PacPrint 2017 News

While the location may be in Australia, the region’s leading event for the print and wider graphic communications industry is very much the local ‘go-to’ event for New Zealand businesses as well. Now, with a trans-Tasman travel bubble confirmed, organisers are extending a special invitation to Kiwi colleagues to travel to Melbourne for the show. The region’s leading event for the print and wider graphic communications industry will open its doors at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 28 September and run for four days until 1 October, co-locating with the popular Visual Impact Expo and Label & Packaging Expos. With a number of industry events postponed or cancelled globally during 2020 and 2021 – including in New Zealand – this is likely to be the best opportunity in two years for printers across the region to see technologies and solutions first-hand, and to connect with the suppliers who can help them develop their post-COVID approach and investment strategy. This year’s exhibition is shaping up as an exciting and comprehensive showcase, featuring everything from print and direct mail, to finishing and embellishment, software and workflow solutions, wide-format and textile printing, laser cutting, routing and engraving, illuminated signage, labels and packaging, and media and consumables. “We know that New Zealanders, like Australians, have had limited opportunities for this kind of in-person event, which is so helpful in evaluating technologies and determining future business strategy,” said Peter Harper, CEO of the show organisers, Visual Connections, as news of the travel bubble broke yesterday. “We always look forward to welcoming a strong contingent of visitors from across the ditch to shows in Sydney and Melbourne, and hope to see even more attend this year.” As well as a showcase from exhibitors, many of whom supply across the region, enquiries have already been received from NZ companies keen to showcase their latest offerings. The show will deliver added value through seminars sessions on everything from global trends and business strategies to practical, hands-on workshops. Ruth Cobb, CEO of PrintNZ, said NZ businesses were looking forward to the chance to gather in Melbourne, noting that the land of the long white cloud is closer to Melbourne than even some of Australia’s other capital cities. PrintNZ will have a stand at the show and Cobb says her team is also working on plans for a get-together for those who travel across to the show. “We’re close and friendly neighbours, and our industries have always enjoyed strong links across the Tasman,” Cobb says. “PacPrint typically attracts a good contingent of Kiwis, who know it will provide the kind of information, ideas and insights businesses need to tackle an ever-changing market, plus a chance to catch up with a good number of our leading suppliers.” Andy Lowe from the New Zealand Sign & Display Association (NZSDA) says their members are also looking forward to the show, following the recent postponement of that association’s popular Expo 2021 until next year. “The Visual Impact Expo, with its variety of wide-format and textile printing, cutting, routing and engraving, LED and 3D manufacturing technologies, together with the workshops for this sector, are sure to provide plenty of interest for our members,” Lowe says. “We are planning to have a presence at the show and are looking forward to seeing fellow Kiwis there as we work together to build the strength of our industry in this post-COVID environment.” PacPrint 20201, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo will run at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 28 September until Friday 1 October, 2021. Read More. . .

Following the recent decision to postpone the major international DRUPA exhibition in Düsseldorf, organisers of PacPrint are in discussions with the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in Melbourne about the possibility of pushing back the dates for Australia’s leading show. Messe Düsseldorf announced last week that DRUPA would be rescheduled to 10 – 20 April, 2021. This means the planned dates for PacPrint – 25-28 May, 2021 would see it follow hot on the heels of the global mega-show, potentially creating logistical challenges for exhibitors seeking to get both personnel and post-DRUPA releases to Australia in time for the Melbourne show. “The new timing for DRUPA means that many of our exhibitors will have virtually just landed back in Australia from Germany,” says Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections, the supplier association which organises both PacPrint and the co-located Visual Impact and Label & Packaging expos. “In addition, one of PacPrint’s strongest advantages has always been its timing, coming roughly one year after DRUPA. This gives exhibitors the opportunity to show DRUPA-release technologies to the Australian market at PacPrint, giving the thousands of industry people who are not able to make it to Germany a look at the latest innovations as soon as possible,” Harper says. Harper says the Visual Connections events team is working closely with the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and local authorities in Victoria on possible options, but any decision on a date change would still be a while away. “As you can imagine, we are far from the only event organisers who have been impacted by changes and restrictions introduced to combat the spread of the corona virus,” he points out. “Like everyone, we are trying to be patient, flexible and responsive to the changing situation, and to act in the best interests of our members, our exhibitors and visitors, and of course the wider community. “We have a great relationship with the team at the MCEC and they are doing their very best to work with us to establish what our options are. Rest assured, though: PacPrint Melbourne will go ahead.”Read More. . .

