PRINTING United Transitions to Online Experience in 2020

PRINTING United, originally scheduled to take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on October 21-23, will now take place online this fall due to constraints around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to cancel the in-person expo comes after conversations, surveys, and projections the event team has been organizing since the onset of the pandemic. Details regarding the new online event experience are forthcoming.

PRINTING United leaned on the expertise of individuals from the Georgia World Congress Center, the city of Atlanta, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security specializing in mass gatherings, and local authorities for guidance and recommendations on best practices for the event.

“The decision to cancel this event did not come easily, and we have waited as long as possible before costs and logistical implications to our exhibitors and attendees became irreversible,” says PRINTING United Alliance president and CEO Ford Bowers. “Many factors are unfortunately out of our control, including travel restrictions and federal, state, and local governmental regulations, as well as the potential for another spike in COVID-19 occurrences. These factors, and the attendant uncertainties around them, have made it nearly impossible to responsibly hold the event.”

Mark J. Subers, PRINTING United president, adds, “While we realize this is not the same as our cornerstone of being together under one roof, we feel it is the most responsible and beneficial move for all our constituents at this time.”

As industry event planners are forced to rethink in-person events, THE NBM SHOW is among others utilizing virtual platforms and digital tools to reimagine trade shows.

THE NBM SHOW Breakaway Sessions is an online educational event constructed to help producers grow their business and stay connected with the industry through new channels.

With that, THE NBM SHOW is still working closely with convention centers and health authorities to ensure the safest possible in-person events when the time comes.