Let’s talk about the Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025 — one of the biggest and most exciting events for the garment decoration, branded merchandise, and t-shirt printing industries. This year, Zach Dewhurst, DecoNetwork’s Business Development Manager, teamed up with Tim Pipp, the owner and founder of Beeze Tees Screen Printing, to explore the latest trends, innovations, and everything in between at the Expo. And trust me, the energy was electric.
What's New At Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025
Tim was particularly pumped to walk the trade show floor since it had been about eight years since his last Impressions Expo Atlantic City visit. Inspired by videos from previous shows, especially the Impressions Expo Long Beach 2025 event, Tim decided it was time to see all the new tech in person. And guess what? DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing was everywhere!
Tim and Zach highlighted that most of the DTF printers on the floor are basically made in the same warehouses, using similar consumables. It’s all about getting your color profiling and RIP software dialed in. They even dropped some knowledge bombs about how DTF printing is like the DVD stage of technology — cool, but not quite Blu-ray level yet. But hey, nine-color DTF printers are already making waves (think Hyper Bright 3 and Hydra).
Automation Takes Over Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025
The buzzword at Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025 was? Automation. From cutting machines to rotary heat presses, manufacturers are all about making things faster and simpler. Why pay someone full-time to cut sheets when a $15,000 XY cutter can do the job better and cheaper?
When it comes to streamlining your business, DecoNetwork software is a game-changer. With features like automated quotes and orders, seamless supplier integrations, and e-commerce websites designed to drive sales, DecoNetwork takes the manual work out of your workflow. It’s all about boosting efficiency and scaling your operation without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re managing production calendars or sending mockups for approval, DecoNetwork makes sure your print shop runs smoother than ever. Request your DecoNetwork demo to learn how.
M&R‘s new carousel press concept grabbed some attention. It’s a prototype, but if anyone’s going to master it, it’s M&R. They’ve got the experience to make it work and judging by the reaction at Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025, people are excited.
Engraving Makes Its Mark At Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025
Engraving is another hot topic. While Epilog is known for its high-end industrial engraving machines, more affordable options like XTool’s F1 model are turning heads. Tim shared how he’s been using XTool for drinkware and leather patches with impressive margins. Tim’s point? You don’t need the biggest and baddest equipment to make money. Just find what works for you and master it. Whether it’s drinkware, patches, or something else, the opportunity is there.
DTF Printing Steals The Show (Again)
The DTF printing dominated at Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025. From sleek Epson DTF printers running Fiery software (recently acquired) to Tim’s powerhouse DTF New England setup, the DTF craze is surging. The appeal is clear: versatility, vibrant results, and improved efficiency. Tim and Zach joked about how vinyl isn’t dead — it’s just evolving into a niche special effect tool.
They also highlighted how successful DTF printing boils down to perfecting the RIP software and color profiling. While most printers are built in similar warehouses with comparable consumables, what sets a shop apart is fine-tuning the software to achieve the best possible output. As Tim pointed out, dialing in your RIP software and color recipes is the true secret to high-quality DTF printing.
S&S Activewear And Alphabroder Consolidation
The S&S Activewear and Alphabroder consolidation was a massive talking point at Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025. With everything from Alphabroder being moved over to the S&S Activewear website, the transition is shaping up to be one of the most significant shifts in the industry. According to Zach, DecoNetwork has already begun integrating these products into their platform to ensure users have uninterrupted access to the latest blank apparel options.
This merger is seen as a positive move for the industry. With S&S Activewear’s reputation for carrying more colors, sizes, and styles, decorators now have even more options to choose from. While some overlapping brands are being phased out, the overall expansion of available products is seen as a huge win for decorators looking to offer a broader range of high-quality products to their clients.
Networking Still Rules At Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025
More than just a showcase of cutting-edge technology, the Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025 was a prime networking hub. Industry professionals from every corner of the garment decoration world gathered to share insights, forge partnerships, and collaborate on ideas to push their businesses forward. Zach and Tim emphasized how the industry thrives on collaboration rather than cutthroat competition.
Events like these offer invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from others’ successes, and avoid their mistakes. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, the networking opportunities at Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025 were just as valuable as the innovative products on display.
Networking Still Rules At Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025
The Impressions Expo Atlantic City 2025 once again proved why it’s the must-attend event for anyone in the garment decoration and branded merchandise industry. From the relentless evolution of DTF printing and the push toward automation to the rise of innovative engraving technologies, this expo was all about helping decorators sharpen their skills and future-proof their businesses. The show floor was buzzing with conversations about what’s next and how shops can stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.
For those looking to grow their print shop, DecoNetwork software remains the best all-in-one solution. With tools designed to simplify your workflow, enhance productivity, and maximize profitability, DecoNetwork makes it easier than ever to stay competitive in the ever-evolving industry. Ready to streamline your operation? Discover what DecoNetwork can do for you—request a demo today!