Visual Impact Expo to Co-Locate with PacPrint The industry’s favourite expo, Visual Impact, will once again co-locate with PacPrint, putting signage, display, graphics, engraving, wide-format, textile and garment printing ‘front and centre’ at what will arguably be one of the industry’s most important exhibitions ever held. The show, which could well be the first ‘in-person’ expo for close to two years, will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October this year, and many of the industry’s leading names have already confirmed that they will exhibit. As has long been the case with VI, visitors can expect the exhibitor offerings to span a wide range of technologies, from software and workflow solutions, to dye-sublimation and wide-format output devices, engraving and routing technologies, laser-cutting and finishing, textile and direct-to-garment printing, media and substrates, and even leasing and finance. Many of the industry’s leading suppliers have already confirmed they will exhibit, including Esko, Print IQ and Colour Graphic Services. HP, Roland DG, EuroPoles, Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox and Gravotech have also put ink to paper on their booking forms. Mutoh and Mimaki will be there, alongside Quadient – formerly Neopost – joined by names including Aeronaut, BPG Australia, Elizabeth Machines, Shann Group and Hilton Laminating, SAled, Hexis, Velfex, Print IQ, Sublimation Systems, Wilenco and Ecolease. In addition, visitors will enjoy the benefits of co-location, with open access to the PacPrint 2021 and Label & Packaging Expo exhibitions, providing the opportunity for the chance discoveries which so often provide ‘game-changing’ ideas for attendees. Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections which owns and organises the event, says feedback from previous shows indicates that while visitors generally have an idea of what they are coming to a show to see, it’s the chance discovery of new technologies and niche products from new or previously unknown suppliers, or the conversations with suppliers or other business owners, which often spark ideas and inspiration. “It’s the ‘don’t know what you don’t know’ factor – and quite often it’s where the most valuable and profitable discoveries are made,” he says, noting that this is where the real value of physical trade shows lies. “That chance to gather in one place and really explore what’s available – as well as chat to both the suppliers and to colleagues and peers from across the industry – has underpinned the popularity of trade shows for many years…and we believe it’s just as important, if not more so, than it’s ever been,” he says. With Australia is ideally placed to reintroduce exhibitions and events, Harper says his team has been impressed with the enthusiasm of both suppliers and industry businesses for the coming show, with both keen for that ‘in-person’, B2B experience. “Bookings for floorspace at Visual Impact, PacPrint and the Label & Packaging Expo are progressing well, with suppliers keen to showcase their latest innovations in a ‘face-to-face’ environment,” he said. “Their confidence seems well placed, with a recent survey of industry businesses indicating that the vast majority intend to be in Melbourne for the event – just on 70% said they would ‘definitely’ be there, and another 14% are considering attending.” They’ll be rewarded not only with the chance to see new innovations first-hand, evaluate competitive options all under one roof, and connect with the suppliers and product experts, but to access a busy program of seminars, workshops and other events designed to enhance learning, provide networking opportunities and celebrate the industry. The popular PacPrint Forum Series of seminars and workshops will run daily during the show, an ASGA/FESPA Australia conference program is also...Read More. . .

