Page 7 - Print21 Jan-Feb 2020

“Our members and exhibitors have a global reach, and invest significant resources in R+D and product development, always in
a constant communication loop with their customers, to push the boundaries of what we can achieve with technologies. Importantly, they also invest heavily in business and industry analysis, to determine how the prevailing economic, political and
social conditions will shape consumer demand.
So, they really have their fingers on the pulse.
“Visual Connections then has the task of helping to communicate that information, creating opportunities in which businesses can connect with, and benefit from, new opportunities, and in providing the kind of ‘below the line’ support for education, training and career development which is so vital to a sustainable future.”
As an organisation, Visual Connections is always looking for better ways to deliver on that responsibility, and recently met to chart its strategic direction for the year – and decade – ahead.
Among other things, 2020 will see Visual Connections host two
VI exhibitions – one in April on the Gold Coast and another in Sydney in September – sandwiching the industry’s flagship international event, drupa2020, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe to Dusseldorf in June.
“Visual Impact is always very well received, with interest growing as the overlap between ‘traditional’ sign and display technologies and the wider print and graphic communications industry sees
an expanded display of everything from the latest laser cutting, engraving and illumination technologies to wide-format printing, textile printing, signage substrates, specialised textiles and accessories, and much more. It’s really a very varied and exciting show.”
Interest in the Gold Coast expo, he reports, is already running high, not only because of that breadth, but no doubt also because of increased accessibility for many Queensland businesses and the chance for other
visitors to extend
their stay and enjoy the attractions of the area.
The organisation will also be sending a delegation to Dusseldorf, not only to connect with its membership and learn more about their developments, but to better understand the trends and market drivers which are impacting the wider industry and bring those learnings – and perhaps a few new industry expo ideas – back to Australia.
“The industry never stays still, nor do we,”
Harper says. “We’re constantly looking at new initiatives and working closely with other industry organisations to ensure that Australia maintains its reputation as a world leader in print, sign, display, labels and packaging – and that the sector here remains not just viable, but vital, well into the future.”
Our job is to facilitate the two-way exchange of information and ideas, create productive B2B opportunities to drive business opportunities, and to provide support to areas like education, career development and cross- industry initiatives, which are so vital to underpin the stability, sustainability and success of the sector.