The first-ever DTF Expo in Phoenix brought together 1300 attendees and 34 vendors from across the country for two days of DTF education, networking, and new products. Click through the slideshow to see what you missed at the inaugural expo.
DTF Printing hosted education sessions with top experts in the apparel industry like Nicole Pape, Steven Farag, Sergio Ramirez, Marshall Atkinson, and more. Many sessions were standing-room only and some classes were extended by 30 minutes due to an engaged audience and stellar presenters.
Supacolor recently announced SupaDTF with no minimums, jumbo sizes, and maximum flexibility.
Jeremy Poehls of DTF Superstore shared his tips for optimizing graphics for DTF Printing. “I really enjoyed Jeremy’s session,” said Kristy Howaniec. “He kept it entertaining while still being informative and delivering new ideas.”
This high-detail transfer from 613 Originals showcased a realistic photo aesthetic. Not only was the image vivid, but it had a great hand feel.
Joss Grullón, CEO of Kingdom DTF, gave a beginner's lesson to those just starting out in the DTF space. His session covered tools needed to DTF print, the pros and cons of DTF machines, and a detailed breakdown of DTF equipment and products.
Nicole Pape and her team at Embellishr chat with Ryan Moor and Jenna Sackett on the show floor. At Embellishr, you can shop or sell used screen printing and embroidery equipment.
The sold-out tradeshow floor was buzzing with eager print shops looking for the latest DTF technology to grow their businesses, like this DTF transfer.
SPSI brought its Velox direct-to-film system, part of its high-production line of machines.
Scott Donovan of Dupont Artistri Inks led his session: Formulating Pigment Inkjet Inks for DTF & How It Impacts Your Bottom Line.
DTF Superstore announced its latest machine offering, the Super Shaker.
Adrienne Palmer interviewed former guests of the DTF Printing Podcast: Jerald Jolito of Merch Studio, Kim Johnson of Paisley Jo Designs, and Denise Bayer of DB Custom Creations.
Lawson Screen and Digital Products provided DTF transfers printed on a Galaxy DTF Station.
Attendees gained hands-on experience, learning how Midjourney can optimize efficiency and adapt to evolving industry needs, with Marshall Atkinson.
Vendors like Cobra Flex, ROQ.US, M&R, DTF Superstore, S&S Activewear, Fiery, and more showcased their new products and equipment specific to the DTF market.
Sergio Ramirez shared how to create effective video content for DTF businesses. “Three to five seconds. That’s how long you have to catch your viewers attention before your content is part of the doom scroll,” he said.
Digital Heat Transfer sells DTF printers and supplies including ink, film, powder, and more.
Nicole Pape of Embellishr shared why you should know your numbers and the importance of metrics in your business culture. “Aim for operational efficiency,” she said. “How are your decisions today impacting your profit tomorrow?”
Lane Seven displayed its latest blank apparel offerings that are compatible with DTF printing.
Mark Rugen highlighted the importance of education and training when it comes to preparing your artwork for print.
Steven Farag compared DTF Expo with the first-ever Vidcon, which was held in a hotel with 1400 attendees. Thirteen years later, the event hosts 33,000 attendees. He urged those attending the first-ever DTF Expo to grow with the market and attend the event as it increases in size.
Roland DG showed off its latest DGA BY-20 desktop direct-to-film water-based printer alongside Vastex’s DTF Powder-to-Film system. Both companies are focused on DTF safety for printers bringing equipment in-house.
The ROQ.US Impress was one of the larger machines that made its way to the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix. The automated heat transfer press is built to press multiple types of heat transfers including DTF, screen print, digital/screen hybrid, vinyl, and specialty transfers.
DTF printers from across the country had the chance to demonstrate their direct-to-film printing knowledge and expertise by competing in the first-ever DTF Printing T-Shirt Contest.
Close to 80 participants received a blank UxPrint T-shirt and a downloadable file with a design to be DTF printed.
Twenty one printed T-shirts were shipped to Phoenix and judged by Zach Achorn of SelfMade Designs, Scott Donovan of Dupont Artistri, and Jeremy Poehls of DTF Superstore.
Jerald Jolito of Merch Studio was announced the winner of the inaugural DTF Printing T-Shirt Contest.
Tom Rauen, Jay Busselle, and Kim Johnson enjoyed free drinks and food at the DTF Expo Happy Hour at Huss Brewery.
DTF Expo attendees took advantage of the networking opportunities provided at the Happy Hour.
The team from 613 Originals and Ross Hunter of ROQ.US pose for a photo at the DTF Expo Happy Hour at Huss Brewery.
