The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) and FESPA Australia have announced the first national conference for sign and display professionals, which will coincide with the Visual Impact trade show on the Gold Coast, 29 April-2 May 2020.
 |
| "An important step": Nigel Davis, president, FESPA Australia |
“The establishment of a national conference is a logical extension for FESPA and ASGA, and reflects the strong cooperative relationship we’ve had over many years,” says FESPA Australia’s Nigel Davies.
“Both organisations are committed to building the strength of the industry, and the National Conference is an important step towards improving learning and networking opportunities for our members and the wider industry, and fostering a more coordinated industry vision.”
The ASGA & FESPA Australia 2020 HP National Conference, supported by premier sponsor HP, will be themed A Shared Vision – Better Business Together.
Registration is open to all businesses in the sign, display, engraving, wide-format, screen and broader graphics sector. The new event is designed to bring the industry together for three days of learning, development and networking at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach.
 |
|
Michael Punch, GM ASGA
|
“Visitors will also be able to see the very latest equipment, systems and solutions from leading industry suppliers at Visual Impact, which is at the same venue,” says ASGA general manager Michael Punch. “There will be plenty of opportunities to network with friends and colleagues at our welcome cocktail party, networking events and the awards and gala dinner.”
The Conference will kick off with the Welcome Cocktail Party on the evening of Wednesday 29 April, followed by two days of conference sessions on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May, prior to the 2020 HP Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner that night. Delegates can then gather the following morning for what the organisers are calling ‘Recovery Breakfast.’
While the full program is still being finalised, Davies and Punch say it will address some of the industry’s most pressing issues, including legislative changes, fire ratings and sustainability, business insights, leadership and digital marketing, stress and burnout, and a motivational message from four-time Olympian and Winter Olympic Gold Medallist, Steve Bradbury.
The setting for the conference, in one of Australia’s most iconic locations, is also expected to be a drawcard, making it “the perfect opportunity for business owners, production and marketing managers from across the country to enjoy a mini-break in the sunshine while gaining some genuine perspective and learnings to take back to their business.”
As well as Diamond Sponsor HP, a host of industry leaders have signed up as Gold Sponsors of the conference, including 3M, Amari, Avery Dennison, Epson, Euro Poles, FESPA, Graphic Art Mart, Hexis and the industry’s supplier organisation, Visual Connections.
Silver sponsors include Adzon, ChromaLuxe, Hosking Trade, Orafol, Sign Manufacturers’ Insurance Brokers (SMIB) and Trotec.
Further information about the conference will be released soon, but those wanting to enquire can contact michael_punch@sgns.org.au or admin@sgiaa.asn.au or exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au
Online entries are now open for the biennial Australian Sign and Graphics Association/ FESPA Australia 2020 HP Awards for Excellence, to be presented during Visual Impact Gold Coast 2020.
