“Let’s hope we can truly leave this all behind us in 2022,” says Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper in a Christmas & New Year Message from the leading supplier organisation for print, sign, display, label & packaging in Australia.
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| "We now turn our focus to the future": Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections |
“2021 has been another year we will never forget, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing from 2020 and still devasting many parts of the world as we approach the festive season,’ Harper says. “This time last year, we were saying that the sooner we have 2020 in our revision mirror, the better. Let’s hope we can truly leave this all behind us in 2022!
“Perhaps the most significant impact of COVID for us in 2021 was the postponement of PacPrint and its co-located shows, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo, until June 2022. That meant that we, like many, had little money coming through the door once again after a lean year in 2020.
“However, with the help of the various grants from Federal and State governments, the support of some very loyal members, and the sacrifices of the Visual Connections team, we have survived…and believe we will be better for the experience, tackling 2022 with more creativity, resourcefulness and determination.
“So, what were we able to do this year? Most importantly, to help our members stay in touch with businesses in our sector. Following on from the first-ever Virtual Trade Show, which was a resounding success in 2020, we introduced a special on-line version of VI Magazine called ‘We are Still Open’. Carrying the latest news, offers and pandemic response from the industry’s suppliers, it was read by almost 30,000 readers. An online resource, ‘Register for Assistance’, provided similar connection and support.
“We have also been delighted to continue our significant support for the LIA Awards Program, which supports the career development of promising young industry professionals, with a $10,000 grant to allow the winners to further their education and career development. We also sponsored the ASGA/FESPA Australia HP Awards for Excellence again in 2021, providing support for this important forum for recognition.
“Of course, all this is possibly only because of you – our members, readers, sponsors, and advertisers. On behalf of all the Visual Connections team and the Visual Connections Board, I thank each of you most sincerely for your support over the past 12 months. We look forward to working with you again in 2021.
‘As we bid farewell to 2021, we now turn our focus to the future and look forward to bringing you the best – and most highly-anticipated – PacPrint show ever, in Melbourne at the end of June 2022. We can’t wait to see you there.”
The Visual Connections office will be closed from December 21st until January 10th, 2022.
“On behalf of the entire team, I wish you peace and goodwill throughout the Christmas season, and health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year,” Harper says. “Enjoy your time with family and friends and please, stay safe.”
https://www.visualconnections.org.au
