PRINTING United: Just What the Industry Wants and Needs

Over the last few weeks, more and more print service providers, associations and OEMs have been throwing their support behind PRINTING United and the PRINTING United Expo 2019 - a single landmark event to be held in Dallas in October 2019. As the market continues to evolve and transition, there is a need to broaden discussions beyond commercial printers or sign companies to include all segments of the visual communications and graphic arts industries. Additionally, that conversation needs to extend beyond the print service provider to print buyers to make a larger impact on the industry. This mission will be reflected in both the education and in the technologies showcased on the PRINTING United exhibit floor.

Recent data supports this mission, as well. In an online survey of commercial, package, in-plant, graphics and sign producer, garment decorator, and industrial/printed electronics printers conducted by NAPCO Research and SGIA in January 2018, more than 82% of respondents say a consolidated industry event would be significantly or somewhat better than individual trade shows.

“This data, which shows 8 out of 10 printers think a single consolidated industry event would serve the industry better than individual events, suggests the industry is ripe for change,” said Nathan Safran, Director of Research, NAPCO Media.

“PIASC members are always looking to stay on the forefront of technology in order to serve the interests of their customers. PRINTING United, in a single annual event, will provide a showcase of technology and best practices as well as an atmosphere where our membership can make new connections,” commented Louis J. Caron, President, Printing Industries Association, Inc. of Southern California (PIASC).

“Printers are exploring all options to expand their footprint of services to customers - from design to print collateral to large-format,” said Karen Fulton, president and CEO of Printing Industries Association of San Diego (PIASD). “It’s important to provide venues where they can evaluate capital investments in one location, with suppliers who truly have their best interests first.”

Additionally, early support from OEMs has emphasized how a single event can better support everyone in a consolidating market.

“Whether their base of business is commercial, sign and display, or packaging, print service providers are focusing more time and energy on how to diversify their suite of services. An event that acknowledges and incorporates multiple processes and disciplines aligns well with this trend,” Brent Moncrief, Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Brand Management, the Americas, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, said. “A show organized along the lines of PRINTING United is a much needed step forward for the industry as a whole.

With its focus on conversion, Ken Ingram, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Screen said, PRINTING United will give SCREEN Americas an ideal setting and a receptive audience for its commercial, transactional, publishing, label and packaging, direct mail and wide-format inkjet printing solutions. “Buyers aren’t just going shopping any more. They come to do serious research, and they expect an event that gives them the right kind of engagement with the right manufacturers.”

“The good news is that there are even more touch points available for vendors and print service providers as well as creative marketing firms,” said Donna Covannon, Director, Marketing NA, Digital Solutions, Xeikon North America. “PRINTING United offers a powerful venue connecting all the right companies to share their stories.”

“It’s all about the community of the industry,” said James Martin, CEO, MBO. “PRINTING United will bring together the right individuals, the right companies, and the right education in a venue for all segments of the graphic communications industry.”