Suppliers to Deliver Solutions for Success at Industry's Premier Show

11-Mar-2025

With rising global challenges, uncertain economic times, local issues and rapidly changing market demands, there are plenty of challenges ahead for our industry. Suppliers understand those challenges all too well, and are ready to support, and equip, businesses to meet them successfully.

Recently, Visual Connections conducted a survey of its members – the industry’s suppliers – to better understand the plans, priorities and aims in a rapidly evolving market – and to capture their opinions and insights ahead of the region’s largest and most comprehensive trade show, PacPrint 2025.

Surveys are, of course, just a snapshot of the opinions o

f a particular group, at a particular point in time. But some of the insights gathered, and questions explored, go to the way in which suppliers remain pivotal to supporting industry success.

Like all businesses, particularly in the current economic climate, suppliers who responded to the survey were unanimous in seeing profitability as a major challenge. And, it’s one they know is not only driving their own business strategies, but the plans and investment decisions of their customers.

PacPrint will bring those two groups together to do business – and, it’s a vital opportunity for both.

For the print service provider or signage business – those who invest in new technologies and innovations – it’s a chance to see what the suppliers can provide to help them build their business success.

For exhibitors – the suppliers who design, manufacture and market those solutions – it’s a chance to connect with industry businesses, discuss their unique requirements, and then offer advice and potential solutions which might help support that success

The results of the survey, which was conducted in February, provides an interesting overview of current trends, with Visual Connections Members providing valuable insights into the challenges they have identified, and which are driving their R&D and product development.

“Like most businesses, in our sector and many others, our members cited decreasing client budgets and increasing business consolidation, together with the increasing cost of compliance and important – but sometimes costly – initiatives in areas like sustainability, as providing real challenges for their businesses,” explains Visual Connections EGM, Karren Challoner-Miles.

“What is interesting is that while these are acknowledged as cost challenges, they are also recognised as an important – and in fact an essential – part of their future business and product development plans, driving innovation and helping industry businesses meet market challenges.”

Close to half cited sustainability as a key factor in driving most of their product developments, ensuring that they – and their clients – could meet the demands of the print or signage buyer for sustainable solutions, and remain compliant in an increasingly regulated environment.

“Suppliers tell us that their customers expect them to help in achieving sustainability goals, and we know that many of the 100 or so companies that are exhibiting at PacPrint in Sydney in May will have a strong focus on this area,” Karren says.

“More than 63% of our survey respondents said their company was committed to delivering and reporting on sustainability goals. 47% have fully developed sustainability policies with defined goals and targets in place, with another 26% having broader and more generally-based policies. Of the remainder, more than 75% either had a policy under development or on the drawing board.

“But, of course, it’s not just sustainability. All industry businesses are looking to improve productivity and profitability. To do more with less, in a market characterised by skills shortages and increasing costs. And to value-add, diversify and create valuable new revenue streams which will underpin their future success. Solutions for all these challenges will be on show in Sydney.”

As well as developing equipment, systems, software and other solutions, suppliers are also at the forefront of training in the industry, providing much of the operator instruction and upskilling that underpins professional development in the sector.

“75% of suppliers who responded to our recent survey provide training as part of the product installation and commissioning process, with 45% making their training modules available to all customers. 15% go even further, offering stand-alone training options which are open to all industry members,” Karren reports.

“This deep and broad involvement in industry businesses, not just locally but at a global level, means industry suppliers truly have their fingers on the pulse of the industry – perhaps more than any other group. They are actively anticipating what print and signage providers will need, and developing those solutions to help businesses stay ahead of the curve.

“At PacPrint, we will see some 100 companies showcasing those solutions. It’s the best opportunity this year to see and experience the latest innovations, make new connections and actively collaborate on the solutions which can ultimately transform your business for the future.”

PacPrint 2025, co-locating with Visual Impact Sydney and the Label & Packaging Expo, will run from 20 – 23 May at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. For more information, and to preregister, go to www.pacprint.com.au

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