30 DEC 2022/JAN 2023 It’s the first time in over four years that the VI Expo has come to the harbour city, with the last show PrintEx in 2019. Both industry businesses and the companies which supply them with systems, equipment and consumables are keen to get ‘back to business’. This time, the theme for the show is ‘Envision Your Success’, with VI Sydney set to showcase innovations in everything from signage to digital printing and personalisation; to channel lettering, braille and illuminated signage; displays, display systems and wide-format printing; textile, sublimation and direct-to-garment printing; laser cutting, routing and engraving; vinyl applications, media and more. The show’s organisers, supplier association Visual Connections, have rolled into preparations for the show off the back of a successful co-located Visual Impact and PacPrint in Melbourne. Sarah Moore, Business Development Manager for Visual Connections, says her events team barely had time to get their feet back under their desks before the calls started from potential exhibitors enquiring about the show. Many of the major players, she reports, are already locked in. “Without question, the market sectors covered by Visual Impact continue to dominate print shows – not just here, but across the globe,” she says. “This is not only because these markets are continuing to thrive, despite pandemics and other disruptions, but because the suppliers in this space continue to innovate to deliver products which give businesses exciting new ideas and opportunities to build success.” Among the leading names who have already earmarked their stands for the show are Platinum Sponsor Roland DG, Gold Sponsors Epson, Euro Poles, HP, Pozitive, Spicers, Starleaton and Trotec. Also confirmed are Alfex Laser, Celmac, CMYKhub, Dakco Industrial Holdings, Dongguan Thunderlaser, Elizabeth Machines, Impression Technology, Mutoh, Multicam, Signage Accessories Suppliers (SAS), Sublimation Systems, and Paper Handling Equipment, with many more in the process of finalising their plans. “We’re delighted with the way the show is shaping up and with the information which is filtering through from exhibitors about their plans,” says Visual Connections Events Manager Charly Blades. “Quite a number of exhibitors who participated in Melbourne were unable to get some of their most recent products landed in time for the show due to shipping delays and supply chain disruptions, and we know that many of these innovations are now in the country and will be included on their Sydney stands, providing visitors with the chance to be first in line to see these new solutions in action.” If Melbourne is anything to go by, Moore believes it’s not only exhibitors who will be keen to participate. “Businesses in our sector have been remarkably resilient over the past few years, but they’re now putting COVID behind them, looking forward with confidence and really envisioning their success,” she says. “With more than $50M transacted on the show floor in Melbourne and thousands of sales leads expected to double that over coming months flowing from that show, it’s clear that industry businesses are also ready to invest in the future. They certainly proved that in Melbourne, and we know that Sydney businesses, and those who were unable to get to the show in June, will not want to be left behind. “Visual Impact Sydney will provide the perfect opportunity for business owners and key decision makers to evaluate their options, connect with the experts, and make important investment decisions to build future success,” says Moore. Blades agrees, noting that the enthusiasm for in-person events has, if anything, increased since the pandemic. “It’s been so encouraging to see how people across all kinds of industries have embraced the opportunity to get back to physical events,” she says. “There’s really nothing like a trade show to give you a chance to see a whole range of solutions under one roof, speak to the experts, gather information and insights – and connect with industry colleagues and friends. It’s no wonder people are flocking back to exhibition centres across the country,” concludes Blades. Registration for the show will open early in 2023, so those intending to be at Visual Impact Sydney 2023 should mark the dates in their diaries – and keep their eyes peeled. Exhibitors can reserve one of the remaining stands at any time by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. au or by calling the Visual Connections office on (02) 9868 1577. Envision Your Success Envision Your Success at Visual Impact Sydney at Visual Impact Sydney The future is here – Sydneysiders will be in the box seat to see the latest at Visual Impact Expo, held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, from 3-5 May 2023.