Good news for the industry yesterday with the Federal Government announcing an expansion and extension to its Business Events Grants program, which incentivises participation in B2B events like PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo. The expanded program is part of a $1.2 billion support package to support businesses, workers and regions ‘doing it tough’, the government’s statement says. While focused mainly on the tourism and aviation sectors business events were boosted by the changes, which will give more businesses the opportunity to benefit from the scheme. The $50 million Business Events Grants program, which was introduced earlier this year, allows companies participating in approved events to claim up to 50% of their total participation costs. PacPrint and its co-located events, which will run in Melbourne from 28 September to 1 October this year, have been approved for this funding, with many exhibitors already submitting applications and some already approved. While further detail is yet to come, the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia (EEAA) reported yesterday that the minimum grant amount has been reduced from $10,000 to $5,000. This makes it available to exhibitors with a total spend of $10,000 or more – particularly good news for those suppliers who book smaller, 3m x 3m shell scheme stands and bring such diversity and interest to expos. The program will also be extended to cover events scheduled through to 31 March 2022, and the deadline for applications – which were due to close at the end of this month – will be pushed out until 30 June. Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections which both organises and co-hosts PacPrint, expects the announcement to increase the already strong interest in the show from potential exhibitors, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for any company considering participation. “Those companies which have already successfully applied will enjoy 50% ‘cash back’ on everything from their floor space and stand build, to airfares, accommodation, marketing and sponsorships…in fact any exhibition related expense,” he says. “The application process is not particularly onerous and it’s basically free cash to build your business. Competition for the grants will be stiff, however, with many shows qualifying and literally hundreds, if not thousands, of eligible businesses expected to apply, so there’s no time to waste in submitting an application.” Interested businesses find out more about the program here or contact Grants Advisor Katarina Dayoan from Export Solutions at katarina@exportsolutions.com.au or on 0414 977 775. To discuss exhibiting or make a booking contact Visual Connections on +61 2 9868 1577 or email exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au.Read More. . .

Following the rescheduling of the international DRUPA exhibition to April 2021, PacPrint organisers have announced that the Melbourne show will be pushed back until September 2021. The show, which will be held in conjunction with Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo, will run as usual at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, but is now scheduled for September 2021 with final details now being finalised for bump-in, bump-out and open dates. Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections, the supplier association which organises PacPrint, says the decision has been made to ensure that businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding region, enjoy the full benefit of Australia’s traditional ‘post-DRUPA’ show. “PacPrint has always enjoyed fantastic timing, coming a few months after the international DRUPA expo,” Harper said today. “This typically means that new technologies released at DRUPA – even some of those shown in Düsseldorf as prototypes – are nearly always ready for immediate sale and supply in this region by the time PacPrint rolls around, so businesses can benefit straight away. “By maintaining this buffer of a few months, PacPrint 2021 will allow suppliers to bring the latest post-DRUPA releases to the local market in a timely and effective way – and consequently preserve the traditional benefits of the show.” In announcing the change, Harper paid tribute to his own events team, who he says have been ‘working overtime’ on a solution, and also to the team at the MCEC who have understandably had a challenging time trying to accommodate the changes and cancellations required by the corona virus outbreak. “We grateful to our colleagues at the MCEC for working with us to secure these new dates, which we believe will help us maintain PacPrint’s position as the market-leading show for print, sign, display, labels and packaging in this region,” he said. While there is still plenty of work to be done in concert with exhibitors and other stakeholders, Harper says the fact that a window has been secured in which to bring the very latest innovations and market knowledge to businesses in this part of the world is a huge positive. “It’s good news for everyone, and we look forward to releasing more detail over the coming days and weeks,” Harper said. To stay up to date with the latest, keep your eye on the Visual Connections website at www.visualconnections.org.au, their social media feeds on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow the hashtags #printexpoaus and #pacprintRead More. . .

