Before you press a single transfer, you’ve got to nail what happens upstream—and that starts with your artwork. This session takes a first-principles look at DTF success, showing how file prep, color accuracy, and smart design decisions drive real-world results. You’ll learn how to optimize files for consistent color, clarity, and efficiency—covering everything from RGB vs. CMYK and resolution best practices to transparent backgrounds and scaling that keeps customers happy. Taught from the perspective of a print provider who turns digital art into physical results every day, this class bridges the gap between design and production. Whether you’re outsourcing, printing in-house, or just getting started, you’ll leave understanding why great prints don’t start at the press—they start at the file.

Take control of your embroidery machine with this hands-on, in-depth workshop designed to help you understand your equipment inside and out. During this session, you’ll disassemble and reassemble a machine, learn hook timing, and gain confidence identifying and replacing key parts like the reciprocator (needle bar driver). You’ll also master needle bar heights, timing, and the function of each major component. Walk away with the knowledge and tools to service your own machine—saving time, money, and the 4–6 week wait for a technician. Maximum of 8 participants, each person will receive a repair tool-kit. THE PRICE INCLUDES A MEAL.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you run your print shop smoothly and efficiently. Topics covered include an integrated registration system, mesh selection, screen tension, set-up procedures, inks, squeegees, and documentation. Whether you're a new printer or looking to enhance quality, productivity, and profits, this workshop is for you. All materials will be provided, so come ready to work—participants will print a multicolor raster image created using the AI program, MidJourney. Bring your work clothes and get ready to elevate your printing process! THE PRICE INCLUDES A MEAL.

Review embroidery basics with this hands-on embroidery experience where we will cover proper hooping habits and supply choices as well as exploring techniques to elevate your work to the next level. You’ll master the process of trend setting decorating techniques like 3D Puff, Applique, and more. Return to your business with a show-stopping sample you created during this session and the confidence and cheat sheets to start offering these techniques to your customers right away.

Keep your machine running like new with this practical, technician-led workshop. Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of embroidery machine care—straight from a full-time technician who’s seen it all. We’ll cover cleaning, maintenance routines, and real-world problem solving, along with pro tips and tricks to keep your money maker running smoothly and minimize downtime.

With the AI boom, there are countless AI applications available for creating artwork. It seems that every day new ones are introduced and existing apps change. In this workshop, Dane will share his insight into some of the more popular AI applications as well as the amazing AI features available in Photoshop. While these apps have similar features for creating images and setting them up for production, some do a better job than others. Dane will discuss the different parameters available for generating artwork and creating good prompts to help you get what you want. As well as features such as removing backgrounds, upscaling and more to set up the final file properly for production. He will provide an in-depth demonstration of these various features for each of the different applications and give you the pros and cons from what he’s experienced to help you decide what the best choice is for you.

Photoshop can be intimidating to those new to the design world, but it doesn’t need to be. Learning the basic Photoshop tools and functions needed specific to creating artwork for garment decoration is more than enough to get you going. In this workshop not only will Dane get you going, but he’ll have you creating designs you never thought you could. He will show you how to set up a new file properly, how to optimize an image, how to work with text and so much more. With Photoshop’s Generative Fill and other AI capabilities, anyone can generate an image in no time. Being able to use Photoshop to edit and properly set up the AI file for garment production is what will set you apart. Dane will show you how to remove backgrounds, upscale images, remove objects and more not only to transform an AI generated image into your own masterpiece, but to make sure production will run smoothly and produce an amazing product.

In today’s custom printing industries, like decorated apparel and signage, success depends on more than the quality of your work. It requires smart systems that connect your teams to work efficiently and effectively. This session shows you how shop management software, online stores, and graphics tools work together to simplify quoting, art, production, and online selling. Learn how connected tools save time, reduce errors, and help small teams scale efficiently without adding staff. See how modern, easy-to-use technology can revamp your workflow, improve customer experience, and boost revenue. Whether you’re just getting organized or ready to grow, this class will help you build a smarter, more profitable business from design to delivery.

