Printing United Convention: October 23rd – 25th, 2019

November 4, 2019

Printing United Group Photo, 2019

On Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019, a group of nine Clemson University students, along with two Clemson GC faculty members, boarded an airplane that was destined for Dallas, TX. This year, PRINTING United, a brand-new trade show by SGIA was held in Dallas. The trade show provided insight into the latest printing technologies and a glimpse of future printing endeavors. 

Graphic Communication students were given the opportunity to explore the trade show floor, networking with top players in the industry and ask questions to future employers. On Wednesday, the group got the opportunity to meet various members of SGIA. On Thursday, students and professors took a tour of Mimaki Global. Students were exposed to new technologies such as 3D printers, recently discovered capabilities of UV ink, and direct to garment pieces. Seminar sessions were also held on the lower level of the conference floor that many students were able to attend. 

The seminar sessions contained information about all of the modern goings-on in the print industry, both technologically, and interpersonally. Sessions by esteemed individuals like Vicki Strull and Sabine Lenz helped to paint an incredibly thorough picture of the current trends and developments in the printing industry, while speakers like Adam Peek gave information about using LinkedIn to connect with contemporaries in the industry.

Overall, PRINTING United provided the students with extensive knowledge of the new technology in the printing world. They learned specifically that Digital Print is going to be more prevalent in the future. Students were excited to take back samples of these new presses to share with their professors and classmates!

Students attending this year’s Printing United trip were Nicholas Weaver, Madison Gearhart, Bethany Wheeler, Oakley Owens, Kristen Mason, Katie Dodds, Caleb Dempsey, Alicia Diperri, and Erica Trykowski. Dr. Weiss and Dr. O’Hara acted as faculty leaders.