The industry’s favourite expo, Visual Impact, will once again co-locate with PacPrint, putting signage, display, graphics, engraving, wide-format, textile and garment printing ‘front and centre’ at what will arguably be one of the industry’s most important exhibitions ever held.
The show, which could well be the first ‘in-person’ expo for close to two years, will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October this year, and many of the industry’s leading names have already confirmed that they will exhibit.
As has long been the case with VI, visitors can expect the exhibitor offerings to span a wide range of technologies, from software and workflow solutions, to dye-sublimation and wide-format output devices, engraving and routing technologies, laser-cutting and finishing, textile and direct-to-garment printing, media and substrates, and even leasing and finance.
Many of the industry’s leading suppliers have already confirmed they will exhibit, including Esko, Print IQ and Colour Graphic Services. HP, Roland DG, EuroPoles, Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox and Gravotech have also put ink to paper on their booking forms.
Mutoh and Mimaki will be there, alongside Quadient – formerly Neopost – joined by names including Aeronaut, BPG Australia, Elizabeth Machines, Shann Group and Hilton Laminating, SAled, Hexis, Velfex, Print IQ, Sublimation Systems, Wilenco and Ecolease.
In addition, visitors will enjoy the benefits of co-location, with open access to the PacPrint 2021 and Label & Packaging Expo exhibitions, providing the opportunity for the chance discoveries which so often provide ‘game-changing’ ideas for attendees.
Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections which owns and organises the event, says feedback from previous shows indicates that while visitors generally have an idea of what they are coming to a show to see, it’s the chance discovery of new technologies and niche products from new or previously unknown suppliers, or the conversations with suppliers or other business owners, which often spark ideas and inspiration.
“It’s the ‘don’t know what you don’t know’ factor – and quite often it’s where the most valuable and profitable discoveries are made,” he says, noting that this is where the real value of physical trade shows lies.
“That chance to gather in one place and really explore what’s available – as well as chat to both the suppliers and to colleagues and peers from across the industry – has underpinned the popularity of trade shows for many years…and we believe it’s just as important, if not more so, than it’s ever been,” he says.
With Australia is ideally placed to reintroduce exhibitions and events, Harper says his team has been impressed with the enthusiasm of both suppliers and industry businesses for the coming show, with both keen for that ‘in-person’, B2B experience.
“Bookings for floorspace at Visual Impact, PacPrint and the Label & Packaging Expo are progressing well, with suppliers keen to showcase their latest innovations in a ‘face-to-face’ environment,” he said.
“Their confidence seems well placed, with a recent survey of industry businesses indicating that the vast majority intend to be in Melbourne for the event – just on 70% said they would ‘definitely’ be there, and another 14% are considering attending.”
They’ll be rewarded not only with the chance to see new innovations first-hand, evaluate competitive options all under one roof, and connect with the suppliers and product experts, but to access a busy program of seminars, workshops and other events designed to enhance learning, provide networking opportunities and celebrate the industry.
The popular PacPrint Forum Series of seminars and workshops will run daily during the show, an ASGA/FESPA Australia conference program is also planned to run on the opening day with the HP Awards for Excellence scheduled for that night, while the National Print Awards presentation will be held on Thursday 30 September.
“It’s time to review, rebuild and reconnect in this post-COVID world, and Visual Impact will be the best opportunity sign, display and graphics businesses have had since 2019 to come together and explore new possibilities to build their business success,” Harper says.
Visual Impact, PacPrint 2021 and the Label & Packaging Expo will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October, 2021. The latest information can be found at www.pacprint.com.au while those wanting to exhibit at the show should call Peter Harper and the events team on +61 2 9868 1577 or contact exhibitons@visualconnections.org.au.
