So, I'm back from Impressions Expo Long Beach 2026! I was terrible at taking photos of the experience, but at least here's one. This was my first time at this trade show and I don't think I was fully prepared for how MASSIVE it was. There were some really good sessions I attended - especially an all day session the day before the expo officially opened where I was able to learn, from start to finish, how to screen print on shirts. It was a great opportunity to try it out without investing in the equipment and supplies. After this experience, I think I'm good with not doing screen printing at this time.
Other highlights included meeting reps that I've only talked to online at the Melco and Wilcom booths. As well as getting introduced to new clothing/blanks lines, hat vendors, etc. There were more than a few people attending that I met and got to know a little bit. As much of a people person I say I'm not, I do really like experiences like these and the opportunities to see how other contemporaries come at some of the shared challenges we face in this industry.
There wasn't anything that I HAD to buy from there, other than a few Mighty Hoop template/holders, so there's not going to be any big announcements of new product categories on the immediate horizon.