Industry news

PRINTING United Expo opened its doors from 19-21 October in Las Vegas to gather attendees and exhibitors from around the world for the first time under one roof since 2019. The global event drew registrants from 121 countries.

At PRINTING United Expo a total of 701 exhibitors from around the world occupied one million square feet of show floor space. Photo: PRINTING United Alliance.

“The powerful emotions felt in Las Vegas were like nothing you can put into words,” says Mark J. Subers, president, PRINTING United Expo. “I’ve truly never seen this amount of engagement from a show ever. In the words of so many attendees and exhibitors we spoke with, it was like a global reunion of sorts. What the event did in terms of bringing the community together is that it has revitalized the industry. The smiles, enthusiasm, and energy were simply off the charts.

“PRINTING United Alliance built the platform, but each and every attendee and exhibitor that engaged with the Expo are the ones responsible for the incredibly overwhelming success enjoyed by all. The product launches, the live demonstrations, the keynote presentations, all of it contributed to such a positive experience for everyone. A very special thank you to title sponsor, HP, whose complete hall takeover showcased the company’s support of the event as well as a reflection of its endless end-to-end solutions being shown, sold, and unveiled!”

Exhibitors and visitors

A total of 701 exhibitors from around the world occupied 1 million square feet of show floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Of special note, global CEOs, managing directors, and the most senior-level leaders were in attendance this year supporting commercial, digital, apparel, digital textile, packaging, mailing and fulfillment, and graphics/wide-format spaces.

From an attendance standpoint, there were 7% more attendees on-site this year in Las Vegas than the inaugural show in Dallas in 2019 that attracted 30,000 visitors.

Additionally, PRINTING United Expo freight exceeded 5 million lbs. at this year’s event. “One of the tremendous reasons this year’s event was so successful is because of all of the equipment running multiple substrates and soft goods on the show floor,” says Subers. “This is what attendees have indicated they wanted to see and experience, and the exhibitors delivered. PRINTING United Expo has always been the equipment show, but the expansion of substrate companies made it a very well-rounded show.”

Attendees and exhibitors comments

“Being in our own hall was a first for HP in North America at PRINTING United 2022, which turned out to be a tremendous success story overall. Thanks to both our internal team and the PRINTING United team for supporting us” says Tom Wittenberg, HP Large Format Industry Relations & events, NA, HP.

Deborah Hutcheson, director of strategic business development and distribution, Inkjet, NA, Agf: “The best way to describe PRINTING United 2022 is: ‘Wow!’ The show was a hive of activity. You could literally feel the excitement as everyone was happy to be back together again after three years! The Agfa booth was overflowing with customers and prospects anxious to see the latest technology Agfa offers. PRINTING United 2022 exceeded our expectations!.”

“Drytac was thrilled to be a gold sponsor at PRINTING United this year. The exhibition allowed visitors to see our incredible range of window, wall, and floor media solutions first-hand and learn how our materials can support them in various applications. The traffic of the show was unmatched to years previous and we loved meeting in person with our customers, partners, and attendees after long few years apart. We are already counting down the days until PRINTING United Atlanta 2023!says Amanda Brown Lowe, global marketing director, Drytac.

Ken Hanulec, VP Worldwide Marketing, EFI: “We had high expectations for PRINTING United Expo and were pleased with how it delivered as an opportunity to present our portfolio of leading-edge VUTEk, VUTEk FabriVU, EFI Wide Format, and EFI IQ and Fiery digital printing solutions. Busy traffic ensured we had many conversations with current and new customers, with dozens of deals completed on the show floor, and a volume of leads that will help ensure we have a busy Q4.”

“It was fantastic being back at PRINTING United Expo. Lawson has exhibited at every SGIA/PRINTING United Expo since the original show began in the 1950s, so it holds a special place in our hearts. In fact, three generations of Landesmans (Gene, Ben and David, and now Taylor) have represented Lawson at the show. Every year we are reminded about how exhibiting at the show gives us an opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new business connections, and see emerging technology in our industry” says Taylor Landesman, VP, Lawson Screen & Digital Products.

Ross Hunter, president, ROQ.US: “PRINTING United proved to be a pivotal harbinger for our industry. The message? The energy, the passion, the tech, the leadership, the community … we’re back. And we’re here for it. Thanks to all our partners, attendees, and PRINTING United Alliance for helping to bring us together in such an inspiring way. Thank you for the opportunity to be ‘Your Partner in Print.”

PRINTING United 2023

PRINTING Unites 2023 will take place in Atlanta from 18-20 October. For the new show 80 % of the show floor has been already reserved.