2026 sees the launch of the new Connect Conference, which has been purpose-designed to offer the leading-edge intelligence, insights and inspiration you need to support the future profitability and sustainability of your business, your customers and the print, sign and graphics sector.
Register for Connect Conference 2026
Divided into three streams, Connect 2026 will feature independent local and international experts and thought leaders, bringing you the latest on topics including future business trends, emerging technology, building and measuring success, international case studies on sustainability, and more.
The content is designed to educate, upskill and challenge the status quo, so if you're a business owner, operational lead or decision maker, you won't want to miss this important leadership event.
| DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER - BETTER BUSINESS |
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| Driving growth through leadership, ethics, talent acquisition, supply chains and the general business environment. Day 1 highlights include: |
| International Industry Insights led by Karren Challoner-Miles, CEO of Visual Connections, featuring leaders from international industry associations including ISA, Linda Edwards - Managing Director of BSGA, Printing United Alliance and FESPA. |
| Keynote: Steve Vamos - Author, advisor and former CEO at Xero, Microsoft Australia and Apple Asia Pacific, on leadership, innovation, alignment...and the human side of building high-performing organisations. |
| Education, Training & Careers Panel - led by Rob Griffith, Editor at Visual Connections and featuring Megan Lilly - Deputy Commissioner, Jobs & Skills Australia; Paul Richards - Head Teacher, Sign & Graphics, Sydney TAFE; Charbella Ayoub - apprentice signwriter, Cunneen Signs. |
| Keynote: Dr David Cooke - Executive Director, ESG Advisory and author of Kind Business - How Values Create Value on corporate responsibility and how values drive business success. |
| DAY 2: THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER - NAVIGATING SUSTAINABILITY |
| Understanding Australian government requirements around energy and achieving carbon neutral accreditation, sustainable practices in the print industry and across retail. Day 2 highlights include: |
| Sustainability - Fireside Chat led by Mel Ireland with guests including Brett Spicer - Senior Sustainability Professional, Bird & Bower Advisory. |
| Gillon McLachlan, CEO of Tabcorp and former CEO of the AFL, in conversation with Matt Aitken, Managing Director of IVE Group about his experience of leadership, how and where Tabcorp is transitioning from print to digital, and the challenges and opportunities that creates. |
| The Energy Future - Expert session on strategy, transitions and carbon neutrality. |
| DAY 3: FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER - FUTURE READY |
| Data and business security, the migration from print to digital, emerging technologies, AI explained, and the economic outlook for Australia. Day 3 highlights include: |
| Digital & Print - Fireside Chat on global and local outdoor signage trends featuring Matt Fitzpatrick from Signarama and experts from JC Decaux. |
| Keynote: Richard Williams - Managing Director, Precision Solutions Group - Cyber Awareness and Adaptability in Business |
| The Future of Signage - panel discussion led by Mick Harrold, President of the Australian Sign & Graphics Assocaition, and featuring Steen Zimmerman, Zimmerman Industries; Steve Lambourne from SS Signs and Callan Laughton from Insigns. |
| Keynote: Dr Craig Emerson - Managing Director, Emerson Economics - leading economist and former Federal politician |
| AI Case Study - Dr Xun Li, team leader and senior researcher, CSIRO - how AI can increase efficiency, reducle labour-intensive work, improve decision-making and create business value - and how to make sure it helps, rather than hinders. |
VIEW CONFIRMED SPEAKER DETAILS HERE
Choose what day interests you the most, or lock in for all three days of information, ideas and inspiration! Early Bird tickets start from $199 incl. GST per day, or $525 for a 3-day pass.
Register for Connect Conference 2026
Demonstrate your leadership, showcase your support for the industry and promote your brand by sponsoring the 2026 Connect Conference.
With a range of sponsorship opportunities available, all with benefits structured to maximise your exposure and deliver real ROI, but opportunites are limited, so don't delay.
Click on the button below to download the Sponsorship Prospectus, and call us on (02) 9868 1577 or email admin@visualconnections.org.au to discuss available options.
