Presidents Post – August

Another Awesome NZSDA Conference and Awards!

Well another great NZSDA conference is over and what an event it was again. Its no wonder attendees rave about these events every year as they just seem to get better and better.

Queenstown was the scene of this years get together. The theme of this years conference had a strong sustainability core, with some activities and speakers giving great insight into this ever increasing concern for all industries and the world in general.

Activities included Curling at the local Ice Rink, an experience we all found great fun, even with a few falls and a pair of split trousers, yes that’s you Mr Paul Walters. We spent a picturesque afternoon cruising the lake with a visit and scrumptious meal at Walter Peak Station, followed by marsh mallows around a warm fire on the lakeside.

We were treated to tasty wines with even tastier stories from a couple of great wineries and froze our bums off in a Ice bar, only to be thawed again with a few heart-warming beverages at a local bar.

It was great to see some new faces and meet my Aussie counterpart Mick Harold and former ASGA president Julie Rochester who made the trip over the ditch and were a great source of inspiration and knowledge. It was enlightening to talk with these two sign professionals and share plans and ideas to help forward both associations.

I must admit I am not usually one for sitting and listening to inspirational speakers but this year I was all ears. We heard

from our key sponsors about sustainability ideas and initiatives, some great ideas shared and hopefully adopted by us all. Justine Ross from 40 below vodka, and Lake Hawera Station had me absorbing tales of great successful marketing campaigns and admiring her power and gutsy attitude, as she had me wishing I was back behind my business desk again with my mind buzzing with ideas and inspiration to build, build build.

We then heard from Mark Inglis, truly inspirational and gut wrenching tales of perseverance and intestinal fortitude. As an ex-climber myself I found myself in awe of this man’s attitude toward life and his pursuit of his goals.

Friday night saw the flag ship event of the NZSDA year, the National NZ Sign Display Awards, that were held on top of the world at the Skyline. A simply stunning array of ground-breaking signage work was awarded with medals along with special recognition of efforts from some of industries standout good sorts. Awesome food, surroundings and great fun events topped off with spending time with genuine good buggers is what these events are all about and this year’s event was a stellar example.

I would personally like to thank all our sponsors, speakers, entertainers, my fellow NZSDA board members and all you great members and industry guests for another wonderful conference and awards. A very special thankyou to our “M”. Melissa Coutts each year excels in organising and running our events, a wee lady with a huge heart, thanks again.

I hope to see you all again next year at the Sign + Print Expo and NZ Sign Display Awards in Auckland.

in Auckland and wish you all a positive and prosperous remaining 2022