New PRINTING United Alliance Chair: Honored to Serve, Excited About the Future

Lane Kathryn Hickey-Wiggins, President/CEO at Dprint Graphic Communications | Credit: Dprint Graphic Communications

Incoming PRINTING United Alliance chair Lane Kathryn Hickey-Wiggins, president/CEO at Dprint Graphic Communications, discusses the value of the Expo and the critical role of the Alliance.

PRINTING United Expo: Congratulations on becoming chair of PRINTING United Alliance. Looking at the year ahead, what does this position mean to you?

Lane Kathryn Hickey-Wiggins: First and foremost, I’m incredibly grateful to the Board of Directors for their confidence in me, and for the opportunity to serve in this role. Looking ahead, I view this position as a chance to deepen my understanding of the industry’s needs and contribute meaningfully to its continued progress. I’m honored to share my insights and perspectives on the inner workings of the field, and I hope to be a small but impactful part of the effort driving the Alliance (and industry) toward its goals.

Expo: What do you see “on deck” for PRINTING United Alliance in the next year, and what would you describe as its biggest opportunity?

LKHW: The Alliance continues to move in the right direction, and I’m confident that under the existing leadership, it will thrive and make strategic decisions that benefit the entire industry. I’m especially excited about the ongoing advocacy efforts, which are designed to support and protect companies of all sizes, and the industry in general. The establishment of a printing caucus has been a significant achievement, and I look forward to seeing the continued progress and impact of these initiatives.

Expo: What are you looking forward to most at this year’s PRINTING United Expo and why?

LKHW: I’m looking forward to reconnecting and networking with peers, as always. I’m also eager to see what developments have taken place since last year’s Expo — it’s incredible how much can change in a short time. The show floor is always filled with learning opportunities, and I’m excited to engage with them to continue growing both personally and professionally. I’m also enthusiastic about meeting attendees, sharing the value of Alliance membership, and helping them understand the many benefits from my own experience.

“When many industries struggled to adapt, ours found ways to pivot and push forward.”

Expo: Over the past few years, what has changed in the broader printing industry, and what advantages does the Alliance’s approach bring to printers in a changing environment?

LKHW: If nothing else, convergence stands out. It’s been remarkable to witness the level of consolidation happening within the industry. I’ve also seen incredible resilience and tenacity — especially during the global pandemic. When many industries struggled to adapt, ours found ways to pivot and push forward, working with the circumstances at hand. To me, that speaks volumes about the strength and dedication within the print community — always focused on progress and staying ahead of what’s next. The Alliance plays a vital role in that by providing access to resources, education, and meaningful connections that help propel the industry into the future.

Expo: What is the value of an industry association like PRINTING United Alliance, and why should printers of all stripes be involved? What has it meant for you?

LKHW: For me personally, the value of Alliance membership is immeasurable. I once had the unfortunate experience of OSHA showing up at my office unannounced — and I’m certain that, without the support and connections I had through the Alliance, the outcome would have been much more difficult. Having their subject matter experts just a phone call or email away is truly priceless. Every printer, whether a small shop or a large operation, should be involved. At the end of the day, you don’t know what you don’t know — and that’s where the Alliance proves to be invaluable. It helps you and your team stay educated, prepared, and continuously moving forward.

Expo: How have you seen your company change over the past five years, and how are those changes indicative of broader industry trends?

LKHW: My company occupies a niche space in terms of both our clientele and the products we offer. Because of that, I haven’t personally observed major trend shifts — but I have no doubt they’re happening, and they must be monitored to ensure continued growth and success across the industry. One clear and undeniable change over the past five years is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. I’ll admit, I didn’t take it seriously at first, and that hesitation was to my detriment. In just the past six months, AI has become an incredibly valuable resource for me personally. I believe printing companies need to approach AI with intention and explore how it can help evolve and strengthen their businesses.