Reflecting on Impressions Expo Atlantic City: Tailgates, Transfers, and Teamwork

The Impressions Expo in Atlantic City has always been a must-attend event for apparel decorators, but this year felt extra special. The energy was high, the conversations were meaningful, and for us at Howard Custom Transfers, it was a chance to showcase not only our product but also our passion for this industry. Looking back, a few key moments really stand out.

Tailgate-Themed Booth: A Huge Success

When we decided on a tailgate theme for our booth, we knew we wanted to create an experience and not just a display. The response was incredible. Thanks to a partnership with SanMar, we were able to give away 500 hoodies and 500 t-shirts, all customized with our Howard Multi-Purpose screen print transfers. The t-shirts were pre-printed and cleverly packaged in faux logs, which we stacked in a fire pit to complete the theme. But the real showstopper was the live printing. Attendees loved watching the backs of hoodies get printed right before their eyes, showcasing the efficiency and quality of our screen print transfers in real time. It wasn’t just a booth; it was an activation of what we do best.

The tailgate-themed booth was a labor of love!

Cleverly packaged shirts served a dual purpose.

Shipping boxes customized with screen print transfers.

Lime green giveaways provided in partnership with SanMar.

Incredible Attendance and Engaging Conversations

The show attendance was fantastic this year. The aisles were packed, and we had the opportunity to engage in some really valuable conversations with both longtime customers and newcomers to the industry. One of the most exciting aspects was reintroducing screen print transfers to a new generation of decorators who have primarily been exposed to DTF (direct-to-film) transfers. While DTF has its place, many decorators were excited to learn how our screen print transfers offer superior durability, vibrant colors, and a tried-and-true application process that has been a staple in the industry for decades. Seeing that lightbulb moment when decorators realized how versatile and reliable screen print transfers can be was incredibly rewarding.

Lindsey demonstrates application of our best-selling screen print transfer, Howard Multi-Purpose.

Shop Talk: Exploring the Many Ways Transfers Support Shops

One of the highlights of the show for me personally was participating in a Shop Talk panel, "Transfer Summit: So Many Ways Transfers Can Help Screenprint Shops," sponsored by Ink Kitchen. I had the pleasure of sitting alongside industry leaders like Josh Ellsworth from Stahls', Deric Hoch from 613 Originals, Nathan Anderson from FM Expressions, Greg Farmer from Insta, and Carrie Terwilliger from Supacolor. We covered a lot of ground - everything from tricky placements and special effects to how shops can grow with minimal overhead by incorporating transfers. The discussion reinforced just how valuable transfer technology is for decorators of all sizes. Being part of that panel was an honor, and it was great to exchange insights with some of the best minds in the business.

What an honor to share a stage with the industry’s best and brightest.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. Our crew of four - Lindsey, Ryan, Josh, and myself - worked tirelessly to set up, run, and break down the booth. Over the course of the three-day show, we spoke with thousands of attendees, demonstrating transfers, answering questions, and making meaningful connections. Between the four of us, we bring a combined 58 years of dedication to Howard Custom Transfers, and we hope that enthusiasm was shown in every conversation we had.

Squad goals with 58 years of combined industry experience!

Privileged to work along side such an amazing team.

As I reflect on our time at the Impressions Expo in Atlantic City, I’m filled with gratitude - not just for the success of our booth, but for the people who make this industry so special. The energy, the innovation, and the shared passion for apparel decoration are what make events like this so worthwhile. If this show was any indication, the future of the custom transfer industry is brighter than ever.

Until next time, Atlantic City!