While the location may be in Australia, the region’s leading event for the print and wider graphic communications industry is very much the local ‘go-to’ event for New Zealand businesses as well. Now, with a trans-Tasman travel bubble confirmed, organisers are extending a special invitation to Kiwi colleagues to travel to Melbourne for the show.
The region’s leading event for the print and wider graphic communications industry will open its doors at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 28 September and run for four days until 1 October, co-locating with the popular Visual Impact Expo and Label & Packaging Expos.
With a number of industry events postponed or cancelled globally during 2020 and 2021 – including in New Zealand – this is likely to be the best opportunity in two years for printers across the region to see technologies and solutions first-hand, and to connect with the suppliers who can help them develop their post-COVID approach and investment strategy.
This year’s exhibition is shaping up as an exciting and comprehensive showcase, featuring everything from print and direct mail, to finishing and embellishment, software and workflow solutions, wide-format and textile printing, laser cutting, routing and engraving, illuminated signage, labels and packaging, and media and consumables.
“We know that New Zealanders, like Australians, have had limited opportunities for this kind of in-person event, which is so helpful in evaluating technologies and determining future business strategy,” said Peter Harper, CEO of the show organisers, Visual Connections, as news of the travel bubble broke yesterday.
“We always look forward to welcoming a strong contingent of visitors from across the ditch to shows in Sydney and Melbourne, and hope to see even more attend this year.”
As well as a showcase from exhibitors, many of whom supply across the region, enquiries have already been received from NZ companies keen to showcase their latest offerings. The show will deliver added value through seminars sessions on everything from global trends and business strategies to practical, hands-on workshops.
Ruth Cobb, CEO of PrintNZ, said NZ businesses were looking forward to the chance to gather in Melbourne, noting that the land of the long white cloud is closer to Melbourne than even some of Australia’s other capital cities. PrintNZ will have a stand at the show and Cobb says her team is also working on plans for a get-together for those who travel across to the show.
“We’re close and friendly neighbours, and our industries have always enjoyed strong links across the Tasman,” Cobb says. “PacPrint typically attracts a good contingent of Kiwis, who know it will provide the kind of information, ideas and insights businesses need to tackle an ever-changing market, plus a chance to catch up with a good number of our leading suppliers.”
Andy Lowe from the New Zealand Sign & Display Association (NZSDA) says their members are also looking forward to the show, following the recent postponement of that association’s popular Expo 2021 until next year.
“The Visual Impact Expo, with its variety of wide-format and textile printing, cutting, routing and engraving, LED and 3D manufacturing technologies, together with the workshops for this sector, are sure to provide plenty of interest for our members,” Lowe says.
“We are planning to have a presence at the show and are looking forward to seeing fellow Kiwis there as we work together to build the strength of our industry in this post-COVID environment.”
PacPrint 20201, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo will run at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 28 September until Friday 1 October, 2021. Some stands are still available for NZ suppliers who wish to capitalise on the event – they can be reserved by contacting Visual Connections on +61 2 9868 1577 or exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au To register to attend the show, or find out more information, go to www.pacprint.com.au
