Taking place September 23–25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event is one of the printing industry’s largest gatherings. Photos courtesy PRINTING United Alliance

The best way to predict the future is to create it.”—that sense of momentum is exactly what PRINTING United Expo 2026 is aiming to capture when the industry heads to Las Vegas, Nev., in September.

Taking place September 23–25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event is one of the printing industry’s largest gatherings, bringing together commercial print, apparel decoration, wide-format graphics, labels and packaging, mailing, industrial applications, and more under one roof. The Expo promises equal parts tech showcase, networking hub, and crystal ball for where print is headed next.

Running full colour

For Josh Carruth, EVP, Expositions, PRINTING United Alliance, the evolution of the Expo reflects broader shifts happening across the industry itself. “Even just a few years ago, what was then Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), primarily serving the graphic, wide-format, and screen-printing markets; we recognized what we’ve coined as industry ‘convergence’—the blending of technologies, applications, and business models across traditional print segments—was already underway. We made a strategic decision to pivot alongside that reality, which ultimately led to the evolution of PRINTING United Expo into a truly comprehensive industry event.”

And while virtual demos and online product launches have become more common, Carruth says nothing replaces seeing technology operate in person.

“What has only intensified over time is the attendee priority around seeing equipment and technology firsthand. This remains an industry where seeing technology in action matters, and PRINTING United Expo has become one of the most important places for attendees to evaluate opportunities, compare solutions firsthand, and make strategic decisions about the future of their business.”

Ink, ideas, and in-between moments

Of course, Expo 2026 is not only about equipment launches and software demos. Organizers are shaping the event around experience and connection. Returning attractions such as the Apparel Zone, Print-On-Demand area, Spill the Ink Roundtables, and ASI Pavilion give attendees opportunities to move beyond simply walking the aisles. The goal is to create spaces where printers can exchange ideas, ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and discover new business opportunities organically.

“People want to be part of something, not just attend as spectators,” Carruth continues. “We’ve become much more intentional about focusing on experience, not just attendance. Yes, the ROI activities matter tremendously, but we’ve also put significant thought into creating spaces where the industry can connect, share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the community as a whole. We also want people to genuinely enjoy the experience, create lasting memories, and leave feeling energized about both the future of their business and the future of the industry itself. That includes continuing to elevate the experience for our members through expanded networking opportunities, education, access, and engagement that extends beyond the days of the Expo itself. Sometimes the biggest takeaway is a new partnership, a fresh business idea, or simply a broader perspective on where the industry is headed.”

And yes, there is also the return of the always-popular Opening Night Party on September 23—giving attendees a chance to kick off the week in classic Las Vegas style.

AI gets real

One of the biggest conversation starters heading into this year’s Expo is Artificial Intelligence (AI)—but organizers are working hard to move the discussion beyond buzzwords.

Expanded PRINTING AI programming and the PRINTING AI Pavilion will focus heavily on practical implementation and operational value. Amy Servi-Bonner, vice-president–PRINTING AI, says the goal is to create an environment where printers can evaluate technology in realistic production contexts. “The 2026 PRINTING AI Pavilion is built on the same principle: three operational zones, sponsors running their own live demos, and a floor structure designed for operators who come with real questions, not wish lists.”

For many attendees, the biggest challenge is separating useful tools from overhyped promises. According to Servi-Bonner, trade shows remain one of the best ways to pressure test solutions in real time.

“Trade shows are one of the few environments where real-world print and sign operational questions get pressure tested as close to real conditions as you can get. A vendor can build a beautiful slide deck and a polished demo for a remote presentation, but at a show, you can stand in front of their booth, look at their system, ask the person running it what breaks, watch how it handles an exception, and compare what you’re seeing to the way real print and sign move jobs through a shop.”

She also encourages attendees to approach AI with specific operational goals in mind.

“What I tell operators heading into a show is this: don’t go ‘shopping’ for AI. Come with one or two specific problems you’ve been trying to solve; the kind of problems that have been on your ‘need to solve’ list for two or three years. Then, walk the floor. The vendors with real answers will engage with the specifics. The ones who pivot to general capability statements are telling you something important about where their solution actually is in its lifecycle….and often that is underwhelming or not even real.”

Imprints and impressions

Beyond technology, Expo 2026 is also placing significant focus on workforce development, mentorship, and long-term industry culture.

Student Day “3.0”—the continued evolution of this popular event targeted to the future of the industry—will see expanded programming aimed at connecting students directly with exhibitors. “Walking the show floor, talking directly with exhibitors, hearing how people actually got started, and seeing the technology in action makes the industry feel a lot more tangible and accessible. As workforce expectations continue to evolve, creating those direct conversations and experiences is important—not just for students trying to understand where they fit, but for companies looking to connect with the next generation of talent in a more meaningful way,” said Christine L. Cachuela, vice-president, membership operations, PRINTING United Alliance.

Meanwhile, Women in Print Alliance programming will continue creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development across different segments of the industry. A special microsite will be soon launch featuring all Women in Print planned activities, including its various networking events and always-sold out luncheon, at www.womeninprintalliance.org.

“Industry events also help women connect up and down the seniority ladder; being an ‘attendee’ at the industry event is an equalizer. At the very least, it allows women who are earlier in their careers to visualize a pathway to a rewarding, successful professional journey in print by meeting outstanding female print leaders,” said Lisbeth Lyons Black, Director, Women in Print Alliance.

An evolving industry

If one theme runs through PRINTING United Expo 2026, it is that print is no longer operating in silos. The industry is becoming more connected, more automated, and more collaborative—and the Expo itself is evolving alongside it.

Carruth concludes, “Looking ahead, I think the biggest force shaping the Expo will be automation driven by AI and other emerging technologies. The pace of innovation is only accelerating, and the Expo will continue evolving as the place where the industry comes to see what’s next, learn how to stay competitive, and build the relationships that move business forward.” To register for the show, or for more information, visit www.printingunited.com.