While the array of wide-format devices available today continues to become more capable, offering more specialized and granular possibilities, buying patterns among top wide-format producers continue to focus primarily on gaining additional capacity. One of the effects of this is a more defined gap between large and small producers, and a shrinking space for medium-sized businesses. This keynote presentation covers the factors influencing current equipment purchases, and how these production-focused decisions will affect the wide-format business environment moving forward.

As wide-format technology evolves, so do the opportunities for print providers to boost operational efficiency, expand service capabilities, and improve profitability. This expert panel will examine the strategic investments equipment manufacturers are making in automation, workflow enhancements, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies — and how these innovations help print providers streamline production, reduce costs, enhance decision-making, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex market.

AI isn’t failing in wide-format print because of bad data or immature tools. It’s failing because most organizations don’t fully understand how decisions get made…who owns them, when they happen, and what they really cost.
Drawing on real-world AI readiness assessments, this session reframes AI as a decision-making problem — not a technology one. From pricing exceptions and production prioritization to quality tradeoffs and last-minute heroics, AI doesn’t create chaos; it exposes the decisions your business has been quietly absorbing for years.
This session avoids tools and trends and focuses instead on the decision patterns that determine whether AI becomes a competitive advantage or an expensive spotlight on broken processes.

Drawing on strong data from a number of recent surveys conducted by Alliance Insights, the research wing of PRINTING United Alliance, this fast-moving presentation will provide data-informed insights on the current state of the industry, how industry compliance is affecting and drawing more players into the segment, and exclusive information on how value-added services are being used to increase margins and build differentiation.

Among the many services offered across the wide-format spectrum, fabrication has, in recent years, become a prominent and valuable service for producers doing custom work for retail, exhibits, and other spaces. This moderated panel discussion will explore how fabrication services can serve as a strong force for differentiation, provide a deeper connection with customers, and unleash new opportunities for profitability and market access.

As AI enters estimating, pricing, scheduling, and production, a critical question often goes unanswered: who is accountable when the recommendation is wrong?
This panel explores how decision ownership shifts in wide-format environments once AI is introduced. Through real-world scenarios — like pricing exceptions, rush jobs, reprints, and overrides — panelists discuss where AI should be trusted, where human judgment still matters, and why unclear authority is the fastest way to stall AI success.
A candid conversation about accountability, leadership, and what it really takes to make AI work in wide-format print.

Promo can feel broad and complex, but for wide-format printers, it presents a compelling next step for those looking for new revenue streams. This session looks at how wide-format PSPs can approach the promo market today — from selling promotional products to existing customers, to supporting the channel through trade-friendly production. We’ll explore where wide-format fits within the promo ecosystem and key considerations to undertake before expanding.

Whether it’s to produce subtle textures or finishes to the print, or to create 3D embellishment effects or produce ADA-compliant braille — services customers incresingly expect — new technology brings new opportunities. Part technology overview and part panel discussion with users who have explored this opportunity, the presentation will provide a stronger sense of the advantages and limitations of escaping 2D wide-format printing.

As brands, retailers, and events raise sustainability expectations, wide format printers are under increasing pressure to adapt. This presentation examines the environmental realities of wide format production and highlights where meaningful progress is being made from material choices and ink technologies to waste reduction and circular strategies. The focus is on informed decision making, transparency, and realistic paths forward for the industry.

This closing panel explores the key trends, market forces, and technological developments shaping wide-format printing in 2026 and beyond. Industry leaders will discuss emerging opportunities, growing challenges, and strategic priorities—from automation and materials to sustainability and evolving customer demands—offering practical insight to help print providers prepare for what’s next.