With the 2025 Impressions Expo in Dallas,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 Dallas, scheduled for Oct. 1-4. How are things shaping up for this year’s event?
Kayla McGarry: Despite all the headlines and economic uncertainty at the international level, Impressions Expo Dallas is looking to be another really strong one, with 112 exhibitors and 23,500-square-feet of exhibit space already booked. We’re also seeing plenty of excitement on the part of exhibitors and the industry as a whole, especially among new, first-time exhibitors, like American Print and Supply (Booth 807 – americanprintandsupply.com), 3N Designs (Booth 438 – 3ndesigns.com) and Blank Rope Hats (Booth 925 – blankropehats.com).
Impressions Magazine: Beyond the global economic situation, which you’ve already mentioned, what other 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 at a number of Expos now, the increasing use of automation, e-commerce and generative AI are all a big part of what’s going on. Not only that, but if anything, the growth in all three of these areas is only accelerating. It’s also great to see the decorated-apparel industry’s continued commitment to sustainability, as is evident in everything from the use of recycled materials in blank apparel to the adoption of more efficient decorating methods. As always, it’s also always great to see the number of new decorators and apparel decorating companies entering the industry as well. One of the strengths of the decorated-apparel business is the enthusiasm and the great new ideas these newcomers bring to what is already a passionately innovative industry.
Impressions Magazine: Anything special going on at the 2025 Impressions Expo in Dallas, that attendees should be aware of?
KM: As always, we want attendees to have an incredible experience from the moment they arrive. Before even stepping into the expo hall, for example, they can stop by the STAHLS’ (Booth 601 – stahls.com) lobby activation to pick up their own custom T-shirt. Impressions and Reece Supply Company (Booth 431 – reecesupply.com) are also hosting a happy hour at the Katy Trail room in the Omni Hotel, adjacent to the convention center, on Thursday, Oct. 2 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. Out on the expo floor itself attendees can grab an official Impressions Dallas T-shirt at the Impressions live screen-printing station sponsored by BELLA + CANVAS (Booth 425 – bellacanvas.com) or check out the Ink Kitchen’s live poster printing station. In addition to our conference sessions, attendees should also be sure and check out the free Shop Talk series of panel discussions organized by the Ink Kitchen taking place on the show’s dedicated Shop Talk stage.
Impressions Magazine: In addition to Impressions Expo, there’s also going to be the Impressions Expo educational conference beginning the day before the exhibit hall opens and then continuing on throughout the show. What’s in store for conference attendees in 2025?
KM: As has been the case in years past, Impressions 2025 Expo in Dallas is about networking and education as it is seeing the latest the industry’s equipment, materials, technology and blank-apparel supplies have to offer. 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. Along these same lines, 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 both today and in the years to come.
Impressions Magazine: Any other thoughts you have 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 2025 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!
For the latest news and updates on the 2025 Impressions Expo in Dallas, Texas, click here. To register for the show, click here.
