In the wake of January’s record-setting 2026 Impressions Expo in Long Beach Expo, California, and with the 2026 Atlantic City show just around the corner, we figured it was high time we check in again with Impressions Expo show director Kayla McGarry to see what her thoughts were with regard to both Impressions’ sole East Coast show, set to take place March 25-28, and the industry as a whole.
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Impressions Magazine: With only a few more weeks to go until the start of Impressions Expo Atlantic City, how are things looking at this point?
Kayla McGarry: If there’s one thing that never ceases to amaze me it’s the resilience and ingenuity of the decorated-apparel industry, as was evident at the truly outstanding Impressions Expo this past January in Long Beach—and it looks like we’re on track for more of the same in Atlantic City. With less than a month to go until the show opens March 25, we’ve got an incredible 129 exhibitors lined up to take part, including such industry-leading brands as STAHLS’ (Booth #501), Jerzees (Booth #201), Lane Seven (Booth #421), Bella + Canvas (Booth #521), Flexfit (Booth #700), Hirsch Solutions (Booth #301), Gildan (Booth #401), Melco (Booth #308), Otto International (Booth #321), Sanmar (Booth #511) and Momentec (Booth #721)—to name just a few.
IM: As always, the upcoming Atlantic City event will include a wide range of educational conference sessions. What kinds of sessions and topics are on the agenda for this year’s program?
KM: As in expos past, the educational conference program at the 2026 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City will include everything from classes on the basics of heat pressing, embroidery and screen-printing to sessions devoted to online marketing, social media and the growing importance of AI. Among the many speakers and educators presenting at this year’s education conference session will be renowned screen printer Charlie Taublieb, the heat-press experts over at STAHLS’ and Katie Wubben, owner of Trouble Me Knot Embroidery conducting a masterclass on pricing and profitability. Other presenters include veteran designer Dane Clement, vice president of art and creative process at STAHLS’; digitizing gurus Erich Campbell and Joe Kramer; Brad Pengelly of Hoops CRM: Craig Mertens, director of product education at Inktavo; Social Media influencer Keenya Kelly; and Axelrad Screen Printing’s Dennis Condusta. For a complete list of speakers and sessions go to the Atlantic City Impressions Expo web site.
Outlook Remains Strong for 2026 Decorated Apparel Industry
IM: I feel like a bit of a broken record saying this, but there’s once again been a lot going on in the news. What are your thoughts on what the rest of 2026 may have in store for the decorated-apparel industry?
KM: As always, no one can say for sure what’s to come. That said, for the moment I don’t know if there’s anything that can hold back today’s decorated-apparel industry. If the past few years are any indication, the people who make the business what it is are as tough, as resourceful and as committed to their craft as any other group of people out there. Also, as I’ve said before, people in general will also always be on the lookout for ways to express themselves, and there are few better ways of doing so than through a piece of decorated apparel. No matter what happens in Washington D.C. or the world as a whole, I remain optimistic when it comes to the decorated apparel industry.
Trade Event Offers Networking Opportunities as Well
IM: Anything in particular happening at the 2026 Impressions Expo in Atlantic City that attendees should be aware of?
KM: One of the great things about an Impressions Expo is that it’s about a lot more than just seeing the latest equipment, materials, tech and blank apparel—as outstanding as these may be. It’s also about connecting with the rest of the industry, networking, making new friends, learning new things and having fun. 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 exhibitors and sponsors. Once inside, attendees will have a live T-shirt screen-printing booth offering free T-shirts to check out, among other activations, and there will also be a free on-site happy hour, sponsored by Ninja Transfers (Booth #113) at the Tun Tavern Restaurant and Brewery, directly across the street from the convention center from 5 to 6 p.m. the Thursday evening after the show. In other words, there’s 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 25-28, click here. To register for the show, click here.
