Association Update – July

The 2024 Sign Makers Conference and Sign Display Awards of Excellence are officially over, and what a week we had! We would like to thank everybody involved, hosts, sponsors, and attendees. Your contributions helped make this event one of our best conferences yet!

This year we introduced a new experience to the conference lineup; a speed networking session that saw sign makers make their way around tables of suppliers for 15-minute networking slots. During this time attendees learnt about new products and promos, played games, won prizes, and enjoyed snacks and drinks. This session was a highlight for both sign makers and suppliers, with many asking us to keep it in the agenda for future conferences!

We are now busy planning for next year’s conference which will be held in Nelson from 12-14 June 2025. This will be our 60th anniversary so be ready to party with us in celebration! We hope to see more members than ever before making the effort to come along and connect in recognition of this milestone event. 

We recently hosted a webinar with Nigel Davies from M-Power, who explained and promoted his workflow software. It was an insightful session, particularly for those looking for modern, streamlined business solutions. We had really high attendance and lots of great questions asked. For any members unable to make it, the recording is now available in the members section of our website.

We also ran a webinar on cashflow tips and debtor management, presented by co-hosts Anna Ramm (Network HR) and Tom Maling (Brown and Associated Accountants). The session was loaded with easy to absorb, actionable tips on maximising cashflow and managing debt. This recording is also available for members to access on our website.

A new partnership has been established between the Association and 2 Degrees, who are offering NZSDA members discounted broadband, mobile plans, and power. We also have an offer from NZ Safety Blackwoods in the works! These are just some of many new benefits we are offering to our members this year. While our focus is on providing education and support, and fostering community and inclusivity, we know that these discounted offerings can make all the difference for smaller businesses struggling to get through the year. 

He rau ringa e oti ai.
Many hands make light work.

Ngā mihi maioha,

Mikayla Hopkins
Projects, Events & Communications Specialist
NZSDA