Looking back on 2022 brings some great accomplishments for the Association, which enabled a positive and motivating end to the year. With such a successful last 6 months to 2022, it has given us a stable foundation as we track ahead into 2023. Positive change is on the horizon, as we align ourselves with our fellow industry, Print NZ Association on a few common goals and visions. Whilst, keeping our own identities, we will be collaborating more bringing strength in numbers, and representing our industries, with more strategic thinking, successful events, and better training opportunities. Thanks to Covid-19 and all the change, disruption, and evolution it brought, we now have a great opportunity to become more aligned.
Some of the key changes you may see heading into the new year are with our events, now combining to Print and Sign, for example, Golf Days, Women in Print + Sign, and Expo. With training, we hope that Sign Making will be included in a one-week Foundation workshop for new apprentices for both industries, as it has already been established and run by the Print industry with great success. We also are pleased to announce that our Apprentice of the Year candidates will be officially included in the celebration evening that Print NZ holds once a year. This is an excellent way to reward and celebrate Apprentices, as they can come together in front of their family and work peers to be acknowledged for their commitment to completing their apprenticeship training.
Furthermore, the Print Association has the capacity to assist our NZSDA sign-maker members with governance, including employment and legislative advice. This is a fantastic benefit, as we have known that we lacked knowledge in these areas. Our members can now look forward to having access to up-to-date information and advice when they need it.
Planning large events like the Expo with the Print Association should come with many knock-on opportunities for industry suppliers, sign makers, and printers. Our industries coming together to showcase the vast range of products, supplies and innovative technologies will only make our relationship stronger and industry bigger and better for years to come.
Keeping it real, we will continue to hold the NZSDA Conference and NZ Sign Display Awards separately, as acknowledging the differences between the industries is also important. We understand that it is our requirement to continue to educate and advise on specific sign-making content and topics for all our members and also to recognize outstanding craftmanship and achievements from very talented sign makers across the nation within this very diverse sign manufacturing industry.
Signing off for 2022, we do wish all our members and industry peers a fantastic Christmas and holiday period, and look forward to jumping on this rollercoaster ride with you all in 2023.
