In today's ever-evolving printing industry, staying ahead of the curve requires constant learning and adaptation. Industry tradeshows and conferences, both large and small, offer a unique opportunity for professionals to engage in a wide variety of educational experiences, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry advancements. The breadth and depth of education available at these events are crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing skills, and driving the industry forward. Those attending or considering attending PRINTING United Expo this September 10-12 should bookmark this article to maximize all that is at your fingertips this year in Las Vegas.
The Value of Education
When registering to attend an event, take special note of the diversity of its educational offerings. From seminars and workshops to panel discussions and hands-on demonstrations, look to truly stretch your time and investment at an event that caters to a broad spectrum of learning preferences, market segments, and professional needs.
At largescale events, such as PRINTING United Expo, you should have the ability to learn from a variety of sources; not only run-of-the-mill classroom sessions (though those are just as important). Great examples of educational offerings include, but are not limited to:
Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and workshops provide in-depth knowledge on specific topics, ranging from the latest technological advancements to effective business strategies. They are typically led by industry experts and offer valuable insights that can be directly applied to attendees' own businesses.
Panel Discussions
These sessions bring together multiple experts to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the printing industry. The interactive format allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas, providing attendees with a well-rounded understanding of complex issues. Mark your calendar for a special panel discussion led by Mailing Systems Technology’s very own Amanda Armendariz at the Expo on Tuesday, September 10, titled: “Maximizing the Effectiveness of Your Mail While Keeping Costs Down.”
Hands-on Demonstrations
Seeing new technologies and techniques in action is one of the most effective ways to learn. Especially in the popular Apparel Zone, PRINTING United Expo features numerous live demonstrations, giving attendees the chance to witness the latest innovations firsthand and understand how they can be implemented in their own operations.
Networking Opportunities
Education at trade shows isn’t limited to formal sessions. Informal interactions with peers, industry leaders, and exhibitors often lead to valuable learning experiences. These conversations can spark new ideas, foster collaborations, and provide practical solutions to common challenges.
This year, join in a special Happy Hour at the PRINTING United Expo Knowledge Center on Wednesday, September 11 from 4-5 p.m. and engage with peers, industry media, and associations.
Engaging with Educational Opportunities
Maximizing the educational benefits of a tradeshow like PRINTING United Expo requires planning. Here are some tips on how attendees can make the most of their experience:
Plan Ahead -- Review the event’s education schedule in advance and identify the sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Make a list of must-attend seminars, workshops, and panel discussions, and allocate time for exploring the exhibition floor and networking.
Be an Active Participant -- Engage with the speakers and panelists by asking questions and contributing to discussions. Take notes during sessions to capture key points and ideas that you can refer back to later.
Explore the Show Floor -- The Expo floor is a treasure trove of educational opportunities. Take the time to visit different booths, especially as the Expo’s one-roof approach encourages and represents convergence, where you can tap into areas for business diversification. Attend product demonstrations and interact with exhibitors. This hands-on experience can provide practical insights that are difficult to gain from lectures alone.
Follow-up -- After the event, review your notes and reflect on what you’ve learned. Follow up with new contacts and explore ways to implement the insights and ideas gained at the Expo in your own business.
Stay Current in a Rapidly Changing Climate
The vast educational opportunities offered at industry events and tradeshows like PRINTING United Expo are invaluable for professionals looking to stay current in a rapidly changing climate. By engaging proactively with these opportunities and choosing events that offer high-quality, relevant education, attendees can gain the knowledge and skills they need to drive their businesses forward and remain competitive in the marketplace. Register today to attend the Expo and put some of this insight to the test: www.printingunited.com/register.
Amanda L. Kliegl serves as the Vice President of Public Relations at PRINTING United Alliance, where she uses her many years in the industry and extensive experience in strategic communications and media relations to elevate awareness of the Alliance's initiatives, events, and member services. She can be reached at: akliegl@printing.org or 407.346.9800.
This article originally appeared in the July/August, 2024 issue of Mailing Systems Technology.
