- Printing Impressions’ Ashley Roberts and Toni McQuilken met at CONNECT 2026 to discuss the event’s top themes.
- Three clear trends dominated conversations: AI in print workflows, greater automation, and sustainability priorities.
- Speakers and exhibitors showed technology and solutions that signal change — printers risk falling behind without action.
What stood out at CONNECT 2026
At CONNECT 2026, Printing Impressions editors Ashley Roberts and Toni McQuilken took time to highlight the themes most attendees were talking about: artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability. These topics drove floor demonstrations, panel sessions and informal conversations — not as isolated buzzwords, but as practical priorities shaping buying decisions this year.
AI moving from idea to application
AI surfaced repeatedly as more vendors and users described real, near‑term applications rather than theoretical benefits. Conversations at the show focused on where AI can speed prepress tasks, improve variable data and help with quality control across high‑volume runs. While specifics varied by vendor, the consistent takeaway Roberts and McQuilken reported was that AI tools are increasingly being packaged as workflow accelerators rather than experimental add‑ons.
Automation: efficiency and labor pressures
Automation was portrayed as a practical response to persistent labor pressures and the need for consistent, repeatable output. From automated finishing equipment to integrated workflows, exhibitors emphasized solutions that reduce manual touchpoints and free operators to focus on higher‑value tasks. The message for many printers was clear: automation is now an operational requirement for competitiveness, not just a productivity bonus.
Sustainability becoming a business imperative
Sustainability conversations moved beyond marketing claims to concrete steps: material choices, waste reduction, and energy efficiency were all on the agenda. Roberts and McQuilken noted attendees were increasingly asking vendors for measurable sustainability outcomes — a shift that suggests clients and regulators are keeping the topic at the top of procurement decisions.
Why this matters for print businesses
Taken together, the three trends point to a rapid period of operational change. Printers that adopt AI and automation tools while demonstrating credible sustainability practices are positioned to win more business and operate more profitably. Those that delay risk becoming less competitive as customers demand faster turnaround, consistent quality and responsible supply chains.
What to watch next
Follow‑up coverage and vendor announcements from CONNECT 2026 will reveal which technologies make the quickest commercial impact. For now, the editors’ on‑site observations make one thing clear: the industry is prioritizing practical tech adoption and measurable sustainability — and many companies are already acting on that agenda.
Image Referance: https://www.piworld.com/xchange/news-desk/ai-automation-and-sustainability-stand-out-at-connect-2026/