The Printing United Expo 2024 in Las Vegas was nothing short of electrifying on Day 2. Walking into the South Hall, the sheer energy was palpable. With thousands of attendees buzzing about the latest innovations in the branded merchandise industry, it was clear that this show had more to offer than any single day could cover. I had the pleasure of catching up with Zach Dewhurst, Business Development Manager at DecoNetwork, and Meryl Kaitlin, the powerhouse behind Make A Tee Online, for a whirlwind tour of the expo.
Innovation: PCNA, DTG, and Digital Printing Magic
The first stop was PCNA’s booth, a local hero for Meryl’s Miami-based business. Known for its extensive range of hard goods, from journals to tech accessories, PCNA is a key player in the branded merchandise world. Meryl shared how their no-minimum orders and diverse product offerings have made them a go-to for businesses looking to offer a wide variety of customizable products.
Zach chimed in on the rise of digital printing technologies, which were a hot topic at this year’s expo. “Everyone’s moving digital,” he noted, emphasizing how this shift helps reduce labor costs and makes printing those tricky low-quantity orders much more efficient. The versatility of digital printing was on full display, with booths showcasing everything from direct-to-garment (DTG) to direct-to-film (DTF) printing, expanding color ranges, and adding fluorescent ink capabilities that wowed attendees with vibrant designs.
The Women's Influence in Print and Learning Opportunities
One of the highlights of the day was meeting with Cassie Green, who heads up Apparelist and leads the charge on educational content for the industry. The launch of the Women In Print initiative was a huge success, with more women getting involved in the industry through a network specifically designed for them. For just $59 a year, this new group provides support, education, and networking opportunities, and Zach made sure to mention how this initiative is helping to diversify the industry.
Learning was front and center with Printing United’s Apparelist Education Center, where decorators and newcomers alike could dive into everything from print processes to business management. Meryl, who’s all about keeping her team at the top of their game, highlighted how these resources are essential for any business looking to grow.
Discovering the Future of Branded Merchandise
The exploration continued with some jaw-dropping innovations in screen printing and embroidery. Happy Japan, a staple in the embroidery world, impressed us with their dedication to quality and precision, showing how their machines effortlessly tackled the toughest projects, like embroidering on mesh hats.
Both Zach and Meryl were particularly impressed with the UV printing technology on display, which uses CMYK with clear and white layers to add stunning 3D effects and durability. This high-tech approach to printing could be a big win for the industry, especially with the rise of customizable, high-end products.
Automating With DecoNetwork Software
DecoNetwork demonstrated its comprehensive platform at Printing United Expo 2024, highlighting its ability to simplify workflow for garment decorators. The platform offers tools for managing quotes, orders, product mockups, and supplier integrations, aimed at improving efficiency and saving time. Attendees were shown how DecoNetwork automates routine tasks, allowing print shops to allocate more time to business growth.
Additionally, DecoNetwork presented its e-commerce website capabilities, complete with supplier catalogs and design tools. Key features such as real-time artwork approvals and production calendars were noted for their role in streamlining order management and production. With integrations for major suppliers including SanMar, S&S Activewear, Alphabroder, DecoNetwork stands out as a reliable solution for print shops aiming to scale their business.
Wrapping Up Day 2: Printing United Expo 2024
As we wrapped up the day, Zach and Meryl reflected on the size and scope of the expo. With thousands of exhibitors showcasing everything from screen printing innovations to the latest in DTG and DTF technology, Printing United Expo 2024 has truly cemented itself as a must-attend event for anyone in the branded merchandise industry. “It’s like being a kid in a candy store,” Meryl laughed as she admired samples from some of the top vendors.
For decorators, promo product sellers, and everyone in between, Printing United Expo isn’t just a chance to see what’s new—it’s an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, get hands-on with cutting-edge tech, and walk away with fresh ideas to take your business to the next level. “If you’re serious about this industry, you can’t afford to miss it,” Zach said as we waved goodbye to the towering displays and flashy demos.
