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PDS Equipment’s UV Energize 2026 brings the graphics industry together in Nashville
The lines between the graphics industries continue to disappear. Today’s successful businesses aren’t defined by a single market — they’re serving multiple markets. That crossover is transforming the graphics industry. It’s also the reason professionals from across North America will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, this September for PDS Equipment’s UV Energize 2026.
Taking place Sept. 8–10, at The Westin Nashville, UV Energize is a three-day educational conference dedicated to helping graphics professionals discover new profit centers, improve production workflows, and build stronger, more diversified businesses.
Unlike a traditional equipment-focused trade show, PDS Equipment’s UV Energize is built around education. More than 30 educational sessions, live production demonstrations, and hands-on workshops will provide attendees with practical ideas they can immediately implement in their own operations.
Whether your business specializes in signage, awards, laser engraving, apparel decoration, promotional products, digital printing, or custom graphics, the event is designed to help you identify new opportunities and expand your capabilities.
“The graphics industry has never offered more opportunity than it does today. Businesses that are willing to diversify, embrace new technology, and continually invest in education are finding incredible opportunities for growth. UV Energize was created to help those businesses learn from one another and leave with practical ideas they can put into action immediately.” — Steve Weist, CEO of PDS Equipment
New hires & promotions
Romeu Ribeiro & Jared Granberry
ROQ
ROQ Group appointed Romeu Ribeiro as CEO in Portugal alongside Jared Granberry as president of ROQ.US. Ribeiro most recently served as head of engineering for digital equipment, where he played a key role in equipment development, product innovation, and advancing the company’s technological capabilities. Granberry brings more than 25 years of experience across distribution, customer relationships, partnerships, and manufacturing leadership.
Justin Zavadil
ASB
ASB announced the promotion of Justin Zavadil to CEO and president. Founder Larry Zavadil will transition from his role as CEO to founder and chairman of the board. After 45 years leading ASB, Larry Zavadil is passing the role of CEO to the next generation of leadership following extensive succession planning with ASB’s board of directors. While stepping away from day-to-day executive responsibilities, Larry Zavadil will remain focused on fostering the company’s culture and people. Larry Zavadil will also continue serving as president of Canadian solutions for business, overseeing the strategic vision and execution to support the company’s continued growth.
Iris Vogt
Lane Seven
Following Lane Seven’s launch with UTT Europe, the company formally introduced Iris Vogt as sales director, EMEA. Vogt has been leading Lane Seven’s expansion across the European market and working closely with partners as the brand continues to build its presence overseas.
Mary Bostwick
L.A.T. Apparel
L.A.T. Apparel added Mary Bostwick as Southeast territory manager. Bostwick brings more than 30 years of experience in the apparel industry to L.A.T.’s sales organization. She spent 28 years with Delta Apparel, followed by her most recent role with Vantage Apparel. Throughout her career, Bostwick has held a variety of senior-level positions spanning customer service, inside and field sales, marketing, and business development.
Ben Drysdale
Charles River Apparel
Ben Drysdale joined Charles River Apparel as strategic account representative, supporting the national accounts and buying groups. Drysdale has nearly six years of experience in the promotional products industry. He has also been selected as a speaker at industry events and is an active member of the PPAI Emerging Leaders group.
2026 Events
Webinars
Giving back
Q-Tees is continuing its long-term commitment to community development through the expansion of AZ School, an educational initiative serving children and families in a remote village near Sakhro City in rural Sindh, Pakistan.
Updates
Watchfire has relocated its Houston, Texas, operations to a new, 53,000-square-foot facility designed to support the team’s growth and day-to-day operations.
swissQprint America officially opened its new headquarters in West Dundee, Illinois. The open house coincided with the company’s 10th anniversary in the North American market.
S&S, formerly S&S Activewear, announced a major expansion of its Vancouver distribution operations with a move into a larger facility.
The National Network of Embroidery Professionals published the State of Embroidery Pricing: 2026 Benchmark Report, the first industrywide study of pricing practices among embroidery and decorated apparel businesses.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions announced an online training program — the Avery Dennison Online Business Bootcamp — designed to help wraps shop professionals, detailers, and owners build a more successful business.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nazdar has acquired FUJIFILM’s U.S., Canada, and Latin America screen and flexographic ink business through a sale and licensing arrangement.
BELLA+CANVAS has officially completed its transition to new ownership by SanMar.
Partnerships
U.S. custom headwear brand Pukka is expanding into the U.K. and Europe through a partnership with industry consultant Andrew Law, distributor Specialist Sports, and golf marketing agency The Loop.
Imperial announced a new partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour as the official headwear partner. In addition, Imperial has also teamed up with Peoples League as the official headwear of the 2026 Peoples League Tour.
INX International Ink Co. entered into a global partnership with Koenig & Bauer to deliver optimized LED-UV, HR-UV, and UV printing solutions for commercial printers and packaging converters.
Next Level Apparel has been named the official apparel partner of Got Sole for its 2026 U.S. tour.
Orbus, a manufacturer and supplier of exhibit and display solutions, introduced enhanced custom rental solutions developed in partnership with bematrix.
Mimaki produced a series of limited-edition, highly detailed miniature golf bags in conjunction with Cleeks Golf Club from the Art of Golf series — a collection of unique players’ golf bags that are currently in use by Cleeks’ professional players on the multi-stage 2026 LIV Golf tournament.
Color-Logic, worldwide distributor for Visualis3R, has announced that Harvard Pinnacle Group Corp has become an official Visualis3R dealer.
S&S plans to add Ariat International to its expanding portfolio, with availability expected in spring 2027. In addition, S&S also announced a new integration between its proprietary ZeroTouch production automation technology and Fulfill Engine.
Infinity Her, a female-focused headwear brand under Infinity Product Group, sponsored the 2026 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference.
Awards & recognitions
Koozie Group has been named to the PPAI 100 supplier list for 2026.
Mimaki USA received two 2026 PRINTING United Pinnacle Awards in the UV-DTF to Rigid Substrate & Roll-to-Roll Dye Sublimation on Metal categories.
Crystal D, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based supplier of awards and gifts, recognized its 2026 employee award winners, as revealed at the company’s annual “WOW Day” event.
Gildan Activewear has been included on Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens list by Corporate Knights for a fifth consecutive year; additionally, the company has once again been placed in TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies ranking.
Sandy Forster and Dave Forster, owners of Minuteman Press in Minneapolis, were given a special achievement award commemorating 40 years in business.
Justin Phillips and Christy Phillips, owners of Minuteman Press in Bradenton, Florida, were inducted into the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for achieving over $1 million in gross sales for the year ending 2025.
Brenda Peralta, a 13-year veteran of Crystal D, was recognized as a 2026 Print & Promo Marketing CSR All-Star and received the Super Star Award from the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals.
Ron Morris, owner of Allegra Marketing Print Mail Brainerd, was recognized by both the Lions Club and the Elks Lodge in Brainerd, Minnesota, for his longstanding involvement and support of local initiatives across the community.
