With a few words of welcome from PacPrint Chair Adrian Fleming, and a positive message of support for the industry – and manufacturing more widely – from Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change – PacPrint 2017 and Visual Impact Melbourne were officially opened.
Fleming, who has chaired the PacPrint Board during its planning over the past 18 months, thanked the show’s sponsors – Roland, Currie Group, HP, Graphic Art Mart, Konica Minolta, Pozitive, efi, Mimaki and Spicers – and the exhibitors, whose commitment to the industry and the show had, he said, made the industry’s leading show a reality.
The Minister continued the positive messaging, saying it was inspiring to see such excitement around the show, demonstrating the interest in new technologies – something she said the Victorian Government was committed to, not only through support of R&D but also more broadly to bring new technologies into commercialisation.
The show, which is expected to attract some 12,000 visitors over its four-day run, had a brisk start with visitors queueing to be first through the doors. Inside, exhibitors had worked, some of them well into the night, to have their showcases ready for the expected crowds…and they did not disappoint.
According to organisers, Visual Connections, pre-registrations for the show were strong and boosted by the queues of industry professionals who registered at the show, with the stats also confirming that PacPrint is still very much a ‘decision-makers’ show.
“Pre-registrations were in line with our expectations, indicating that the industry very much sees PacPrint and Visual Impact as ‘must see’ events,” said Peter Harper, General Manager – Trade Shows & Publications for Visual Connections, adding that as well as a strong Australian contingent – the majority of them from Victoria – more than 400 were coming to the show from New Zealand, Asia and further afield.
“Numbers, however, are only part of the equation – what is even more important is that well over 60% of pre-registered visitors fall within the ‘top three’ categories of CEO, Managing Director and Owner/Manager of their businesses; in other words, it is the decision-makers who make it a priority to attend because they understand the value of seeing the latest trends and technologies under one roof.”
Complementing the exhibition was an outstanding Forum and Workshop program, which kicked off with a keynote address by futurist, Steve Tighe.
Tighe, who heads up Chasing Sunrises, urged delegates to overcome the ‘myopia’ which can be caused by single-minded passion, let go of data dependence, and look instead at the shape of change and the direction that indicates for future market development.
Aptly, this was followed by an exceptionally well-received Technology Panel, featuring areas like functional printing, 3D printing and other emerging technologies, and an engaging overview of digital marketing strategies by Sandra O’Neill from The Marketing Division.
On the other side of the exhibition space, a smaller Workshop theatre hosted a series of sessions, including hands-on workshops on 3D print and marketing, among others.
Tomorrow’s program will kick off with the Women in Print Breakfast, the Forums will feature Peter Davidson, a helicopter Paramedic who was involved in the tragic 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, take part in a facilitated discussion on ‘Training for Transformation’ and hear Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Australian Catalogue Association speak about the future of retail, and the show will open late until 7pm, with canapes and drinks served from 5pm.
“Day Two of PacPrint 2017 looks certain to build on these positives, with exhibitors hitting their stride and visitor numbers increasing, as typically happens as the week progresses,” Harper said as doors closed for the day.
“We’re looking forward to building on the success we’ve seen today and welcoming even more industry professionals to a show which is already delivering on its promise to connect visitors with the ideas, information and inspiration they need to build their future success.”
PacPrint 2017 will open tomorrow between 10am and 7pm. To register, go to www.pacprint.com.au or you can register on-site at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
PacPrint 2017
www.pacprint.com.au
