After the just concluded and hugely successful world’s most comprehensive printing event, PRINTING United Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida, last October, the industry was again reignited and future-proofed not just by the series of innovations on display, nor the inspiring free-to-attend educational programmes offered but also because of the incredible connections and record sales that reaffirm my declaration that the printing industry remains vibrant, evolving, and full of opportunity in line with Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance assessment of the industry.
And this is one of the major focuses of this end-of-year bumper edition. But first, on behalf of NUMBERS CMYK LTD (publishers of WHERE To Print magazines and other industry-dedicated titles), I would like to first thank and express our profound gratitude to our followers, readers, advertisers, and supporters. Your uncompromising constructive criticism, support, and patronage always make the difference in what we do and how we do it. It’s truly a privilege to serve you!
IN THIS LAST ISSUE…
…for the 2025 Business Year that heralds the new year, major breaking news and industry events that happened within the last two months are prominently featured in both PRINT IMPACT AROUND NIGERIA (from page 10) and PRINT IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD (from page 11). Characteristically, these are print and allied industries news around Nigeria and across the globe whose impact is expected to shape the industry now and in the years to come. Next are the SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEWS.
As one of the very few industry’s top dedicated events that open the global print and signage business calendar at the beginning of each year, WHERE To Print caught up with Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager – FESPA Middle East & Africa (MEA), to know FESPA Middle East’s plans for the 2026 show coming up from 13 to 15 January 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates as well as other sundry issues within the region. Armed with over 20 years’ experience in organising trade shows across three continents, from the USA to Singapore, his response sums up the first SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW in this rich year’s end issue titled: “WE EMPOWER BUSINESSES, INSPIRE INNOVATION, AND ULTIMATELY CREATE STRONGER DEMAND FOR PRINT”. Check it out on pages 14, 15, and 24 to find out why printers, sign-makers, and allied professionals should seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming show to prepare their businesses for growth and profits in the coming year.
Talking about growth and profits. The next SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW is with Ayanfeoluwa Ogunbode Ibitoye, Founder – Printstreet LTD and Regional Founder, GirlsWhoPrint Africa, the African arm of world-renowned and largest independent network of women in the print and graphic communications industry, GirlsWhoPrint, that has been supporting and elevating women in print and graphic communications through mentorship, education, and career-building opportunities for over 15 years. In the exclusive interview on pages 16, 17, and 24 captioned: “WE WANT TO BUILD A FUTURE WHERE WOMEN ARE NOT JUST PARTICIPATING, BUT LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE”, you will get to know how the continental extension aims to empower African women not only for growth and profitability but also to lead with confidence in the print ecosystem.
While other SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEWS are documented from the 1:1 Speed Meeting at the second annual PRINTING United Expo Media Day, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando – the day before the Expo officially opens its doors to the global printing industry, this edition’s SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLES begin with 10 CRITICAL SKILLS EVERY LEADER MUST MASTER IN 2026 written by internationally acclaimed Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Futurist, Business, Tech & Strategy Advisor – Bernard Marr. Right on pages 26 and 27, you will discover the ten crucial skills essential for business leaders’ success in 2026 and beyond.
Before the next SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE (on page 28), Bernard Marr also authors this edition’s COVER STORY, aptly captioned: 5 BUSINESS TRENDS EVERY COMPANY MUST PREPARE FOR IN 2026. As the global business landscape undergoes this period of profound transformation, staying ahead of the curve is no longer an option — it is a necessity for survival and growth. That is why this educative and motivational piece (on pages 30, 31, and 32) resonates with WHERE To Print, hence adapted to further help business leaders redefine competitive advantage in the upcoming 2026 Business Year. It’s a must-read for any discerning business leader to start the year on a well-planned and successful note.
Coincidentally, Sales guru, Bill Gillespie, also recommends we START WITH A GOOD HIRE in one of the last SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLES for this edition. This is because, as businesses mostly use the end of the year for their recruitment exercise to identify and attract the right individuals whose skills, work ethic, and values align with the company’s mission, it is therefore critical to hire right, as the effectiveness of the hiring process directly impacts not only the team’s dynamics and productivity but also the overall long-term business success. The masterpiece to hire right on page 28 recommends time-tested tips to start the new year with a good hire.
Our last SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE is the POST-SHOW REPORT of the world’s most comprehensive printing event, PRINTING United Expo 2025, which took place at the popular and award-winning East Coast destination in Orlando, Florida, from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 October. The comprehensive article is WHERE To Print’s recap of the highly effective show and its aptly captioned: PRINTING UNITED ALLIANCE DELIVERS THE BEST PRINTING UNITED EXPO YET. Turn to page 36 to find out more as we enjoin you to mark your calendar for the 2026 dates (September 23 – 25) in Vegas! Please endeavour to also note the full list of carefully selected top industry exhibitions around the world for next year in the PEP 2026 page 29 for your planning purposes.
Lastly, I urge you to take time out and relax in this yuletide season. Please, take care of yourself, and spend quality time with your loved ones as you rejuvenate and plan for 2026!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as you continue to do good!
