Expo 411: Fueling Success and Supplier Partnerships

The PRINTING United Expo — October 18-20 in Atlanta — is quickly approaching, and attendees are gearing up for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration. As a lead-up to the Expo, we are sharing a series of Q&A interviews featuring attendees from a variety of backgrounds sharing why they are attending the PRINTING United Expo, what they hope to learn, and what excites them about the upcoming event.

Michael J. Leonard, President, QC Signs & Graphics

QC Signs & Graphics
Michael J. Leonard, President
Charlotte, NC
qcsignscharlotte.com

QC Signs & Graphics is a four-year-old full service sign and graphics company located in Charlotte, NC. The company serves the Carolinas and outlining region. Some of the more exiting projects the company has recently completed are for the main floor exhibit for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Art League, and it is the sole supplier of transit graphics for the Charlotte Area Transit System, printing and installing advertising graphics on all trains, buses, street cars, and train stations in the metro area.

WFI: What made you decide to attend this year's Expo?
Leonard: We are attending this year’s show to see the latest innovations and the industry and review potential new suppliers.  Last year, we attendee for the first time and had great success with both purchasing equipment from suppliers we met at the show.  Additionally, we had success working with vinyl manufacturers in regards to our transit program in Charlotte.

WFI: What products, brands, or services are you most looking forward to seeing?
Leonard: We are looking for new fabricators and/or suppliers we can potentially partner with in the years to come. We are looking at the latest innovations in vinyl and searching for the best value proposition in transit films and laminates.

WFI: How do you plan and make the most of your time at the Expo?
Leonard: We plan to set appointments with some of our key suppliers, as well as walk the entire show to identify new suppliers and new ideas in the market.  In order to make the most of our time, we will pre-plan our visits based on the floor plan so we can see each and every supplier of interest.

WFI: How do you hope attending will impact your business/career moving forward?
Leonard: Last year’s show was a huge success for us as we have since built stronger partnerships with companies like Fuji, General Formulations, Oracal, and Fellers.  We hope to continue to build relationships and grow, along with our supplier base.

To read more Q&As with PRINTING United Expo attendees visit Get the Expo 411. To register to attend, please visit PrintingUnited.com.