VISUAL IMPACT EXPO FEATURE technologies like thermal, inkjet, dye- sublimation, direct-to-film and direct-to- garment (DTG) solutions; to laser cutting, sewing and other finishing solutions, For traditional print, sign and display businesses, the most obvious textile applications are soft signage, banners and fabric displays, which have continued to boom in popularity due to their light weight, flexibility, durability and ease of transport. The popularity of these textile products with businesses has been enhanced by new print technologies, fabric options and innovative structural systems, all of which will be on show in Melbourne, as will applications for the burgeoning bespoke interiors markets, where digital print technologies have allowed the economical production of ‘one- off’ or short-run textiles for curtains, cushions, wall-coverings, wraps and other soft furnishings, giving designers and clients the ability to create cost- effective bespoke solutions, often combining fabric with other printed products like wallpapers and decals. Smaller systems, like desktop DTG printers, will show visitors how easy it is today to dip a toe in the decoration market with products like garments or promotional items, offering options to expand your product range – vital in today’s fickle and fast-changing market. Open entry to the co-located PacPrint and Label & Packaging Expos will also deliver enormous benefits, allowing visitors to view the latest in everything from workflow and colour management; to conventional, digital and wide- format print and finishing; labels and packaging, and even business services like planning, leasing and finance. While this may not, on the face of it, seem like it will deliver much value to you, organisers say that feedback from previous shows is clear – the benefits of co-location mean visitors often report that they were able to discover new ideas and options by investigating other closely-related fields. Caption Industry associations including FESPA, ASGA, LIA, PVCA and TRMC will also be present, showcasing their support services, and an expansive seminar program will provide both sector- specific and broader information and ideas which can greatly add to the ROI you will get from the show. Forum Sessions That, of course, brings us to the PacPrint Forum Series of seminars, available to visitors to all three shows, which will feature keynote addresses, expert presentations and panel sessions to complement the exhibition with learning and professional development. Sponsored by Media Super and Visual Connections, the series will feature daily sessions including keynote addresses, expert sessions and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics. Industry updates will help you understand the factors impacting on our industry and get a handle on future trends and initiatives, while recognised thought leaders will share their expertise on what sustainability means in the context of business today and how you can meet expectations, how to maximise your ‘human resources’ to give your business the edge, and how implementing workflow and automation can boost profits. Specific sessions, like those on changes to the National Construction Code or what’s driving sustainability in drinks, will be complemented by general presentations like one imagemagazine.com.au 15
