With the Impressions Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, right around the corner, we thought we’d check in with Impressions Expo show director Kayla McGarry to get the latest on what to expect.
Impressions Magazine: So, Kayla, there’s under a month to go until the start of Impressions Expo Fort Worth. How are things shaping up for this year’s event?
Kayla McGarry: I’m happy to report, Impressions Expo Fort Worth is shaping up to be our best show to date, with more than 125 exhibitors and 31,000 square feet of exhibit space booked for this year. We’ve actually expanded the show by over 2,000 square feet compared to 2023, which was great show as well. In addition, I’m sensing a lot of enthusiasm on the part of exhibitors, which I think will be evident at this year’s expo.
Impressions Magazine: What are your thoughts on the state of the industry and any trends you see at work that attendees should be on the lookout for at this year’s Fort Worth expo?
KM: According to reports, the global decorated-apparel market was valued at around $29 billion this past year and is expected to continue to increase at an annual rate of around 13 percent between now and 2030. Driving this growth is the increasing use of automation, e-commerce and generative AI in combination with the many ongoing efforts to make the decorated-apparel industry more sustainable through the use of recycled materials in blank apparel and the adoption of increasingly efficient decorating methods. Bottom line, the industry is on the rise in more ways than one.
Impressions Magazine: Anything special going on at the 2024 Impressions Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, that attendees should be aware of?
KM: We want attendees to have an incredible experience from the moment they arrive. Before even stepping into the expo hall, they can stop by STAHLS’ (Booth 500 – stahls.com) lobby activation to pick up a custom shirt by the show entrance. Impressions and Tee Styled (Booth 627 – teestyled.com) are also hosting a happy hour at The Basic Bar Thursday at 5:00 PM at the end of the first day of the expo, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this fantastic networking opportunity. On the expo floor attendees can grab an official Impressions Fort Worth T-shirt at our printing station sponsored by Cotton Heritage (Booth 808 – cottonheritage.com) and watch live poster printing in action. In addition to our conferences sessions, attendees should be sure and check out the free Shop Talk sessions organized by the Ink Kitchen at our dedicated Shop Talk stage located at the back of the hall.
Impressions Magazine: In addition to Impressions Expo, there’s also going to be the Impressions Expo educational conference taking place Oct. 23-26. What’s in store for conference attendees in 2024?
KM: As has always been the case, Impressions Expo is about more than just seeing the latest the decorated-apparel industry’s equipment, materials, technology and blank-apparel supplies have on offer, it’s also about education. With that in mind, this year’s Impressions Expo conference program is offering everything from a number of hands-on sessions on screen printing and embroidery digitizing to panel discussions on the role of automation and AI to the benefits of contract decorating as means of growing your decorating business. In this same vein, this year’s Shop Talk program will feature conversations covering everything from the latest e-commerce strategies and heat-press decoration to cutting-edge fashion trends and the state of screen printing in the 21st century.
Impressions Magazine: Any other thoughts you have on what’s in store at this year’s Impressions Expo?
KM: We’ve put a lot of effort into developing new workshops and sessions that cover topics across the board. There’s truly something for everyone at this year’s expo, 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 to get the most out of their Fort Worth Impressions Expo experience. I am eagerly counting down the days and can’t wait to see everyone in Fort Worth.
For the latest news and updates on the 2024 Impressions Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, click here.
