Widely regarded as the largest decorated apparel trade show on the West Coast, the exhibition attracts thousands of screen printers, embroidery professionals, DTF specialists, promotional product suppliers and apparel decorators from across North America.
Following a successful 2026 event, where organisers welcomed more than 10,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors, expectations are high for another busy show floor packed with live demonstrations, product launches and educational sessions.
What can visitors expect?
Unlike broader print exhibitions, Impressions Expo focuses almost exclusively on the decorated apparel market, making it one of the best places to compare equipment, materials and production techniques.
Visitors can expect demonstrations covering:
- Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing
- Heat presses
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing
- Screen printing
- Embroidery equipment
- Sublimation systems
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- Laser engraving and customisation
- Blank apparel
- Business software and workflow automation
The show also features an extensive education programme, with workshops and seminars covering everything from pricing and production workflows to colour management, embroidery digitising and business growth strategies.
Expected exhibitors
While the official 2027 exhibitor directory is still being finalised, many of the industry's biggest names are expected to return based on previous editions.
Likely exhibitors include:
- STAHLS'
- SanMar
- BELLA+CANVAS
- S&S Activewear
- Hirsch Solutions
- ROQ
- HappyJapan / TEXMAC
- SAATI Americas
- Graphtec
- Barudan America
- SWF Embroidery
- Inktavo
- Stanley/Stella
- Super DTF
- OTTO International
- AlbaChem
- Gunold USA
- HoopMaster
Hundreds of additional suppliers are expected to showcase everything from commercial embroidery systems and automatic heat presses to DTF consumables, apparel collections and production software.
Product launches to watch
Although manufacturers traditionally keep major announcements under wraps until shortly before the exhibition, several trends are expected to dominate the show floor in 2027.
HeatInk expects to see:
- Faster commercial DTF printing systems
- Larger-format automatic powder shakers
- Next-generation automatic heat presses
- Improved transfer films and powders
- AI-assisted artwork preparation software
- Integrated order management platforms
- Higher-speed embroidery machines
- New premium blank apparel collections
- Sustainable inks and consumables
Many manufacturers use Impressions Expo as their first major North American launch event of the year, making Long Beach an ideal place to see the latest equipment before it reaches wider distribution.
More than just machinery
One of the biggest strengths of Impressions Expo is the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts. Whether you're launching a home-based apparel business or running a high-volume production facility, the conference programme offers practical advice that can often be applied immediately.
The exhibition also provides excellent networking opportunities with:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Transfer suppliers
- Blank apparel distributors
- Software developers
- Production specialists
- Industry consultants
- Fellow decorators from across the United States and beyond
Why HeatInk will be watching
For HeatInk readers, Impressions Expo Long Beach has become one of the most influential events in the decorated apparel calendar. The exhibition often provides an early indication of the technologies and business trends that will shape the industry throughout the rest of the year.
With automation continuing to evolve, DTF technology maturing rapidly and AI beginning to influence production workflows, Impressions Expo Long Beach 2027 promises to be an exciting event for anyone involved in garment decoration.
HeatInk will be following the exhibition closely with previews, product launch coverage, exhibitor interviews and highlights from the show floor.
Official website: https://longbeach.impressionsexpo.com/
HeatInk says...
If you're planning to invest in new equipment or simply want to keep ahead of the latest trends, Impressions Expo Long Beach 2027 should be firmly on your calendar. It remains one of the very best places to compare machinery side by side, speak directly with manufacturers and discover the innovations that are likely to shape the garment decoration industry over the coming year.