Preliminary results reflect a highly engaged global audience, significant equipment on the show floor, and powerful connections across every segment of the printing industry.
PRINTING United Expo 2026, produced annually by PRINTING United Alliance, concluded on Friday, September 25th 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. The event will return next year in Las Vegas from September 14th to 16th, 2027. 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, and installation segments.
Ford Bowers, President and CEO of PRINTING United Alliance, noted that the energy throughout the expo was extraordinary. He highlighted that the industry in Las Vegas was moving forward with confidence, investing in new technology, entering new markets, building stronger businesses, and finding new ways to grow. Bowers added that while the size and scope of the event are impressive, its true impact comes from bringing the entire printing community together to exchange ideas, create opportunities, and shape what comes next.
Initial reports reflect strong attendance, significant technology on the show floor, meaningful business connections, and robust engagement throughout the event. The exhibition housed 4.9 million pounds of equipment and technology, marking an increase of more than half a million pounds compared to last year’s event. Exhibitors presented hundreds of product introductions, including numerous North American and global debuts. The event also featured over 200 paid education sessions, panels, demonstrations, and show activations, supported by more than 50 global media and association partnerships. The engagement was clear, with 140 global media professionals and 174 students and educators registered, and more than two-thirds of the 2027 exhibit space already reserved at the close of the event.
The 2026 Expo reflected the continued convergence of print markets and the rapid evolution of technology across the industry. Artificial intelligence, 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 roundtable discussions, All-Stars and Student Lounges, and Print Technology Tours powered by Taktiful.
Josh Carruth, Executive Vice President of Expositions at PRINTING United Alliance, explained that 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. Carruth observed that the engagement witnessed, from the opening moments of Media Day and the G7+ Exchange through the final afternoon, was remarkable. He stated that attendees came ready to learn and invest, and exhibitors responded with technology, expertise, and solutions designed to help businesses compete and grow.
The Expo’s expanded Student Day programming, in partnership with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education, 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 and leaders helping to shape the future workforce. Christine Cachuela, Vice President of Membership Operations at PRINTING United Alliance, emphasised that introducing students to the scale, technology, creativity, and career potential of the industry is one of the most meaningful things the organisation can do. She noted that students did not simply hear about opportunities in print, but saw the technology operating, met the people behind it, and experienced the industry firsthand, adding that such exposure can change the direction of a young person’s future.
Building on the momentum generated in Las Vegas, PRINTING United Expo will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center in September 2027. Bowers concluded by stating that every Expo provides an opportunity to listen, learn, and raise the bar for the industry. He expressed pride in what the community accomplished together and shared his energy for where the industry is headed next, noting that the Expo serves as a marketplace for innovation, a catalyst for growth, and an economic engine that helps fuel the essential services the Alliance provides year-round.