What I’m Excited About at PRINTING United Expo

I didn’t get the cool mailer made by the folks at ANRO for next week’s PRINTING United Expo. But it’s possible … OK, likely, that even if I did, I’d still be low-key excited even as I make my plans for the big event. That’s just my nature.

It never really hits me until I walk through the doors of the exhibit hall every year.

Maybe it’s the smell of ink and paper or the slight rise in humidity when I walk past a misting system. Or it could be the traffic jam of attendees and exhibitor staff members, or the buzz from so many conversations happening simultaneously.

That’s when I once again really feel the incredible energy and bond with the world of print.

This year in Orlando will be my seventh expo. And if it’s anything like past ones, it will be memorable because I’ll come away from it inspired with new ideas and more knowledge about all of the possibilities of print, including mail.

But more than that, I’m looking forward to making and deepening connections with the people whose work in our ecosystem make this such an interesting and thrilling time to be involved in it. This and reconnecting with old friends makes me a better advocate in my work as well.

So, I’ll keep this short. Here’s just some of what I’m looking forward to at the Expo.

Embellishments

Mailers, manufacturers, and printers have been bringing up finishing and embellishments more and more in my chats. They’re a terrific way to elevate a brand’s mail and drive growth so I want to find out more about the solutions being shown on the exhibit floor. Taktiful has several limited-space tours available for all 3 days.

AI

As a cautious and occasional user of AI tools, I have to admit that I don’t know nearly enough about how these technologies are being applied today across the industry. I’ll start at the AI Pavilion (Booth 4255) for resources and sessions, such as “AI and the Future of Print: Impacts, Advantages & What’s Next” on Wednesday the 22nd at 11 a.m.

Spill the Ink

There’s a lot of value in formal learning presentations, demonstrations, etc. But sometimes, real talk promotes deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of our work. In a less formal, badges-off setting, people tend to be more comfortable talking with peers, and figuring out how we can all work towards what’s coming next in our part of print.

Sessions

Obviously direct mail and fulfillment educational sessions top my list to attend, including “Mail's Place in an Ever-Changing World.” (Full disclosure: I’m honored to be part of an expert lineup moderated by Amanda Armendariz of Mailing Systems Technology on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Room 320D). But other topics, like personalization, allyship for women in print, sales tips, print workflow, and sustainability also interest me.

Wandering

On my Show Planner, I’ve tagged a bunch of amazing companies and organizations to visit on the floor, many of them in the mailing industry. But I don’t always feel a need to follow a checklist or road map. One of the best joys for me is wandering, educating myself or listening to others talk about what they know best - their print specialty or company, new products, and new solutions.

My Bottom Line

I’ve described PRINTING United Expo to friends outside the business as a supermarket of print. The passion and creativity of the attendees, exhibitors, advocates, and show team members is what keeps print smart, interesting, growing, and young.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions. Artificial Intelligence may have been used in part to create or edit this content.