PRINTING United Alliance Ignites a New Era of Growth, Advocacy, and Education

Joshua Carruth, Senior Vice President, Association, who oversees the Membership Operations team.

MEMBERSHIP WITHIN THE screen, wide-format digital, industrial, and other printing industry segments has undergone a significant transformation, especially within the scope of PRINTING United Alliance’s leadership. The organization’s membership base during its time as the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) was steeped in supporting the previously mentioned segments but has since grown to represent all facets of the printing industry, which underscores the opportunity for growth and diversification across the industry. SGIA merged with Printing Industries of America (PIA) in 2020, which expanded membership to support all market segments of the printing industry, when the organization was then renamed to PRINTING United Alliance.

To further support the industry, the organization merged with Idealliance, a global leader in standards training and certification to provide the printing and graphic arts industry with exemplary programming, services, training, and certifications, especially in the realm of G7 certification and color management. This growth and key partnerships for the industry helped establish a solid foundation for a unified community.

“At the time of the merger, membership stood at just more than 3,000 companies, with tens of thousands of individuals linked to these memberships,” says Joshua Carruth, Senior Vice President, Association, who oversees the Membership Operations team. “However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, delaying full-scale operations until 2022. Since then, the Alliance has seen significant growth, and today, the association boasts more than 5,000 members, with more than 20,000 individual professionals connected to those membership records. This growth represents the highwater mark for membership numbers ever achieved by the organization.”

Expanding Membership and Engagement
The Alliance strategically has restructured its membership offerings to make them more accessible and valuable. Recognizing that traditional membership models could be costly and prohibitive, the association has adopted a more economically attractive approach, Carruth says. “The objective is to support industry professionals without creating financial barriers.”

The association provides multiple options for memberships to accommodate the business and markets served, many of which also gain free access, VIP perks, and educational programing at the organization’s annual global PRINTING United Expo, taking place this year in Orlando, FL, on October 22-24. This can include:

• Corporate Memberships: Businesses that enroll their employees under a single membership with access to the widest array of resources.
• Individual Memberships: Industry professionals seeking access to exclusive or specific benefits.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities that enroll their entire student body into the association to gain access to educational resources and connections to the industry.

A key initiative has been the expansion of educational institution memberships. “Relaunched in January 2024, this initiative already has enrolled more than 800 students from high schools, technical colleges, and universities,” says Carruth. “Schools such as Clemson University, Cal Poly, and Ferris State University are among those benefiting from this program.” Beyond traditional scholarships, the Alliance provides students with extended access to its industry-leading online learning platform, iLEARNING+. These resources, including industry certifications and training courses, are available to all educators and students during their time at a member institution as well as for two years post-graduation to ensure a smoother transition into the workforce.

Strengthening Advocacy Efforts
A major focus of the Alliance is to expand its influence in advocacy efforts. The organization’s numbers continue to grow to be a collective voice and influence of the industry in Washington, D.C. The Alliance applauds one of the biggest legislative victories for the print industry with the establishment and expansion of the Congressional Printing Caucus, growing from four to 13 bipartisan members who advocate for the industry’s interests. Efforts like these, along with events such as legislative fly-ins, action alerts, and direct involvement from the Alliance’s subject matter experts, are shaping the landscape for long-term prosperity in the print industry.

“The Alliance has also been instrumental in identifying and taking action to prevent detrimental legislative measures, such as bans on chlorinated inks and extended producer responsibility regulations that would have severely impacted the industry,” notes Carruth. “The association actively lobbies for the interests of print professionals, ensuring that policies support rather than hinder growth.”

Building Stronger Industry Connections
Recognizing that the printing industry spans multiple disciplines, PRINTING United Alliance has restructured its member engagement strategy. Instead of grouping members by print verticals, new online communities focus on job functions. This allows professionals in leadership, finance, environmental health and safety, and human resources to collaborate across various print sectors, fostering more meaningful and productive interactions.

In addition, the Alliance has relaunched key membership benefits, including an improved directory, additional member experiences at PRINTING United Expo, and enhanced online community spaces. These initiatives aim to reinforce engagement, improve retention, and attract new members who see tangible value in the association.

Looking Ahead: The Vision for Growth
“The Alliance is committed to continuous growth and industry support,” says Carruth. “Unlike traditional trade associations focused on generating revenue from memberships, we reinvest our resources into the industry. Our goal is to facilitate business success for our members, advocate for the industry’s needs, and ensure a thriving future for printing.

“As the industry continues to evolve, the association remains dedicated to fostering a community that is both inclusive and impactful,” he adds. “By expanding membership, strengthening advocacy, and providing unparalleled educational and networking opportunities, the association is positioning itself as the leading voice of the printing industry.”