An Exciting Year Ahead in 2025
13-Jan-20252025 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Visual Connections, with our flagship expos PacPrint and Visual Impact co-locating with the Label & Packaging Expo in Sydney in May, and our existing activities set to be influenced and expanded by new ideas and initiatives under the direction of new Executive General Manager, Karren Challoner-Miles.
Karren, who joined Visual Connections in November, has spent her first few months working with the team to better understand the role of the association, reviewing our current offerings, and meeting with members to see what they need and expect from us.
Karren Challoner-Miles
“The chance to join Visual Connections is a fantastic opportunity for me, coming at a time when we are seeking to respond to the rapid changes we are experiencing in the visual communications sector, and to capitalise on new opportunities to deliver value to our members and the wider industry,” Karren says.
“Visual Connections clearly has a very strong base, with our trade shows, member events, publications and careers initiative, to name just a few, and we’ll be maintaining our focus on those key areas in future.
“But, like other industry associations operating in dynamic industries, we have to always be prepared to review and reassess what we are doing, to make sure it keeps pace with change and continues to deliver the best value to members and the wider industry.
“I’m not afraid of change; in fact, one of the things I’m most looking forward to in this role is bringing a fresh perspective to the table, and it’s great to see this already resulting in some new ideas which have the potential to build on our solid base with some exciting new initiatives.”
One of Karren’s first priorities, she says, is to better understand what Visual Connections Members value, and where we can do better.
“Ultimately, I want to have those conversations in person with each of our members,” she says, indicating that she not only plans to visit members around the country, but to reintroduce ‘Leaders Lunches’ to canvass opinions and discuss key issues with small groups of supplier members.
“We want to really encourage those in-depth conversations, but realistically it’s going to take a bit of time for me to get around to everyone. In the meantime, we have created a survey to find out more about our members’ values, opinions and ideas, so we can start to plan with confidence.”
The results of the Member Survey, will inform internal planning, and also provide some important input to the first Visual Connections Board Strategy & Planning Meeting, which is scheduled for early March.
“Basically, I’m putting everything on the table,” Karren says. “We have some of the best heads in the business on our Board, and I’m looking forward to working with them to review and revise all areas of our operation to deliver even more tangible benefits to the industry’s suppliers, while maintaining our strong focus on the initiatives which provide such important support to the industry as a whole.”
As well as trade shows and initiatives like the Sign & Print Career Connections program, Karren is exploring how the Association can deliver more meaningful content, and create new opportunities to connect industry people and to support and strengthen the relationships which underpin success.
“This year, exhibitions will obviously be a key focus,” she says, and I am fortunate to work with Sarah Moore in her role as GM Events & Exhibitions to ensure we continue to develop market leading events.
“Last PacPrint in Melbourne saw more than 100 exhibitors showcase their latest innovations to well over 6,000 visitors. With more than $50 million in business transacted, it’s clear that it provided a strong platform for suppliers, and an enormous boost to the sector by driving the investment that will equip industry businesses for ongoing success and profitability.
“We know the same will be true of PacPrint and Visual Impact 2025, and Sarah and I are already really pleased with the way the show is coming together, with a broad showcase of innovations in equipment, systems, media, consumables and services on stand.
“Many of those exhibitors – and other industry leaders – will also be taking the opportunity to take part in the PacPrint Seminar sessions to further build their profile and share their expertise with visitors.”
With global research confirming that in-person exhibitions are still one of the most effective ways to connect suppliers with decision-makers to generate new business, it’s clear that this is an opportunity Visual Connections remains committed to providing, with Karren saying they are keen to see as many members as possible avail themselves of the opportunities it delivers.
“But you can expect to see us working towards some new initiatives, too,” she adds.
“Visual Connections members have their fingers on the pulse of the industry like no other group. They are at the forefront of meeting the most pressing challenges facing our sector, by using their deep market knowledge and expertise to devise and deliver the innovations and solutions businesses need to survive, and thrive.
“It’s exciting to be working with an association of people who live and breathe change and progress – and to be able to draw on their collective wisdom, insights and foresight to plan for the future.
“There’s no doubt that the challenges ahead will continue to drive change in what we do at Visual Connections, and I’m excited to see where it leads us in 2025, and beyond. Whatever the year holds, we’ll be driven by what our members, and the industry, needs from us to support their success – now, and into the future.”
ENDS