Register FREE for Impressions Atlantic City (March 25–28) with code [MADELAB].
Register Here
Save your spot and join the industry on the East Coast for one of the most iconic decorated apparel trade shows of the year.
Since 1979, the Atlantic City Expo has been a cornerstone event for the decorated apparel industry. Generations of screen printers, embroiderers, and shop owners have made the trip to the Jersey Shore to learn, connect, and grow their businesses.
If you’ve ever considered going—or haven’t been back in a while—this is the year.
Here are three reasons to make the trip.
1. One of the Most Drivable Industry Shows in the Country
Even though Atlantic City isn’t the biggest stop on the Impressions Expo tour, it may be the most accessible trade show in the industry.
Within a few hours’ drive are major markets with more than 60 million people live within a reasonable driving distance, making it an easy trip for decorators across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
2. The Atlantic City Experience
For many in the industry, Atlantic City isn’t just about the show floor which this year welcomes 17% NEW exhibitors—it’s about the traditions around it.
Mark Bailey, Senior Manager of the Decorator Solutions Team at SanMar, has been attending the Atlantic City show for 30 years—28 of those with SanMar.
For Mark, the city itself is part of the experience.
“I used to bring my family and turn it into a vacation around the show. The boardwalk, the restaurants, the energy—it’s something I’m going to miss.”
If this is the final year in AC, Mark recommends making the most of it. His must-visit spots include:
Chef Vola’s
A legendary family-owned Italian restaurant just off the boardwalk in a historic house dating back to Prohibition. Fun fact: it was featured in the final episode of The Sopranos.
Knife & Fork Inn
An Atlantic City classic known for incredible steaks and seafood.
Tun Tavern
Right across the street from the convention center—perfect for grabbing a beer with a fellow shop owner after the show.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! You can also join Impressions for Happy Hour at 5 PM on Thursday, March 26—a great chance to meet fellow decorators and unwind after the show floor.
3. Education & Industry Connections You Can’t Get Online
Trade shows are still the best place to learn directly from the people pushing the industry forward.
This year’s education lineup includes experts from across decorated apparel, sales, and production.
View all of the education happening around the show here.
Top picks include:
Frank Good & Josh Ellsworth – STAHLS’
Two of the industry’s most respected voices on heat printing, decoration technology, and business growth.
Kevin Baumgart – Sales Ink
Helping shops build stronger sales strategies and more profitable customer relationships.
Dennis Condusta & Alex (Axelrad Screen Printing)
Real-world production insights from one of the most respected print shops in the industry.
A Place to Reconnect with the Industry
For creators like Dylan Gilligan of Upstate Merch and The Shirt Show, the Atlantic City show has always been about the people.
Dylan has been attending the event for about seven years, and says the biggest draw is reconnecting with the industry.
“It’s one of the best places to catch up with friends in the industry and meet the vendors you work with all year.”
Between the show floor, dinners around town, and spontaneous meetups on the boardwalk, Atlantic City has always had a different kind of energy.
Don’t Miss the Final Atlantic City Edition
Next year the show moves closer to Philadelphia, but 2026 is your final chance to experience the event in Atlantic City.
If you’ve never been—or haven’t attended in years—this is the moment to make the trip.
Register FREE for Impressions Atlantic City (March 25–28) with code [MADELAB].
Register Here