all that, there’s a lot to be said for embracing spontaneity – some of the best show experiences I’ve had and hear about from others involve chance encounters and unplanned conversations. That’s what’s so great about live events. See you in Vegas!
