Printing United Alliance and Idealliance are to merge, strengthening their commitment to support for the global printing and packaging industry.
Idealliance is an industry association for print and packaging, working with brand owners, content and media creators, agencies, designers, material suppliers, OEMs, technology developers, and service providers around the world. It serves the graphic communication industry by creating industry training and certification programmes, developing professional standards and specifications, and redefining workflows for the print and packaging supply chain.
Printing United Alliance is an entity created by the merger of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and Printing Industries of America (PIA), creating ‘the largest, most comprehensive’ member-based printing and graphic arts association in the US. Printing United Alliance also runs the Printing United expo.
This new venture with Idealliance further supports Printing United Alliance’s investment into the long-term ‘success and fortitude’ of the industry, as CEO Ford Bowers explained.
‘Over the past few years, Printing United Alliance has focused on bringing those efforts and institutions that are having the greatest impact in printing together under one roof. We are excited that Idealliance may join us as the pre-eminent standards, training and educational association in our industry. Our media outlets and reach into various printing segments, the many events we conduct, including the Printing United Expo, and membership of more than 6000 companies will all serve to strengthen and expand the work of Idealliance as an ‘association within an association,’ both domestically and internationally, and through its mission will continue to help our industry thrive.’
Idealliance CEO Dick Ryan said, ‘Idealliance is renowned as a leader in certifying and training colour management professionals around the world. To continue moving Idealliance’s programming forward, this merger will provide significant growth opportunities through Printing United Alliance’s robust platforms and aligns with many of the association’s current offerings and strategies for success.
‘In partnership with Printing United Alliance, we aim to provide global standardisation, training and certification programmes for the printing and packaging supply chain to all graphic communications professionals. This partnership will allow us to expand efforts into new markets to train and certify professionals, processes, and systems around the globe. Together, we seek to serve the printing and packaging industry better than ever before.’
The proposed merger of the two organizations will be finalised on 1 March 2021, following consideration by Idealliance members at a meeting of active members on 28 January.
