A Louisville event can run four live methods on site: DTF, embroidery, a hat bar and screen printing. Each is best at something different, and the right pick depends on the crowd more than the art.
Live DTF printing
Full-color transfers pressed while guests wait. No screens and no color limit, so detailed logos, gradients, photos and a name per guest are all easy. It's the flexible choice for mixed runs. See live DTF printing.
Live embroidery
Monograms and logos stitched in front of guests at 6 to 12 minutes a piece. Slow, and that's the appeal at a sponsor lounge, a gala or a Derby hospitality suite. See live embroidery.
Live hat bar
Guests choose a cap and a patch and we press it on. At a Derby party, where nobody dressed for the day wants a tee, it's usually the lead station. See the hat bar.
Live screen printing
A real press, screens and ink, pulled by hand. The most efficient method for one bold design in one to three colors on a lot of shirts, like a KICC booth giveaway. See live screen printing.
Short version: one design for a crowd, press. Full color or names, DTF. A gift that feels premium, embroidery or the hat bar. Most Louisville events run one main station and add a second.
Still deciding? Read screen printing vs DTF or send your event details and we'll suggest a mix.
Louisville notes
Mixing methods at a Louisville event
Two stations can share one footprint, like a press for the booth design beside a DTF press for names, as long as each gets its own two dedicated circuits. We plan the pair before the kit ships from Fullerton.