Custom Merchandise Becomes a Live Attraction at Black Hat 2026

The activations for tech firms Venice and Pindrop moved away from traditional pre-manufactured swag, opting instead for live screen printing and embroidery. By producing each item in real time, the companies turned the merchandise distribution process into an interactive experience. This approach allowed both brands to engage directly with attendees at the point of production throughout the event, which ran from August 2–7.

Operational success relied on LivePrinting.AI, a platform designed to automate high-volume manufacturing in event settings. The technology managed design personalization and production throughput, ensuring that output quality remained consistent despite the high-speed environment. A marketing director for Venice praised the professionalism of the staff and the production quality, noting that the embroidery and engraving station became a standout feature of their presence at the conference.