Applications now open for the 2024 FESPA Australia Future Leaders Program

L-R Future Leader Ambassadors 2022 Troy Cavanagh, ImageBox, 2023 Mary Leishman, DRK LBL, Nigel Davies President FESPA Australia 

FESPA Australia has announced that applications are now open for the 2024 FESPA Future Leaders program. Now in its third year, this prestigious program aims to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the print and signage industry.

The FESPA Future Leaders program offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to gain invaluable industry insights, develop essential skills, and network with industry experts and peers. The program is designed to foster innovation, leadership, and professional growth, ensuring a vibrant future for the industry.

“As soon as I found out I was selected to participate in the FESPA Future Leaders program 2023, I was filled with anticipation on what this training experience could offer me in my professional development.  Then within a few short minutes of the first session, I was already faced with new skills and resources that are relevant for my own role, and for the success of the greater team around me,” Mary Leishman, General Manager DRK LBL.

The FESPA Future Leaders Program is a professional and personal development program to identify and develop emerging leadership talent to ensure our industry survives and thrives into the next generation. 

Our industry is ever evolving, says Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia. “Developing and nurturing a pool of visionary leaders who can take a fresh look at these challenges is essential.” 

Orafol continues as the Diamond sponsor of the program. Alex McClelland, Managing Director, says, "We are proud to partner again with FESPA Australia.  Orafol's commitment to learning and development aligns perfectly with the goals of the Future Leaders Program. Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of industry leaders.”

Promoting networking and relationships within the cohort is a key goal of the program. Davies explains current leaders owe a lot to their professional networks, but emerging leaders may lack these deep connections. ''Participants in the FESPA Australia Future Leaders program will have the unique opportunity to join a closely-knit cohort of like-minded professionals that will likely prove instrumental to their future professional development. The program's emphasis on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship will create an environment where participants can draw from each other's expertise, share innovative ideas, and collectively address the challenges that lie ahead."

The program is open to emerging leaders in the specialty printing industry in their early to mid-career years who already demonstrate leadership potential. We invite printers, suppliers, and manufacturers to nominate individuals worthy of development. A selection panel will review applications considering their leadership ambitions, commitment to industry values such as diversity and sustainability, and personal references.

“Participating in the 2023 FESPA Future Leaders Program was an exceptional and memorable experience. The very brilliant Carl Harman was an extraordinary facilitator who from the outset made all feel welcome, fostering a calm and safe environment. One of the programs standout feature was its emphasis on collaboration and networking. Through engaging workshops, group activities, and networking events, I had the privilege of connecting with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds. These interactions not only enriched my understanding of the industry but also fostered lasting relationships that extend beyond the program. I am immensely grateful for this rewarding experience and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone aspiring to take their leadership in the industry to new heights. FESPA has truly set a gold standard in leadership development, and I am proud to be part of this exceptional community”, Nathan Brown, Production Manager – Finishing, Brand Activations, IVE Group

“The FESPA Future Leaders Program was an experience I won’t forget. It exceeded all expectations. The Facilitator expertise and extremely engaging approach made the room come alive, with both theory and practical examples & activities which provided insight into effective leadership. The opportunity to connect and be part of the cohort with such valuable members of our industry today and the future was incredible & inspiring. I highly recommend this opportunity to all ambitious professionals within our industry looking to further enhance their leadership skills and understanding.”

James Merhab, Sales Executive – Sign, Display & Digital, Ball & Doggett

Successful candidates will meet for a hands-on, two-day workshop in Sydney from 23 – 24 October 2024, and culminating with the FESPA Annual Conference on Friday 25 October 2024. They will receive professional coaching, personal development, and mentoring from Carl Harman, who has coached the senior and executive teams and boards of many prominent corporate and government organisations internationally.

The FESPA Future Leaders program is also proudly supported by Gold Sponsors Durst Oceania, Visual Connections; Silver Sponsors Cactus Imaging, IVE Group, Hexis and Bronze Sponsors; Pozitive, Ball & Doggett, Kissel & Wolf, and HVG Graphics Media.

Applications are now open: https://fespaaustralia.org.au/leadership/

For more information email [email protected]