PDS Equipment’s UV Energize 2026 brings the graphics industry together in Nashville

The lines between the graphics industries continue to disappear. Today’s successful businesses aren’t defined by a single market — they’re serving multiple markets. A sign company is producing corporate awards. An awards shop is decorating drinkware and promotional products. A laser engraving business is adding UV printing. Apparel decorators are expanding into hard goods, while promotional products companies are bringing more production in-house. That crossover is transforming the graphics industry.

It’s also the reason professionals from across North America will gather in Nashville this September for PDS Equipment’s UV Energize 2026.

Taking place Sept. 8–10, at The Westin Nashville, UV Energize is a three-day educational conference dedicated to helping graphics professionals discover new profit centers, improve production workflows, and build stronger, more diversified businesses.

Unlike a traditional equipment-focused trade show, PDS Equipment’s UV Energize is built around education. More than 30 educational sessions, live production demonstrations, and hands-on workshops will provide attendees with practical ideas they can immediately implement in their own operations.

Whether your business specializes in signage, awards, laser engraving, apparel decoration, promotional products, digital printing, or custom graphics, the event is designed to help you identify new opportunities and expand your capabilities.

Educational sessions will cover:

• UV printing for signs, awards, and promotional products
• Integrating laser technology with UV printing
• AI for graphic design and shop productivity
• Workflow automation that saves time and increases profitability
• Color management and production best practices
• Creating premium, high-margin graphics products
• Sales and marketing strategies for diversified graphics businesses
• Real-world production techniques from successful shop owners

Attendees will experience a wide range of UV printing technologies, software solutions, laser systems, substrates, and finishing equipment presented by leading manufacturers and industry experts.

The graphics industry has never offered more opportunity than it does today. Businesses that are willing to diversify, embrace new technology, and continually invest in education are finding incredible opportunities for growth. UV Energize was created to help those businesses learn from one another and leave with practical ideas they can put into action immediately.”

— Steve Weist, CEO of PDS Equipment

Beyond the classroom, UV Energize provides extensive networking opportunities with successful shop owners, production managers, designers, software developers, and manufacturing partners from across the country. The event encourages open collaboration, allowing attendees to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and discover new applications that are driving growth throughout the graphics industry.

For graphics professionals looking to expand beyond traditional markets and build a more profitable, diversified business, PDS Equipment’s UV Energize offers one of the most comprehensive educational experiences available anywhere in the industry.

Registration is now open, and seating is limited.