Visual Connections, born from the GAMAA and VISA merger, had its first meeting in Sydney with newly elected president announcing a strategic review into the association. Newly-elected president Mitchell Mulligan, managing director of Böttcher, says, “The first order of business is to undertake a full strategic review, which will be led by Karen Goldsmith and Peter Harper, to develop a map for the future.

Mitch Mulligan

“We are also planning an official launch for our members in August, and we have the Visual Impact Trade Show coming up in Melbourne in September so there is plenty to get on with,” he says. Former GAMAA head Goldsmith is general manager for association while VISA figure Harper is now general manager for trade shows. The new supplier association was officially formed on July 1. At the first Visual Connections meeting, the board heard Mulligan reinforce the positive impact the ‘united force’ can have on the industry. He says, “With the combined memberships of both associations Visual Connections is representative of all the major suppliers across the print, graphic and signage industries. “We are a united force and are excited about the opportunities this presents.” Mulligan confirmed the mandate for the new association was firmly based on the objectives of both GAMAA and VISA to give back to the industry. “The board of Visual Connections is committed to contributing to a sustainable future for our industries by continuing to invest in education, sponsorship, exhibitions and grants programs.” The VC board is made up of Mulligan, vice president Mark Tailby (Graphic Art Mart) and board members Russell Cavenagh (DES), Ian Martin (WRH Global), Luke Wooldridge (Kodak), John Wall (Roland DG), Marcus Adler (Adler Digital) and Troy Macintosh (Sign Sheet Distributors). The next Visual Impact trade show will be September 17 to 19 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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