Justin Kirkland voted 2024 FESPA Australia Future Leader

(L-R) Lisa Michalanney, Signage World, Nigel Davies, President FESPA Australia,  Justin Kirkland, Fujifilm Australia

On 24 October 2024, FESPA Australia held its Future Leaders Cocktail event, culminating in the announcement of the 2024 FESPA Australia Future Leader. The two-day leadership program brought together twelve participants from a range of companies and backgrounds, to participate in a transformative two-day leadership workshop where they engaged with experts, expanded their leadership skills and explored key industry challenges.

During the event, Justin Kirkland from Fujifilm was named the 2024 FESPA Future Leader, as voted by their peers. Lisa Michalanney, from Signage World, received the second place nomination, and both will receive subsidised trips to attend FESPA Berlin in May 2025, where they will represent Australia on an international platform, showcasing their expertise and vision for the industry.

Kirkland says, “It’s great to have this type of program, which looks at not just emerging leaders but also existing leaders and how we can help the entire industry and grow the industry for all. It offers an opportunity that showcases a dynamic industry in which you can have a career. It was a great two days.”

FESPA Australia President Nigel Davies addressed the gathering, saying, "We are really proud that this program, now in it’s third year, has created an alumni of thirty six printing industry leaders who will take the lessons they have learnt through the program, to take this industry forwards into the future.  When we started the program, we said we were going to build a print army, and we are well on the way.” He added that the association plans to expand events and programs with some added funding from FESPA in 2025.

Davies also noted that the program is only made possible by the generous support of the sponsors.
Diamond Sponsor: Orafol

Gold Sponsors: Durst, Visual Connections.

Silver Sponsors: Cactus Imaging, IVE Group, HEXIS, 

Bronze Sponsors: HVG Graphics Media, Pozitive, Ball & Doggett, Kissel & Wolf, Mimaki

For further details about the FESPA Future Leaders Program and upcoming events, visit the FESPA Australia website at https://fespaaustralia.org.au/