The show rocks on and we will bring more news about it over next week but Wednesday evening was all about two special functions - the LIA precursing the announcement of Apprentice of the Year, introducing the finalists ahead of the announcement at the NPAs, and Currie Group putting a fine party on to celebrate its new branding and, well, just have a good time complete with band and floorshow. It's as if Covid never happened!
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| Top notch entertainment at the Currie Group-HP party |
Trade shows are not just about what's on the expo floor and the many deals that are cemented. It's the association and catching up face-to-face that amplifies the experience and proves more than ever that an exclusively Zoomed business interaction is no substiture for the real thing - people. Trade show days can be 7:30am to 10pm days - it's good to let the hair down sometimes.
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| Robert Black (L) & Brett Maishman |
So, Wednesday evening saw two great events with the LIA bringing about sixty people together to portend the Apprentce of the Year Award, give lifetime achiement awards and, at 50 years, recognise the longest continuously running industry stimulus for the next generation of printers. This was followed by Currie Group's marvelous shebang at the Showtime Events Centre adjacent to the MCEC. The cool group Superband provided entertainment, the amuse bouches and canapes were washed down with plentiful vinos and brews and the atmosphere of camerarderie was electric.
The LIA function, presided over by National President Mel Ireland, also of the Australian Industry Group, honoured three prominent members with lifetime achievement Fellowship awards. These were LIA Victorian President Robert Black, formerly head of the RMIT International Centre for Graphic Technology and Holmesglen Institute and laterly of his own Training & Development firm Black Ink; Former LIA President and VP, Queensland's Bernie Hockings of G2 Systems and Brett Maishman from Fujifilm Business Innovation and Xerox before that. NSW LIA President Angus Scott was also presented with an award and kicked off the proceedings.
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Bernie Hocking receives his award from Mel Ireland |
Well done to both organisations for making it happen and lifting the spirits (literally?) for the industry and demonstrating, when push comes to shove, we are a vibrant people-centric industry that can face all challenges with gusto, verve and a sense of fun.
Congratulations to all who were honoured - the LIA Apprentice of the Year will be named during tonight's National Print Awards.
https://lia.com.au/states/victoria/
