Press release from the issuing organization:
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 Friday 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 850+ exhibitors spanning approximately one million square feet of show floor space. PRINTING United Expo will return next year in Las Vegas from September 14-16, 2027.
This past 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,” said Ford Bowers (pictured below), president & 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.”
Ford Bowers
PRINTING United Expo 2026 by the Numbers
With the doors now officially closed, initial reports reflect strong attendance, significant technology on the show floor, meaningful business connections, and robust engagement throughout the event.
Preliminary highlights include:
- 27,000 registered attendees
- 100 countries represented
- 850+ exhibiting companies spanning every major segment of the printing industry
- Approximately one million square feet of exhibit space
- 4.9 million pounds of equipment and technology, an increase of more than half a million pounds compared to last year’s event
- Hundreds of product introductions, including numerous North American and global debuts
- Over 200+ paid education sessions, panels, demonstrations, and show activations
- 50+ global Expo media and association partnerships
- 140 global media professionals in attendance
- 174 students and educators registered
- More than two-thirds of 2027 exhibit space already reserved at the close of the event.*All figures are preliminary and subject to final verification.
Innovation and Opportunity Across the 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 optimization, workforce development, embellishment, personalization, 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, analyze, 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, specialized 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,” said Josh Carruth, EVP 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 the Industry’s Present with Its 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,” said Christine Cachuela, VP 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 September 14-16 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. Additional information is available at printingunited.com.
“Every Expo gives us an opportunity to listen, learn, and raise the bar for the industry,” added Bowers. “We leave Las Vegas proud of what this community accomplished together and energized 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 programs the Alliance provides year-round.”
Join PRINTING United Alliance
To learn more about membership and the resources available to printing industry professionals and organizations throughout the year, visit printing.org/membership.
About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry’s vast communities. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education and training via iLEARNING+, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from our leading media brands – Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Apparelist, and Promo Impressions. The Alliance is also a global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain.
PRINTING United Alliance also produces PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.
