Businesses come together at Connect Conference Day 1

Businesses in our sector, and beyond, are facing myriad challenges…and a constellation of opportunities. Day 1 of Connect Conference explored what is driving change and innovation in print and signage, the role of talent and training, what good leadership looks like, and the measures of success.

The day’s program commenced with a panel session with Linda Edwards, Managing Director of the British Sign & Graphics Association, Ford Bowers, CEO of the US-based PRINTING United Alliance; Lori Anderson, President & CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), and Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia, representing that organisation’s global community.
Hosted by Visual Connections Australia CEO, Karren Challoner-Miles, the session promised to deliver international industry insights and covered everything from the challenges of generational change and talent acquisition, how demand for sustainable solutions is shaping demand, and the ways businesses around the globe are harnessing evolving technologies and navigating the uncertainties of disrupted supply chains and global instability.

Steve Vamos, former CEO of Xero and NineMSN, shared learnings from over 40 years in leadership, likening the current discussions around AI with numerous, previous waves of technological change which engendered both fear and opportunity.
Technology, he argued, does not innovate; people do. Technology simply facilitates the achievement of ideas and amplifies potential. It is up to business leaders to identify what potential exists and determine how technology can be embraced to achieve it.

From continuous learning and embracing change, the program then moved to the specifics of talent acquisition and training, with an expert panel hosted by Visual Connections Editor, Robin Griffith.
Megan Lilly, Acting Commissioner for Jobs & Skills Australia, was joined by Paul Richards, Head Teacher, Sign & Graphics from Sydney TAFE, John Watters, Executive Officer, AusSIP, and Charbella Ayoub, Signwriter from Cunneen Signs, for a discussion which was both challenging and inspiring.

From the role of government in setting the framework and environment for a strong training sector, to the structure and delivery of training and the importance of considering all players in the decision-making process – parents, teachers, employers and RTOs – it was a fascinating insight into what industry needs…and what motivates people to join, and stay in, our industry.

The day ended on a high note with a keynote from Dr David Cooke, ESG leader and author, what motivates leaders, how to define success, and how businesses can build profitable futures while also making the world a better place.
Sharing fascinating stories of his time in leadership with world-leading businesses like Konica Minolta, Canon and Xerox, he challenged attendees to harness the power of their people, set the tone with their own behaviour, and pay attention to the ‘moments that matter’ – of moments of connection, truth and insight.
He closed by positing a question to the gathering: Might profit be the fuel that allows business to exist in the service of something beyond itself?

For a conference that promised to equip business leaders with practical insights, challenge existing thinking, and start conversations about the big issues that shape the future, it could hardly have been a more fitting close to Day 1.

The Day 2 program tomorrow will feature:
• Sustainability as a Tool for Value Creation with Mel Ireland from the Queensland Government and sustainability professional Brett Spicer from Bird & Bower Advisory
• Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan in conversation with Matt Aitkin, MD of IVE Group.
• Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management & Resource Recovery Association of Australia on Using Less for Longer
• Barbara Albert, Co-CEO of 100% Renewables on sustainability in the value chain
• Supercar legend Jamie Whincup, MD and owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering and Team Principal of the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team
• Scott Maynard, Head of Market for Polestar Australia, on the criticality of transparency in sustainability partnerships.

Connect Conference 2026 will continue from 8:30AM – 1:30PM on Thursday and Friday in Conference Hall 2A at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Tickets start at just $249 (GST included). Click here to register for Connect Conference 2026 or find out more at visualimpact.org.au

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