Joe Everson Opens PRINTING United

Kicking off the inaugural PRINTING United Wednesday morning was Joe Everson, celebrity artist and singer. In front of a packed lobby of attendees waiting for the doors to officially open for the first time, Everson sang the National Anthem, while painting his version of “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” — on an upside down canvas. As he finished the song, he turned the painting around to mass applause, and the show doors were opened.

PRINTING United is a sold-out show of more than 680 exhibitors, spanning more than 724,000 sqft of space. It is one of the largest individual shows to come to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, taking up the equivalent of more than 16 football fields.

As the printing industry has evolved and segments converged, a new way to connect, network, and learn was needed. PRINTING United is the answer. With an estimated 30,000 people in Dallas for this event, Everson’s unique and memorable opening sets the tone for everything to come. There will be something new, something unique, something exciting around every corner — and now the anticipation is over, and the time to act has arrived.

Everson gave a commanding performance Wednesday evening at the welcome reception at Gilley’s Dallas, wrapping up an exciting opening day.