Online event returns November 12 with practical education on how AI and automation are changing workflows across print, promo and apparel.
Phoenix, AZ — Branded Merch Network (BMN) has announced the return of Automate & Elevate, an online industry education event focused on helping print, promotional products and apparel professionals better understand and apply AI, automation and emerging technology.
The 2026 event will take place Thursday, November 12, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET, with PRINTING United Alliance serving as an Education Partner and helping bring the print industry perspective to the conversation.
Rather than focusing on technology for technology’s sake, Automate & Elevate will explore where AI and automation are already creating meaningful business impact through smarter workflows, greater efficiency, stronger decision-making and better customer experiences.
“AI is moving incredibly fast, and businesses don’t need more hype or another long list of tools,” said Jay Busselle, Co-Founder of Branded Merch Network. “They need practical examples, trusted voices and a clearer understanding of where these technologies can actually make a difference.”
Bringing the Print Perspective
As an Education Partner, PRINTING United Alliance will help shape the conversation around how AI and automation are affecting print businesses, including workflow, production, customer experience and the changing role of technology.
“The knowledge running most print operations lives in people, not systems, and AI adoption is forcing every shop to confront that. Automate & Elevate is built around real-world learning instead of hype, which is the only kind of AI education that actually protects an operation's margins,” said Amy Servi-Bonner, Vice President, PRINTING AI
The event builds on the inaugural 2025 Automate & Elevate, which attracted 269 registrations
from across the print, promo and apparel communities.
The 2026 program will combine industry education, real-world applications, demonstrations and conversations with people actively putting AI and automation to work.
Confirmed participants and partners include ASI, PromoPilot and additional technology and industry contributors, with The 2 Regular Guys returning as hosts. More program details will be announced soon.
Automate & Elevate 2026
Thursday, November 12, 2026
1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Online
Registration information and additional program announcements are coming soon.