This hands-on class at DAX dives into the power of CorelDRAW for creating professional vector graphics and mockups while optimizing your design workflow. Learn expert techniques for converting raster images into crisp, scalable vectors, crafting realistic mockups for client presentations, and streamlining your design process with time-saving tools and shortcuts. Ideal for print, engraving and apparel designers, this course will cover layer management, template creation, and efficient file preparation to boost productivity and elevate your creative output. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned designer, you'll leave with practical skills and shortcuts to create stunning, print-ready designs with ease.

Think your products are for everyone? Think again. This session dives into the importance of niching down and defining your true market. Learn how to identify your ideal customer, tailor your messaging, and focus your efforts where they’ll make the biggest impact. Walk away with a clearer vision of who you serve—and how to attract more of the right customers for lasting success.

Running a small shop can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This session shares practical, real-world strategies to help you manage stress, stay organized, and rediscover the joy in your work. Learn how to prevent burnout before it starts and create sustainable habits that keep your creativity and business thriving.

Step away from standard logo placement and explore embroidery that truly stands out on garments of all types. In this session, you’ll discover new ways to position and present embroidery – from sleeves and cuffs to pockets. Learn how creative design, placement, and product selection can turn everyday items into high-value pieces customers love. Whether you’re looking to elevate your current offerings or spark fresh ideas for your shop, this seminar will inspire you to stitch smarter, sell stronger, and move well beyond the left chest embroidery.

Many shops confuse constant motion with progress. Boxes stacked high, overtime hours, and busy docks feel like success but without the right systems, operations spiral into burnout, mistakes, and shrinking margins. This session dives into the operational frameworks every decorator needs to move from firefighting to efficiency, building a business that runs sustainably and profitably.

Online stores are a crucial part of modern print businesses, and good ones should make your life easier. In this session, you’ll learn how to easily build professional, profitable stores for group sales, team orders, and fundraisers that wow your customers without getting buried in setup or admin work. Discover how decorators are using modern tools to create better shopping experiences, automate production, and turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. See how small shops can compete at a higher level by focusing on smart design, efficient workflows, and customer convenience. Leave with a clear plan to build online stores that work as hard as you do.

DTF is easy to start, but harder to get right consistently. This session walks through the real-world DTF workflow, from artwork and software decisions to film, ink, color, and application, highlighting where most problems actually begin and how successful shops reduce reprints, wasted time, and frustration.

Most shops confuse being busy with being profitable and productive. This session helps shop owners create strong financial systems and move from reactive operators to proactive owners.

Take your business on the road and meet customers where they shop! This seminar explores how to plan, launch, and profit from event pop-ups, county fairs, flea markets, festivals, and seasonal retail spaces. Learn how to choose the right events for your brand, design eye-catching displays that draw a crowd, and create product mixes that move fast in short-term settings. We’ll cover setup strategies, staffing, and how to turn one-time shoppers into loyal, year-round customers. Whether you’re testing new markets or expanding beyond your shop, you’ll leave with the tools to sell smarter—and succeed anywhere the crowds gather.

DTF is the embellishment process that everyone is using for certain types of work, but the are things that it can’t do. Special Effect prints are the type that can separate you from your competitors and there are lots of options. The special effect inks that will be addressed are puff, discharge ink, high density as an ink, gel and various bases. Adding foil to a design and using discharge or silicone ink can create some very innovative images. Applying capillary film, mesh selection, squeegee selection and art considerations will be discussed and samples shown.

If hat embroidery drives you crazy, this workshop is for you! Learn what really works (and what doesn’t) when stitching on caps. We’ll dive into digitizing for hats, proper hooping techniques, machine speed settings, and how to make the most of the latest embroidery technology. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle hat embroidery with confidence—and maybe even start to love it.