Amanda Kliegl, VP of PR for PRINTING United Expo discusses her vision for media engagement, the success of the award-winning Media Day, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from this year’s event.
For Amanda, the driving force behind her work to bring the industry together under one roof and really supporting one another, through great relationships and collaboration. This mantra informed her approach to developing a comprehensive media strategy, particularly as the Expo launched as an all-encompassing, end-to-end industry event.
To engage partners from around the world and support the show’s global nature, the organisation implemented a partnership programme that gives media access to exhibitors and executives. However, the true game-changer was a new, streamlined event designed to address the challenges journalists often face to do everything they would like to at exhibitions.
The award-winning Media Day
For years, media professionals had expressed frustration with the traditional press conferences held during the show, which forced them to choose between a presentation and being out on the show floor. Amanda adds, “All of the machinery, all of the brand new things that you’re talking about are always running live on the booths.”
To address this, Amanda launched Media Day, a full-day programme for media held the day before the show officially opens. “It’s a way to alleviate some of that competition of being on the show floor, trying to do the right thing by exhibitors,” she says.
The programme includes short presentations, a luncheon, and a one-to-one speed networking session in the afternoon, allowing media to connect with even more exhibitors in a relaxed setting. This approach provides a crucial head start before the live show begins.
“It’s a really great way to set yourself up for success as well as really having a game plan when you’re going to the show floor. It gives the press three full days to experience everything.”
This creative idea also gained global recognition. The Media Day won the Slam Dunk Best New Idea of 2024 Award from Trade Show Executive Magazine, a significant publication for the events and exhibition space. Amanda is proud to claim the idea as her own and hopes other shows follow suit.
In addition to the Media Day, Amanda emphasised the importance of a well-run press office, calling it a fabulous resource and a nice quiet place to work—a crucial detail for reporters working to meet deadlines while on site.
A successful show
As the Expo came to a close, Amanda shared her thoughts on the overall success of the event.
“Absolutely every single day has been jam packed from start to finish. Everywhere on the show floor and in the hallways you can hear and feel that the buzz is overwhelmingly positive.”
The choice of Orlando as a new venue for the show was also seen as an important highlight, with many attendees commenting on how easy it was to navigate and how easy it was to find things in the layout.
Amanda Kliegl’s commitment to building strong media relationships has clearly paid off, not just in making the experience more efficient for journalists, but in adding genuine, award-winning value to the PRINTING United Expo. By placing collaboration and connectivity at the forefront, the organisation has created a welcoming and effective platform for the global printing industry.