Four months out from the first Visual Impact show in Brisbane for more than six years, the industry’s suppliers are coming out in force to showcase their latest.
More than 95 per cent of the show’s floorspace is already locked in, with the industry’s leading names joining ranks with a wide range of niche and smaller supply companies to provide a diverse and innovative showcase.
Charly Blades, events manager for supplier association Visual Connections, which owns and organises the show, said the team has been overwhelmed with the response.
“We still have a few booths available, but given the amount of interest in them, we expect this to be a fully-subscribed show,” said Blades.
“The exhibitor list for Brisbane is a really diverse group, set to provide a showcase that will encompass all the latest in signage, display, wide-format printing, textile printing, LED and illumination, fabrication, routing, engraving and laser cutting, software and workflows…and much more.
“The floorplan is looking like a really good balance between the larger suppliers with multiple solutions and product lines, and the smaller local and international exhibitors who always bring a range of resources, affiliations, solutions and options which are invaluable to industry businesses and ideally complement the offerings of the bigger names,” she says.
Following on from the launch of the ‘whole-of-industry’ Sign & Print Career Connections program this year, the show will also provide plenty of engagement for those considering industry careers.
“Our full Sign & Print Career Connections stand will actually be on its way to Perth for the major careers expos in the West, but we will have a fully operational Try-A-Trade area in Brisbane with plenty of activities for students, run in partnership with Brisbane TAFE,” said Blades.
Careers advisors Tina Mavris and John Watters from AusSIP will be on hand to showcase industry opportunities, and will be able to provide prospective trainees with the full suite of Sign & Print Career Connections resources to help them kick start their career in print, sign and graphics.
Those interested in fabricated signage will also have the chance to get hands-on, by registering for Channel Lettering Workshops, run by LetterTech Australia in partnership with Bounce LED.
“The sessions are designed to show registrants the very latest world-class technology for channel lettering and illuminated LED signage,” said Blades.
“They will feature live demonstrations of the latest channel letter bending solutions by industry experts, to show just how versatile and easy these machines are to use – and the potential they offer for increasing profitability and building new revenue streams
Five sessions are available on the Wednesday and Thursday, and four on the Friday, with spaces expected to fill fast.
In recognition of the need to provide maximum value to visitors from their attendance, the seminar program for Visual Impact has also been reimagined, with a series of short, sharp ‘meet the expert’ sessions in the aptly named Connections Centre.
“These more informal, conversational sessions are designed to give attendees information, insights and ideas while connecting them with the experts who can help them build their business success,” said Blades.
With such a comprehensive showcase and program of events, registrations for the show are expected to be strong, with Blades reporting that registrations have already been received from Brisbane and across Queensland, from Northern NSW and the NT.
“We’ve seen excellent attendances at recent shows, particularly where there has been a long hiatus, and we’re certainly expecting to see that in Brisbane.
“While the majority are likely to be from Queensland – primarily Brisbane and surrounds –we traditionally see quite a good number from NSW and the NT to our Queensland shows, and also expect to welcome visitors from further afield, into New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, for whom Brisbane is a convenient location,” she says.
“The show also usually attracts quite a few visitors from southern states, who welcome the opportunity to spend a few days in the sun while catching up with all the latest.”
Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper recently told Sprinter that the upcoming event is predicted to mirror global trade shows with increased Chinese attendance.
Harper told Sprinter the increased interest from Chinese companies to participate in Visual Impact represents a global trend and this will be reflected on the floor with a higher number of exhibitors at this year’s event on 17 and 18 July in Brisbane.
“Chinese companies have a greater appetite to exhibit in overseas shows and we are seeing this all around the world. It is well evidenced at Drupa this year with almost 400 Chinese companies set to exhibit at the show in Dusseldorf this year. We would also expect the same trend [towards higher Chinese exhibitors] at the FESPA trade show in Amsterdam this year as well,” Harper said.
Visual Impact Brisbane is sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Roland DG and Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP, Spicers and Trotec.
Visitors will also have a chance to see the very latest innovations from exhibitors, including Roland DG, Mimaki, Elizabeth Machines, Sign Essentials, Ball & Doggett and Celmac, Currie Group, HP, Wilenco and Amari Visual. Other sizeable displays are being planned by Alfex CNC, Avery Dennison, Creative Graphic Supplies, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, Multicam, Mutoh, PHE, Pozitive, Smartech, Spicers and Trotec.
Visual Impact will run from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July, and from 9am to 4pm on Friday 19 July, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Bank.
For more information or to register, click here.
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