Having been with Visual Connections for more than 10 years, the company’s business development manager, Sarah Moore, has seen her skillset in print develop tremendously.
Her career started after she completed Leisure Management studies, then working for charities and venues including the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, which she says was “amazing during the Sydney Olympics”.
She also managed national conferences and trade shows for companies and associations for over 10 years.
Moore then landed a role within event management in Visual Communications when its CEO, Peter Harper, approached her for the role to oversee the Visual Impact trade shows.
“As I had some background in the industry, I jumped at the chance,” Moore said.
Since then, she has been with Visual Connections, with Moore stating that she has seen the company through many changes.
“We’ve seen so many changes – from the merger between VISA and GAMAA to form Visual Connections, the growth of our team, and adding PacPrint and PrintEx to our trade show portfolio,” she mentioned.
“Each change has required me to develop new skills. More recently, I’ve needed to shift from the detail- oriented focus of events to a broader outlook as business development manager, looking at the business, our members and how we can support the industry. It’s a new challenge, but I’m enjoying it.”
The success of the organisation’s first PacPrint in 2017 stands out for Moore, particularly given the small size of the team at that time.
“The best thing, though, has been building relationships with members, fellow associations and our contractors – there are some wonderful people in this industry!” she said.
“I have also been involved in education initiatives with ASGA, REA and Aussip, which has always provided highlights, and I can never forget how amazed students are when they visit our shows.”
But what excites Moore the most in her role is watching the development of technology and the possibility that it provides.
“Most people don’t realise how positively print and signage influence their daily lives; I’m excited to share that impact.”
As a woman in print, Moore said there isn’t one person she looks to for inspiration as there is a wealth of knowledge she receives from both men and women in the industry.
“I am lucky to have knowledgeable, genuine, positive people in both my personal and professional life, who have worked hard to build great things and who inspire me everyday,” she added.
“Working with our members, the industry’s suppliers, every day, and learning more about the diversity of the industry and their businesses is what I find most interesting. And it’s exciting to work with a positive, engaged board that is committed to growing our Association and supporting the industry’s future.”
Moore said the print industry has been more accommodating and welcoming of women than some other industries.
“I’ve worked in other sectors that I’ve found to be far more dismissive. It is great, though, to see growing support for positive change within print, and to feel that in my own roles,” Moore mentioned.
“Having a great boss is a key, of course – Peter is very supportive and encouraging of what is a majority female team.”
According to Moore, there are many ways that women in print can give back to the industry and lead the charge.
“There are so many ways to contribute. Most recently, I’ve been working closely with the Women in Print patrons to coordinate events across the country – a really wonderful initiative,” she said.
“It is so important for us to find ways to support and encourage, rather than undermine, each other.”
Moving forward, Moore aims to work more closely with the Visual Connections board to grow and strengthen the industry.
“We aim to provide even better support to our members through exposure and networking events, training and education initiatives,
and promoting our industry,” she said.
“There’s so much to do – and I’m looking forward to being involved for many, many years to come.”
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