Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper has said the upcoming Visual Impact exhibition in Brisbane will 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 has attracted a larger number of exhibitor enquiries from Asian companies and we feel, like the Drupa team does, that suppliers from China have every right to exhibit – as much as any other international company. However, as we have always done, we do place some restrictions on exactly which offshore suppliers can exhibit in our shows. Primarily, they must not be selling print or signage directly into Australia and they must be looking for distributors into Australia. Is it hard to police – yes – but we monitor it closely,” he said.
Supported by Platinum Sponsor Roland DG, and Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP, Spicers and Trotec, Visual Impact Brisbane show has already attracted a long list of exhibitors represents many of the industry’s leading names, promising visitors a comprehensive display of everything from software and workflows to wide-format print, fabrication, illumination, engraving, laser cutting and more.
Visual Connections events manager Charly Blades said there are still some excellent stands available – but suppliers who want to take advantage of the opportunity will need to be quick, with several potential exhibitors already circling many of the prime positions which remain.
“We’ve seen excellent attendances at recent shows, with industry businesses keen to see and experience the latest technologies and innovations and make major investment decisions after enduring such long breaks during the pandemic,” she said.
“Brisbane is shaping up as no exception to this. The floorplan is looking pretty full, which is great so far out from opening, and we have already received our first registrations after opening bookings this week – so clearly there are business owners who are already looking forward to taking advantage of all the opportunities available to them in Brisbane.”
Blades confirmed that as always, there will be an educational element to the show, but this year the focus is on delivering maximum value for minimum investment of time, with a program the organisers are calling ‘Expert Connections’.
“Visual Impact only runs for three days, and we know that many visitors can only afford limited time away from their businesses to attend, so the sessions in our Connections Centre will be short, snappy and laser-focused on the topic at hand, whether that’s economic or business updates, market trends, expert opinions, or sessions on various technologies and innovations,” Blades explained.
“The idea is to make sure visitors can gather plenty of knowledge, insights and ideas, as well as connect with experts who can really deliver value to their business, without taking too much time away from the exhibition itself.”
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.
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