PRINTING United Alliance has selected Installation United to take over its installer training and certification program. The move comes as the organizations prepare to feature the expanded program at PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.
Installation United will administer and expand the Professional Decal Application Alliance (PDAA) program. Training and certification will begin at the organization’s new academy in Hyattsville, Maryland.
The facility will serve as the first location in a planned national network of training academies. Installation companies, distributors, and manufacturers are expected to host future locations.
Building a national installer network
Installation United plans to offer standardized, hands-on training for commercial graphic, sign, and wallcovering installers.
The program will serve professionals at different stages of their careers. Training will range from entry-level education to advanced credentials, leadership development, and recertification.
“Installation United brings the specialized focus, infrastructure, and long-term vision needed to take that foundation forward,” said Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance. “This is a positive evolution for the program and, most importantly, for the installers, print service providers, manufacturers, and customers who depend on consistent, high-quality installation.”
Installation United also plans to develop a professional network and online platform. The system would connect producers, project management companies, and other industry partners with certified installers.
“Our vision is to make high-quality training more accessible, establish clear and consistent standards, and give installers a career pathway they can follow for years, not simply a single certification event,” said Ken Burns, founder of Installation United.
Program heads to Las Vegas
PDAA by Installation United will have a show-floor presence at PRINTING United Expo 2026. The tradeshow runs Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Expo serves several printing and graphics markets. They include graphic installers, graphics and wide-format printing, apparel decoration, commercial printing, packaging, and industrial applications.
The show-floor program will feature professional installers at work. Attendees can also learn about plans for training, certification, career development, and other programs.
Looking ahead, Installation United and PRINTING United Alliance plan to make the Expo an annual gathering for the installation community. Plans include demonstrations, certification and recertification, manufacturer-led education, networking, competitions, and industry recognition.
Installation United builds on the Professional Decal Application Alliance program through installer education, training, certification, industry connections, and career development. The organization is developing a national training network for commercial graphic, sign, and wallcovering installers.
PRINTING United Alliance is a member-based printing and graphic arts association serving professionals across multiple industry segments. The Alliance also produces PRINTING United Expo. For more information, visit printing.org. For information about PRINTING United Expo, visit printingunited.com.
Press release submitted by PRINTING United Alliance. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
Related stories
Summer Session at University: Midyear Meetings in the Tradeshow Industry
