Expo 411: The Best Way to Keep Learning and Growing

Jul 01, 2023

PRINTING United Expo — October 18-20 in Atlanta, Georgia — is quickly approaching, and attendees are gearing up for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration. As a lead-up to the Expo, we are sharing a series of Q&A interviews featuring attendees from a variety of backgrounds sharing why they are attending the PRINTING United Expo, what they hope to learn, and what excites them about the upcoming event.

We will hear from print shop owners, installers, print buyers, marketing professionals, and more about how they are using print — and the technology on display at the Expo — to grow their businesses and reach their target audiences.

The PRINTING United Expo is a great opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by the best minds in the printing industry. We hope you will join us for this exciting event!

We will be publishing new interviews every week leading up to the expo, so be sure to check back for updates.

In the meantime, you can learn more about the PRINTING United Expo by visiting printingunited.com.

Marilu Ballina

1to1printersMarilu Ballina, CFOHouston, Texas1to1printers.com1to1printers is a 23-year-old company specialized in high quality printing and signage services. From business cards for a salesforce all the way to the wallpaper in an office, 1to1printers prints it all.

PI: What made you decide to attend this year's Expo? MB: PRINTING United [Expo] is our opportunity to visit equipment vendors, materials distributors, and solution providers for both divisions in our company: (1) Large Format, in which we produce wall murals, floor and window graphics, vehicle wraps, and exhibit displays; and (2) Digital Printing, where we produce business cards to photobooks and everything in between.

PI: For returning attendees, what brings you back?MB: The printing and signage industry is very small and everyone knows about everyone. Over the years, we have built great business relationships originating from trade shows like this one. In fact, we look forward to meeting so many vendors and suppliers who have become not only our business partners, our but friends as well. Of course, reputation and service support are the two top characteristics that we value most and PRINTING United Expo allows us to gauge both through these networking opportunities.

PI: How do you plan and make the most of your time at the Expo? MB: We already know what is on our "wish list" and those are the booths we “hit” first. Then, as we learn about other options through the attendees.

PI: What products, brands, or services are you most looking forward to seeing? MB: There are several “toys” we have in our “wish list” and PRINTING United allows us to compare different brands and different solutions all under one roof. In the top of my list is learning about new PVC-free materials, which are now being requested by our customers on regular basis.

PI: How do you hope attending will impact your business/career moving forward?MB: 1to1printers always benefits from the friendship and networking relationships we have knit over the years. We get to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly from people who have experienced it firsthand. We learn from each other so much, and in-person events like the PRINTING United Expo are the best way to keep learning and growing in this industry.

*Answers may have been edited for length and/or clarity.