Organizers of last week’s 2026 Impressions Expo in Long Beach, California, had long known the event was on track to be another great one, if for no other reason than the number of exhibitors scheduled to take part—310 companies reserving an incredible 116,000-square-feet of floor space in all.
The show itself, though, didn’t just meet expectations, it blew them away, with over 10,000 attendees making the trek to the Long Beach Convention Center to check out the latest the industry has to offer decorators of all kinds. The 2026 event was also marked by a level of energy that had to be seen to be believed.
Packed Decorated Apparel Educational Conference Sessions
This energy was evident not just out on the exhibition floor itself, but among the many outstanding company activations to found in the main lobby and the event’s four-days’ worth of educational conference sessions. The latter, in particular, saw rooms filled with engaged attendees throughout, each and every one of them looking to gain the latest insights into everything from special-effects screen printing to social media strategy, embroidery digitizing and the use of both AI and automation in general.
“This was our first time exhibiting in Long Beach, and the traffic was nonstop. We staffed eight team members and remained consistently busy both days,” said Nayeli Lozano of minority owned California apparel manufacturer BTSA. “Based on the results, we have already committed to exhibiting at the next show.”
“I attended last year’s event, and this year exceeded expectations. I primarily attend for the educational content, and the expanded embroidery sessions were particularly valuable,” said attendee Daneal Lanier, of Tampa, Florida-based Wear Some.
Attendees and exhibitors all had a great expo. Photo courtesy of Impressions Expo/Jenna Ursaner
“We and our exhibitors were all looking forward to another Impressions Expo, and another great expo is what we got,” said Impressions Expo director, Kayla McGarry. “The event delivered a vibrant, high-energy experience with consistent traffic throughout. The educational conference sessions were all well attended and the presentations themselves a fascinating as ever. The exhibitors and attendees I spoke with not only had a great time but got a lot of good work done.”
Up Next: the 2026 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Congrats to exhibitors, attendees and the industry as a whole. No matter what the rest of the world has to throw at it, the decorated apparel industry just keeps chugging away at the same time it continues doing what it can to make the better place in general—whether it be through sustainable sourcing or fair-labor practice.
Next up, the 2026 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, set to take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center March 25-28. Those taking part will be able to connect with more than 180 top industry exhibitors, including Gildan Activewear, Bella+Canvas, FLEXFIT, Jerzees, Anatol Equipment, Barudan America, Epilog Laser, ASI (the Advertising Specialty Institute), Cap America, SAATI Americas. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with thousands of other decorators and attend dozens of more hands-on workshops and conference sessions, covering everything from applique and digitizing to pricing and latest heat-press tech.
For details or to register, click here. When you do so, use the promo code ATLANTICCITY for 100 percent off your expo pass.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to save the date for next year’s Long Beach Expo, set to take place Jan. 20-23, 2027. See you there!
