Preliminary results reflect a highly engaged global audience, significant equipment on the show floor, product launches, and powerful connections across every segment of the printing industry
PRINTING United Expo 2026, produced annually by PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, concluded on 25 September, following three dynamic days at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Preliminary results point to another highly successful gathering of the global printing community with 27,000 registered attendees from 100 countries and over 850 exhibitors spanning approximately one million square feet of show floor space. Highlighting the scale of the show, the exhibition featured 4.9 million pounds of equipment and technology—marking an increase of over half a million pounds compared to last year—alongside hundreds of product introductions and global debuts. Momentum from the event is already carrying forward, with more than two-thirds of the 2027 exhibit space already reserved at the close of the doors.
Across the week, attendees explored the technologies, equipment, applications, and ideas shaping the future of print across commercial, apparel, wide-format, labels and packaging, mailing, in-plant, industrial, promotional products, installation, and more.
“The energy throughout PRINTING United Expo 2026 was extraordinary,” says Ford Bowers, President and CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “What we saw in Las Vegas was an industry moving forward with confidence, investing in new technology, entering new markets, building stronger businesses, and finding new ways to grow. The size and scope of this event are impressive, but its true impact comes from bringing the entire printing community together to exchange ideas, create opportunities, and shape what comes next.”
Innovation and Opportunity Across Show Floor
The 2026 Expo reflected the continued convergence of print markets and the rapid evolution of technology across the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, workflow optimisation, workforce development, embellishment, personalisation, and production efficiency were among the defining themes across the show floor.
The return of an even more expansive PRINTING AI Pavilion gave attendees a dedicated destination for exploring practical AI applications already changing how printing companies sell, produce, analyse, and grow. The new Spill the Ink District created an energetic hub for conversation and community, while the debut of the ASI Pavilion connected print service providers with opportunities in promotional products.
Additional programming included the Apparel Zone, Women in Print Alliance events, live installer demonstrations and PDAA programming, Print Mastermind x Spill the Ink roundtable discussions, All-Stars and Student Lounges, Print Technology Tours powered by Taktiful, specialised education, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations throughout the halls.
“This year’s Expo delivered exactly what the industry needs right now: access to innovation, direct conversations with experts, and real opportunities to turn ideas into action,” says Joshua Carruth, Executive Vice President – Expositions, PRINTING United Alliance. “The engagement we witnessed, from the opening moments of Media Day and the G7+ Exchange, through the final afternoon of the Expo, was remarkable. Attendees came ready to learn and invest, and exhibitors responded with technology, expertise, and solutions designed to help businesses compete and grow.”
Connecting Industry’s Present with Future
The Expo’s expanded Student Day programming, in partnership with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE) welcomed students and educators for curated show-floor tours, live demonstrations, career conversations, networking, and direct access to industry professionals. Students explored the breadth of career paths available throughout printing and graphic communications while meeting employers, technology providers, industry All-Stars, and other leaders helping to shape the future workforce.
“Introducing students to the scale, technology, creativity, and career potential of this industry is one of the most meaningful things we can do,” says Christine Cachuela, Vice President – Membership Operations, PRINTING United Alliance. “They did not simply hear about opportunities in print, they saw the technology operating, met the people behind it, and experienced the industry firsthand. That kind of exposure can change the direction of a young person’s future.”
Looking Ahead to PRINTING United Expo 2027
Building on the momentum generated in Las Vegas, PRINTING United Expo will return 14–16 September at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2027. With two-thirds of the 2027 show floor already reserved, exhibitors and sponsors are encouraged to begin planning now.
“Every Expo gives us an opportunity to listen, learn, and raise the bar for the industry,” adds Bowers. “We leave Las Vegas proud of what this community accomplished together and energised by where the industry is headed next. The Expo serves the industry on multiple levels, as a marketplace for innovation, a catalyst for growth, and an economic engine that helps fuel the essential services, resources, and programmes the Alliance provides year-round.”
Additional information is available at www.printingunited.com
