With Impressions’ record-setting 2025 Long Beach Expo now one for the history books and the 2025 Atlantic City show just around the corner, it’s time to check in with Impressions Expo show director Kayla McGarry to get the latest on what to expect at Impressions’ sole East Coast show, set to take place March 20-22.
Impressions Magazine: With a little under a month to go until the start of Impressions Expo Atlantic City, how are things looking at this point?
Kayla McGarry: Following up on a truly incredible Impressions Expo this past January in Long Beach, California, we’re on track for yet another great event in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With just a few weeks to go, we’ve got over 100 exhibitors on tap, including may of the decorated apparel industry’s leading brands. STAHLS’, Jerzees, Lane Seven, M&R, Ninja Transfers, Ricoma, ROQ, Alphabroder—the list goes on and on. As always, also taking place in Atlantic City will be the Impression Expo Conference series, which starts the day before the shop opens, on Wednesday, March 19.
IM: You mentioned this year’s Impressions Expo conference sessions, what kinds of sessions and topics will this year’s program feature?
KM: Continuing the trend of expos past, the 2025 Atlantic City conference program will include everything from the basics of screen-printing, heat pressing and design to the latest thinking with respect to online marketing, social media and the role of AI. The first day of our conference series will consist of a series of hands-on sessions led by renowned screen printer Charlie Taublieb and the heat-press experts over at STAHLS’; and Katie Wubben, owner of Trouble Me Knot Embroidery conducting a masterclass on pricing and profitability. In the days that follow, look for sessions like a panel discussion on AI and automation with industry veterans Marshall Atkinson, Jon Ladd and Cole Lundstrom; a session titled “Maximize Your Botto Line: Essential Productivity Hacks for Every Shop” with Axelrad Screen Printing’s Mike Butry and Dennis Condusta; and a detailed overview of AI design and separation with longtime industry influencer Michelle Moxley.
IM: There’s obviously a lot going on in the news these days. What are your thoughts on what 2025 might have in store for the decorated-apparel industry?
The image to be used at the live T-shirt printing station at the 2025 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Image by Chris Drew
KM: I think it’s safe to say no one can be entirely sure what the future holds. That said, if the past few years are any indication, I don’t know if there’s anything that can hold back today’s decorated-apparel industry. The people who make the business what it is are as resilient, as innovative as resourceful as they come. The wider public will also always be in the market for ways to express itself, and there are few better ways of doing that than through a piece of decorated apparel. No matter what happens in Washington D.C., I remain bullish on the decorated apparel industry!
IM: Anything special going on at the 2025 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, that attendees should be aware of?
KM: As anyone who’s been to an expo before knows, an Impressions Expo is as much about connecting with the industry and having fun as it is just going business. Before they even enter the expo hall, attendees will be able to take advantage of some really run displays and activations being put together by a number of the show’s sponsors. Once inside, attendees will have a live T-shirt screen-printing booth offering free T-shirts, a live screen-printing poster station and the Shop Talk Stage (both sponsored by the Ink Kitchen) to check out as well. There will also be a free on-site happy hour the Thursday evening after the show, sponsored by DTF specialist Ninja Transfers. In other words, something for everyone. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there!
For more, including the latest news and updates on this year’s Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, set to take place March 20-22, click here.
