Although the pandemic has greatly impacted in-person events, PRINTING United Alliance is committed to continue providing our members, and the industry at large, with valuable and informative content through our virtual events. We are hopeful that by the second half of 2021, we can return to a “new normal,” where the faces and smiles we see aren’t just on our screens! 

PRINTING United Alliance caters to a variety of printing communities, such as digital textile, graphic and sign, apparel, packaging, industrial applications and printed electronics, and commercial. With so many communities, it’s no wonder we have so many events  throughout the year. To help you navigate what the Alliance has in the works for the remainder of 2021, I’ve broken down the top five events you won’t want to miss! 

CI Ready! will present a daily one-hour session over four days via an easy-to-use virtual meeting platform. CI Ready! is ideal for executives and managers who are exploring the value of — or are in the early stages of implementing — a continuous improvement (CI) program, or who need a convenient way to educate employees on these principles and tools. Get ideas and real-life examples that you can use to cut costs, reduce waste, improve performance, and inspire change. Discount pricing is available, so register today and save!  

This summer, Color Ready!, will offer 20 sessions in a 20-minute tutorial-style format to give anyone involved in the color printing supply chain a convenient and powerful learning experience. The tutorials are well-matched and relevant for creative teams, brand professionals, production specialists, and color management experts. Register for free today, and enjoy access to the sessions through Aug. 31.  

The Continuous Improvement Conference is scheduled to be our first in-person event! This conference is the only annual event focused on helping custom manufacturers, such as printing and converting companies, achieve operational excellence by using the concepts of lean manufacturing and other management and quality systems. The conference will provide content specifically designed for an array of knowledge levels.

This new members-only webinar series features expert Alliance staff presenting timely and relevant content each month. These carefully curated webinars are presented to help our members through specific hurdles they may encounter in operating printing businesses, including art preparation, production, training staff, navigating relevant legislation, and human resource issues. There is truly something for everyone  
 
All Ask the Experts webinars broadcast online beginning at 2 p.m. EST. A listing of upcoming webinars can be found on our education page. Recordings will be made available for members to rewatch at their convenience.  

This summer, PRINTING United Alliance will be a proud supporter of Empire Screen Printing’s event Partners in Printing. This three-day event will offer a unique experience by sharing developments and innovative solutions across five major print disciplines: screen, digital, flexo, litho, and offset markets.  

There are also loads of activities planned, including golf, professional learning opportunities, a backyard BBQ, a late-night comedian, plant tours, and even a concert! (No wonder it’s ranked No. 2 on our list.)  

General admission to the Expo is free, but registration is required to have full access to the Vendor Fair and the Empire Screen Printing plant tours.  

Not surprisingly, coming in at No.1 on our list of printing events is the PRINTING United Expo — the only all-segment expo in the Western Hemisphere in 2021.  

The Expo provides exhibitors with 'all-in-one-place' access to engage with current clients and net new opportunities across other printer segments. This convergent community presents an extremely strong ROI for both attendees and exhibitors. 

Powered by the largest print-based association in the world, and the largest printing and packaging media company in North America (NAPCO Media), the PRINTING United Expo delivers the largest number of attendees with the best purchasing authority across all market segments.  

Interested in joining the community and exceeding your sales goals in 2021? Visit printingunited.com to learn more, and stay tuned for registration updates! 



Rachel Hofman is PRINTING United Alliance's marketing director. She joined the association in April 2018.