From survival mode to growth: highlights from the September 2025 GelatoConnect Summit

With those words, Gelato founder and CEO Henrik Müller-Hansen set the tone for our third annual GelatoConnect Summit, held this September in Madrid. Over two days, leaders from across 11 countries gathered to exchange insights, collaborate on challenges, and chart a path forward for the print industry.

The conversations in Madrid made one thing clear: the future of print will be shaped not just by machines, but by software, AI, and global collaboration.

Industry benchmarks show why this matters.

• Margins are thin: U.S. print averages just 4–6% profitability, with employment in the sector down 15% in recent years.

• Offset is in structural decline, shrinking by 2–3% annually, while digital is growing +5% CAGR and on-demand packaging and apparel are accelerating even faster.

• By 2027, 50–70% of print jobs will be under 100 units, demanding speed, accuracy, and automation.

The opportunity is real, but so are the challenges. As Henrik noted, “AI is not hype — it’s our new electricity”.

One of the most anticipated moments of the Summit was the unveiling of the AI Estimator by GelatoConnect. Today, many printers still rely on manual job estimating — a process that can take hours or even days, with results varying widely between estimators.

The AI Estimator changes that. It delivers:

• Precise estimates in seconds

• Customer-ready quotes in under five minutes

• Consistency and accuracy across teams

This breakthrough resonated strongly with attendees, who saw how instant quoting can unlock new revenue, protect margins, and shorten time-to-money.

This year also marked the debut of the Customer Advisory Board, where trusted partners worked side by side with Gelato to co-create the future of GelatoConnect. The Customer Advisory Board’s mission is clear: ensure the platform continues to empower printers with AI, automation, and smarter, more sustainable operations.

While details of future products remain under wraps, the collaboration underscored a central theme of the Summit: we are building this industry’s future together.

Beyond the keynotes and product sessions, what stood out most was the energy in the room. From storefront integration strategies to discussions on local, sustainable production, the message was consistent: printers are ready to move from firefighting to foresighting.

Or, as one participant reflected, the next two years will define winners and losers in print. Those who embrace AI-driven workflows, local on-demand production, and software-first operations will thrive. Those who don’t risk being left behind.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Madrid — your insights, energy, and collaboration made this our most impactful Summit yet.

For those who couldn’t attend: this is just the beginning. The GelatoConnect community is shaping the next generation of print. And together, we are proving that the future isn’t just coming — we’re building it now.