A three-day inaugural national conference for sign and display professionals organised by the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) and FESPA Australia will coincide with the Visual Impact tradeshow on the Gold Coast in April.
The ASGA and FESPA Australia 2020 HP National Conference, supported by HP, will be themed: A Shared Vision – Better Business Together and will run from April 29 to May 2, 2020.
ASGA’s Michael Punch and FESPA Australia’s Nigel Davies say the conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach is designed to bring the industry together for three days of learning, development and networking.
“The establishment of a national conference is a logical extension for FESPA and ASGA, and reflects the strong cooperative relationship we’ve had over many years,” Davies said.
“Both organisations are committed to building the strength of the industry, and the National Conference is an important step towards improving learning and networking opportunities for our members and the wider industry, and fostering a more coordinated industry vision,” he said, explaining that registration is open to all businesses in the sign, display, engraving, wide-format, screen and broader graphics sector.
A welcome cocktail party will kick-off proceedings on Wednesday April 29 followed by two days of conference sessions on Thursday April 30 and Friday May 1. The HP Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner will be held on the Friday evening.
A ‘recovery’ breakfast is also planned for Saturday morning.
While The full program is still being finalised, Davies and Punch say it will address some of the industry’s most pressing issues, including legislative changes, fire ratings and sustainability, business insights, leadership and digital marketing, stress and burnout, and even a motivational message from four-time Olympian and Winter Olympic Gold Medallist, Steve Bradbury.
“Visitors will also be able to see the very latest equipment, systems and solutions from leading industry suppliers at Visual Impact, which is at the same venue,” Punch said.
“And there will be plenty of opportunities to network with friends and colleagues at our welcome Cocktail Party, networking events and the Awards and Gala Dinner.”
The setting for the Conference, in one of Australia’s most iconic locations, is also expected to be a drawcard, making it the perfect opportunity for business owners, production and marketing managers from across the country to enjoy a mini-break in the sunshine while gaining some genuine perspective and learnings to take back to their business.
As well as Diamond Sponsor HP, a host of industry leaders have signed up as Gold Sponsors of the Conference, including 3M, Amari, Avery Dennison, Epson, Euro Poles, FESPA, Graphic Art Mart, Hexis and the industry’s supplier organisation, Visual Connections. Silver sponsors include Adzon, ChromaLuxe, Hosking Trade, Orafol, Sign Manufacturers’ Insurance Brokers (SMIB) and Trotec.
Further information about the conference will be released soon, but those wanting to enquire can contact michael_punch@sgns.org.au or admin@sgiaa.asn.au or exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au
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