Episode 25 with Joshua Carruth of PRINTING United Alliance

Trade shows are not dead - they are where industries still make the deals, meet the people, and spark the ideas that change everything. Joshua Carruth, Executive Vice President of Expositions at Printing United Alliance, reveals why the best events are built on buy-in, serendipity, and a lot of controlled chaos.

From hurricane evacuations on dive boats in the Cayman Islands to bomb threats, sprinkler disasters, and even a live goat request, Josh shares the wildest moments from a career spent keeping major expos running when everything threatens to go sideways. But this conversation goes deeper than behind-the-scenes stories - it’s a sharp look at what makes a truly great trade show, why virtual events can’t replace real-world connection, and how Printing United is building spaces where the right conversations happen on purpose. You’ll discover:

• Why exhibitors, not organizers, are the real owners of a great trade show
• How convergence is reshaping print and why technologies spread faster when industries collide
• What the Spilled Ink District is designed to unlock for attendees, from peer roundtables to headshots and workforce support
• Why the AI Pavilion is becoming a must-see destination for practical, business-changing ideas
• How unexpected hallway conversations can lead to business shifts you never planned for

Joshua also explains what surprised him most after entering print through the apparel world, why the industry is far more connected than outsiders realize, and why live events came roaring back after COVID. If you care about trade shows, print, or the power of getting the right people in the same room, this one is essential listening. Perfect for exhibitors, printers, marketers, and anyone who believes the best opportunities still happen face-to-face.