Business leaders from across – and beyond - the print, sign, and graphics sector, are being encouraged to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register for the inaugural Connect Conference 2026, with discounted tickets available until 31 July. 

Purpose-designed for business owners, executives and decision-makers, the three-day conference will deliver leading-edge intelligence, insights, and inspiration to help organisations navigate an increasingly complex business landscape and build future profitability and sustainability.

Running from 9.00am to 1.30pm from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 September 2026, alongside Visual Impact Expo at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Connect Conference has been developed to complement the technical and product-focused content traditionally available to the industry by concentrating on the strategic issues shaping business success.

Each morning's program has been carefully curated to inform, challenge, and inspire leaders responsible for strategy, investment, and growth, while creating opportunities for meaningful discussion around the trends and issues influencing the future of business.

* Member of Visual Connections receive an exclusive discount. 

The conference will explore topics including leadership, economic outlook, artificial intelligence, sustainability, cybersecurity, workforce development, global industry trends and the evolving role of print and visual communications. Importantly, it also brings together end users, industry leaders and subject matter experts to encourage broader conversations about where the sector is headed and how businesses can position themselves for long-term success.

The 2026 keynote program features visionaries and leaders including:

·   Gillon McLachlan, CEO of Tabcorp and well-known former CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL) in conversation with Matt Aitkin, MD of IVE Group.

· Steve Vamos, leadership expert who has held senior positions with Apple, Microsoft, and IBM and as CEO of Xero and NineMSN.

· Dr Craig Emerson, leading economist and former political advisor and Australian Minister for Trade and Competitiveness.

· Dr David Cooke, well-known for his time in leadership at Xerox, Canon, and Konica Minolta, and now a leader in corporate sustainability and author of Kind Business: How Values Create Value.

· Richard Williams - expert on cyber-awareness and adaptability in business.

· Dr Xun Li - CSIRO AI expert.

The conference will also include expert panel discussions covering:

· International Industry Insights led by Visual Connections CEO, Karren Challoner-Miles, and featuring leadership from ISA, BSGA, Printing United Alliance, and FESPA

· Education & Careers led by Visual Impact editor Rob Griffith and featuring Megan Lilly, Deputy Commissioner, Jobs & Skills Australia, Paul Richards – Head Teacher, Sign & Graphics at Sydney TAFE, and apprentice signwriter Charbella Ayoub from Cunneen Signs.

· Digital & Print – global and local outdoor signage trends featuring leaders from Signarama and JC Decaux.

· Future of Signage led by ASGA President Mick Harrold and featuring Steen Zimmerman from Zimmerman Industries, Steve Lambourne from SS Signs and Callan Laughton from Insigns.

 While created with the print, sign and graphics industries in mind, the program has deliberately been designed to deliver value well beyond the traditional industry audience.

"Today's business challenges don't stop at industry boundaries," said Visual Connections CEO Karren Challoner-Miles.

"Whether it's AI, sustainability, economic uncertainty, cybersecurity, workforce challenges or changing customer expectations, leaders are facing many of the same strategic questions. Connect Conference has been created to provide practical insights, fresh thinking and valuable conversations that help businesses prepare for what's next."

"We've also made a conscious decision to keep ticket prices accessible, because we want as many business leaders as possible to be able to participate. Investing a morning in gaining new perspectives, hearing from respected leaders and connecting with peers can deliver value that lasts well beyond the conference itself."

With sessions concluding at 1.30pm each day, delegates will also have ample opportunity to explore the latest technologies, products, and innovations on display at Visual Impact Expo. 

Early Bird pricing is available until 31 July 2026, offering attendees the opportunity to secure tickets at reduced rates before standard pricing applies.

The full conference program, speaker information and ticket details are available at: https://au.registration.entegy.events/conference