According to the recent SGIA Quarterly Industry Benchmarking Report on markets and products, companies in every print industry segment are already investigating services outside of their primary business. Printers who identified as serving at least two industry segments ranged from 31.9% (apparel decorators) to 63.3% (commercial printers).

According to the data, additional segments may bring in more than one-quarter of revenue, on average, as seen with graphic and sign producers, for whom commercial printing contributed 26.9% of revenue.

“There’s a transformation taking place in the printing industry, a blurring of segment boundaries as PSPs seek out new products and technologies to better serve their customers,” said Mark Subers, President/CRO, Printing and Packaging, NAPCO Media LLC. “Convergence is changing how PSPs and their suppliers do business, the technologies they choose, and the information they need to stay ahead of the competition.”

And PRINTING United is inviting the entire printing community to take part.

Bigger.  PRINTING United brings the universe of printing under one roof, serving markets including apparel decorating, graphics production and installation, industrial and functional printing, commercial printing, packaging printing and in-plants. More than 650 suppliers have committed to exhibit.

“PSPs who want to improve their businesses and better serve their customers need access to suppliers and manufacturers. PRINTING United provides this access across market segments. It’s critical that PSPs have the opportunity to build their connections,” said Ford Bowers, President & CEO, SGIA.

An expo that brings more suppliers under one roof also means less time out of the office for attendees. “They’ll reduce travel expenses, but achieve more with access to the equipment, education and networking that drives innovation,” said Subers.

Better.  PRINTING United was built upon the strong foundation of the original SGIA Expo, answering the need for next-generation exhibition and educational programming for the printing industry.

Education will be key to the PRINTING United experience. “The education at PRINTING United is designed to give attendees the resources to explore new markets and opportunities — whether inside or outside their traditional segments,” said Dan Marx, Director of Content Development, SGIA. “We’ve structured the programming so there will be something relevant to anyone in attendance at any given time.”

Similar to previous years, PRINTING United will feature special printing community-specific breakfasts and luncheons. These special educational events on the first two days of the Expo allow community members to learn and network with like-minded peers. Separate tickets ($30) are required for these events and are available to purchase while registering for PRINTING United.

Additionally, in prominent locations on the show floor, PRINTING United’s three amphitheaters will feature research and exhibitor-led presentations addressing all print industry communities.

Bolder.  The PRINTING United show floor is more than a comprehensive view of the latest printing technologies. The more than 720,000-square-foot show floor will feature global product debuts, as well as new products seen for the first time in the United States.

The show floor is also home to The Experience Zone (Booth 10530), a 4,000-square-foot exhibit with more than 100 printed applications that demonstrate how printing shapes consumers’ lives. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk through The Experience Zone and get inspired by the range and creativity of the print applications on display. A special magazine will also be on hand to help guide attendees and provide details on how each application was printed.

To learn more and register to be part of this inaugural event, visit PRINTINGUnited.com.  Get your free expo pass with Print & Graphic Communications Association’s promo code 610102.

With 20 years of experience in the visual communication markets, Denise M. Gustavson has in-depth knowledge of the issues, challenges and technologies of the industry. During her career, she has steered and implemented major brand updates for several industry publications, launched new publications into niche markets, coordinated successful multi-year award programs, managed a high-profile industry show daily featuring a complete multi-channel approach, and successfully launched the first multi-channel SGIA Expo Daily in 2017.