Association Update – March 2026

The main focus for the NZSDA in March is preparations for the upcoming Sign & Print Expo. We are delighted to have secured 47 awesome exhibitors, with a few more in the pipeline. It is shaping up to be our biggest expo yet, and we can’t wait to see everybody there! Head to the event website for a sneak peak at the exhibitor list, and all the details around speaker sessions and live demonstrations.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you register to attend expo. Registering helps us have a better idea of who is coming along and ensures we can plan the experience to best cater for everyone on the trade floor. And if you want to get even more out of the expo, sign up for the Members Expo Package, a special agenda of events we’ve put together to help our members fully immerse themselves in the learning and connection. If you haven’t been to a conference before, this is your chance to get a taste of it. Book in at the recommended accommodation to open up so many hidden connection opportunities, and bring your partner too, as they can be invaluable in supporting you to build new industry connections.

We have now opened the 2026 Pricing Guide Surveys and are calling on our members and the industry to donate their time and fill these out. We need lots of feedback from you to ensure the data is accurate. This year we will be releasing the guide as an online downloadable document. We will do one small run of printed copies, and these will be available only to those sign shops attending the Members Expo Extras Package. So, if you want one, make sure you register asap!

There is now less than 50 days left to submit your awards entries, so if you haven’t started yet, I strongly suggest you get a wriggle on. I know there’s work you’ve done this year that deserves recognition, and with so many categories, you can find one for any project. Notable awards are also open for nominations, so nominate yourself or someone you know for a notable award or for Apprentice of the Year.

Regional meetings are back with Wellington and Christchurch first on the agenda. We want to see as many members there as possible, so please do make the commitment to come along. We keep these fairly informal, but they provide a unique opportunity to connect with others in the region, share ideas, discuss challenges that are often specific to your region, and build relationships with businesses working in the same area. It is also a chance to hear updates on the work being done on behalf of members and raise anything you would like the Association to be aware of.

For those businesses considering Master Sign Maker, now is your time! You need to get your application through soon if you want to receive your plaque on stage at the 2026 Sign Awards. Leaving it too late means waiting till next year to have your moment in the spotlight. If you are a few points shy of reaching the accreditation, get in touch with us. We can help provide you with opportunities to earn those points. Whether it be attending a webinar, showing up to a regional meeting, or attending the Welcome Event and AGM at the Sign & Print Expo.

Ngā mihi,

Mikayla Hopkins
NZSDA

“Networking is an investment in your business. It takes time and when done correctly can yield great results for years to come.” – Diane Helbig