With so much new planned for the 2026 Impressions Expo in Dallas, Texas, we thought we’d check in with Impressions Expo show director, Kayla McGarry, to get the latest on what to expect.
Impressions Magazine: It’s been a busy summer, what with all the changes in store for this year’s Dallas Expo. Is there a particular reason so many changes seem to be taking place all at once?
Kayla McGarry: To be clear, we’re continually working to keep all of Impressions’ three annual expos as fresh as possible, same thing with listening to the industry in an effort to meet is needs. That said, it’s been the combination of a number of things that have come together to make this year’s event such a special one. Our recent move to Dallas, for example, came as a result of our long-time venue in Fort Worth deciding to undertake a major renovation. This in turn made it that much easier to shift the show schedule to where it’s taking place Wednesday through Friday, as opposed to continuing on into the weekend. As for our decision to collaborate with MADE Laboratory in the creation of this year’s professional educational conference series, this has come as a result of a long relationship with the people running this prestigious organization.
IM: You mentioned the change in scheduling this year. I wonder if you could elaborate.
KM: It’s no secret weekend show dates, Sundays especially, can be problematic, what with attendees and exhibitors needing to get back to work on Monday—and of course, both college and pro football! The thinking is that by having the show take place in the middle of the workweek, attendees will be able to make that much better use of their time, exhibitors especially. So far, the responses we’ve received to this move have been overwhelmingly positive.
IM: I wonder if you talk some more about MADE Laboratory and this year’s professional educational conference series.
KM: Sure. In terms of our collaboration, it only made sense given MADE Laboratory’s expertise in so many areas of custom apparel decoration. As for the conference series itself, it’s also being reconfigured in an effort to ensure attendees are able to take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Specifically, it’s being structured along the lines of 10 different “camps,” each of which focuses on a specific aspect of apparel decoration, including everything from embroidery to heat pressing to the basics of screen printing. We think attendees will be pleased. Complementing the sessions taking place on the show site will be a brand-new event running in parallel to Impressions Expo: MADE Lab’s inaugural “Manifest” professional conference series, set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas’s Bishop Arts District. Designed for owners, operators and entrepreneurs, and featuring the likes of renowned photographer and international television personality Nigel Barker discussing the fashion industry, content creation and brand-building, it should be quite the event.
IM: Despite another roller-coaster year news-wise, both the decorated apparel industry and the economy as a whole, just keep chugging along. With that in mind, what trends do you see at work that attendees should be on the lookout for at this year’s Dallas expo?
KM: As has been the case for a number of years now, I never cease to be amazed by the increasing use of automation, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, the latter with respect to everything from design to sales and social media strategies. It’s also great to see everything going on in the area of blank apparel, whether it be the industry’s continued commitment to sustainability, or the quality of the apparel itself. Same thing with digital decorating, including direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF). What I love most about the latter is the way these technologies allow decorators of all kinds to grow their business, whether we’re talking about an established screen-printing shop or a husband-and-wife team just starting out.
IM: Any other thoughts on what’s in store at this year’s Impressions Expo?
KM: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: There’s truly something for everyone at each and every one of our expos, and the upcoming 2026 expo in Dallas, Texas, is no exception, whether you’re just starting out in the industry or are a seasoned veteran. We encourage all attendees to take full advantage of everything on offer in order to get the most out of their Dallas Impressions Expo experience. I’ve been counting down the days for some time now and can’t wait to see everyone in Dallas!
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For more information on MANIFEST, click here. For more on this year’s Impressions Expo Dallas professional education conference series click here. To register for the 2026 Impression Expo in Dallas, Texas, click here. For the latest news and updates on the 2026 Impressions Expo in Dallas, Texas, click here.
