PRINTING UNITED 2025 Recap: Print Is Alive & Thriving

Last week in Orlando, Florida, the energy around decorated apparel was electric. With record-breaking attendance, Printing United 2025 proved that print is alive and well—across all mediums, platforms, and formats. Printers from around the world showed up to discover new technologies, network with industry leaders, and make major investment decisions that will shape the year ahead.

If you missed it, don’t worry. Here are three key takeaways from one of the biggest and most important weeks in the decorated apparel industry:

1. Screen Printing Is BACK—And It’s Getting Smarter

Ask anyone who stopped by the ROQ booth or the MADE Laboratory WB|CAMP workshop, and they’ll tell you—screen printing is not dead. According to John Magee from Avient, he hasn’t seen this much interest in screen printing at Printing United in over a decade.

Beyond the press! While the ROQ NEXT XL automatic press is ideal for trending oversized and streetwear designs, and the ROQ-E is a perfect fit for growing shops with limited space, budget, and no need for a compressor, the ROQ screen printing line is much more than just presses. This was on full display at MADE Laboratory’s WB|CAMP, where we showcased the ROQ HYBRID digital printer in action. Using only two underbase screens with Avient’s ink system, the HYBRID represents the future of bulk printing in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Beyond equipment, it was great to see a hunger for training, process, and precision. Nearly 40 students joined ROQ, MADE Laboratory, Real Thread, and other industry leaders for an intensive hands-on training in everything from HSA and discharge to poly performance prints from A4 and digital hybrid techniques on Bella+Canvas blanks.

2. POD & DTG Workflows Are Gaining Ground—Fast

Over 30 decorators visited the ROQ Tech Center in Clermont to see the ROQ NOW in action. Printing over hoodie seams at up to 250 garments per hour, the ROQ NOW is redefining what’s possible with industrial DTG and Print-On-Demand workflows.

What’s helping create demand and print it? Fulfill Engine. With this order-routing platform connected to the ROQ NOW, decorators can now tap into a growing network of distributed production. Whether you’re investing in DTG or looking to outsource small runs with screen print quality, this connected workflow is changing the game—and doing what DTF can’t.

Get the quality and speed of ROQ Digital - NOW

Learn how to tap into the power of Fullfill Engine Here 

3. DTF Is Here to Stay—But It’s Just One Tool

Yes, DTF (Direct-to-Film) was everywhere. But no, it didn’t dominate. Decorators are beginning to see DTF for what it is: a powerful tool, but not a one-size-fits-all solution. Speed limitations, hand feel, and workflow bottlenecks are still real challenges.

That’s why ROQ IMPRESS made such an impact. It delivered what decorators are really after—scalable heat transfer automation with unmatched speed and consistency.

The ROQ PULL+, with its automatic garment unloading and conveyor integration, pushed this even further, showcasing what a truly connected shop floor can look like.

A Week to Remember—And Just the Beginning

Whether you stopped by the booth, toured the Tech Center, or attended a training—thank you for being part of an incredible week. If you didn’t make it to Florida, don’t worry, we still have some incredible Parking Lot Sale items available too, click here to see what you can still pick up!

We’d also love to host you in Florida, Texas, or Chicago to show you how ROQ automation, AI, and robotics are powering the next era of decorated apparel.

ROQ Flashes advertised in for the ROQ US Parking Lot Sale

If you didn’t make it to Florida, don’t worry.

We’d love to host you in Florida, Texas, or Chicago to show you how ROQ automation, AI, and robotics are powering the next era of decorated apparel.

VISIT ROQ.US!

[Reach out to us here] and check out our Upcoming Events to join us at the next stop on the ROQ road. Let’s build the future of apparel together. #PressOnward