In this new episode of Commit to Print, Graphco hosts Printing United Alliance Group President Chris Curran for an inside look at how industry events are evolving and why they still matter so much for today’s print providers.

As the leader responsible for all PRINTING United media, content, and events, Chris offers a clear breakdown of how both large-scale expos and intimate micro-events are transforming the way printers learn, connect, and make purchasing decisions.

How PRINTING United Is Transforming the Event Experience

Chris explains the Alliance’s dual-track approach: massive, hands-on expos where attendees can see equipment running live, and smaller, education-driven micro-events built for targeted conversations.

At the micro events, attendees move through rapid-fire, pre-aligned meetings and deep-dive education sessions, a format designed for focused learning and strategic connections. In contrast, PRINTING United’s macro show brings the entire industry under one roof, delivering live demos, real applications, and the energy of a packed trade-show floor.

This year’s show reflects that shift in a big way. Attendance is up by double digits, exhibitor engagement is higher than ever, and Chris notes that the aisles are “teeming with people” the most crowded he’s seen since the early 2000s.

Why In-Person Engagement Still Matters

Even with digital communication at an all-time high, printers continue to prioritize live events. Chris describes PRINTING United as the “ultimate form of social media” a place where people connect face-to-face, handle real samples, compare technologies, and experience equipment in motion.

For print providers evaluating new investments or exploring new applications, these shows remain the most efficient way to see everything happening across the industry at once.