Sustainability was the key theme when almost 100 delegates attended the first FESPA Australia conference last week in Sydney's Shangri-la Hotel.
Keynote speaker Jon Dee, author, broadcaster and Australian of The Year 2010 (NSW), set the scene by stressing that sustainability is much more than a vague 'green sympathy' and is about innovation, efficiency, and long-term business planning.
"Panel discussion mixed with streamed interviews and presentations expanded further on the framework of the triple bottom line of People Planet Profit," said FESPA Australia. "A recurring message throughout the conference was the importance of partnerships and collaboration to bring about change."
A video by Graeme Richardson-Locke, FESPA, along with a panel discussion with Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett and Thomas Anderson from Starleaton, addressed how they work toward achieving sustainable priorities.
Julian Lowe, Coritex, Jeff Barr, AFI Branding and Jordan Leach, Avery Dennison, discussed their company's practical approach to circular economic practices, including case studies of textile recycling and recycling of end caps.
‘Automate - don't fill unfillable jobs,’ was the message by KeyPoint Intelligence, based on its research.
FESPA Australia president Nigel Davies (pictured above), from M-Power Software, and Doug Robey, DFlow, expanded on the automation theme, arguing that the key to automation lies in collecting data in cloud-based MIS and working towards standardisation and integration in small steps.
Attendees heard an inspirational story from Jaimee Rogers, Sky News Sports presenter, who shared her journey of recently swimming the English Channel.
Carl Harman, Imago Leadership, introduced the FESPA Future Leaders cohort. He pointed out that investing in leadership and culture change will be heard in stories rather than on the bottom line - the team member who decided to stay rather than leave, decisions made differently and business relationships on a new footing.
Keith Ferrel, Cactus Imaging, Ben Eaton, Starleaton and Troy Cavanagh, Imagbox, gave their insights into better leadership.
The organisers received positive feedback from both delegates and sponsors in attendance and expressed their support for the next event. Based on the conference's success and the Future Leaders program, planning has already commenced for 2023.
The FESPA Annual Conference was made possible through the support of Diamond Sponsor Orafol, Gold Sponsors Ball & Doggett, Durst, Starleaton, Visual Connections, Silver Sponsors Kissel and Wolf, MPower Software, Cactus Imaging, Bronze Sponsors HVG and Ricky Richards.
FESPA Australia is one of 37 National associations that make up the FESPA federation. Its members include leading digital printers, screen printers, sign makers, textile and apparel, and promotional products printers who manufacture a diverse range of products.