Representatives from some 40 companies which will exhibit at PacPrint 2021 and the co-located Visual Impact and Label & Packaging expos, met yesterday for the first time to be briefed on arrangements for the industry’s leading show. The briefing, facilitated by PacPrint Chairperson Sue Threlfo from Konica Minolta, provided exhibitors with an update on planning for the event, which is already well advanced, introduced key contacts, and shared insights and information which bode well for the Melbourne show. Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections which both co-hosts and organises the event, said the involvement of suppliers in PacPrint demonstrates their support for the industry, and told the gathering that a recent industry survey indicated visitors were keen to attend the industry’s first in-person event and confident in its safety and value. This view that was echoed by the majority of speakers, who noted that current low levels of COVID, together with the vaccine rollout underway, supported high levels of confidence, particularly with seven months still to go until doors open. Katarina Dayoan from Export Solutions spoke about the need to apply without delay for the Federal Government’s business events grants, while Bob Carroll, Managing Director of Australian Events, told the gathering about the numerous successful trade events his company had run during 2020 and 2021. Carroll said enthusiasm for those shows was higher than expected, with record attendances and excellent business generated, and also reassured exhibitors that processes and procedures required for ‘COVID-safe’ events were no more onerous – and in fact, no different – from those already being implemented within organisations. Exhibitors also heard from Sharon Friedman, Safety Manager for the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre about procedures at the venue, and Visual Connections team members Robyn Frampton, who outlined promotional opportunities, and Jenny Harris, who represented the events team and introduced the contractors who will be providing vital services during the show. PacPrint 2021 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October, 2021. Click here to register or find out more at www.pacprint.com.au. To join more than 50 companies already exhibiting at the show, contact the events team on +61 2 9868 1577 or exhibitons@visualconnections.org.au.Read More. . .

Registrations have opened online for PacPrint 2021, with organisers saying the event could well be the ‘most important PacPrint ever held’, as the first industry expo – perhaps anywhere in the world – for almost two years. PacPrint, together with its co-located shows, the Visual Impact sign, display and wide-format show, and the self-explanatory Label & Packaging Expo, typically attracts more than 8,000 visitors from Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding region and, with Australia in an enviable position globally in relation to the pandemic, this year’s event is expected to be more strongly subscribed than ever. Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections, which organises the event and also co-hosts it with the Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA) says indications from fellow event organisers and the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia are that not only are markets ready to return to ‘in-person’ events, but are keener than ever. “For example, we heard this week from colleagues in Queensland that the events they have held late last year and in early 2021 have not only exceeded expectations but, in some instances, have broken attendance records for the shows in question,” he reports. “Not only that, but record business has been transacted at many of these shows, reinforcing the value of the physical B2B environment of an industry expo.” Visual Connections’ own research backs the contention that the market is ready to gather at trade shows, with some 70% of respondents to a recent survey indicating that they would ‘definitely’ attend the Melbourne show. Another 18% said they were considering it, with only 12% saying they had no plans to attend at present. “We are in a great position in Australia to plan for a return to exhibitions and events,” Harper points out. “With seven months still to run until doors open at the MCEC, we are extremely confident that PacPrint will not only proceed, but potentially be one of the biggest and most important shows we’ve ever held. “Now, with plans progressing well for the show, it’s time for business owners and key decision makers to clear their diaries, start to make plans, and of course register to attend the show.” PacPrint 2021 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October, 2021. Click here to register or find out more at www.pacprint.com.au. To join more than 50 companies already exhibiting at the show, contact the events team on +61 2 9868 1577 or exhibitons@visualconnections.org.au.Read More. . .

Canon Australia have announced the new imagePRESS C850/C750/C650, designed to provide exceptionally vibrant and consistent image quality on a wide variety of media. Consisting of the imagePRESS C850/C750/C650 digital colour production presses, this new Series incorporates a variety of new features and technology to help meet the requirements of the markets it is designed for corporate print rooms, commercial printers, in-plant operations, franchise printers and other print service providers. Canon’s Senior Manager – Product Marketing Peter Brittliff said with the new imagePRESS C850 Series, print professionals will better be able to meet the high expectations of their customers with rich, predictable image quality and a high level of productivity. “The imagePRESS C850 Series is built off of the proven technology that helped its predecessor stand heads and shoulders above the offerings of competitors since its release. We expect this new series will exceed the high expectations that have been set.” Vivid and Consistent Color The imagePRESS C850 Series is designed to provide offset-like image quality through Canon’s Gloss Optimisation technology, enabling to match the gloss of the toner image to that of the media used, and with a 32-beam R-VCSEL red laser to help produce crisp and clear images efficiently at 2400 x 2400 dpi. With a number of screen patterns to choose from, the press now offers a new 190 lpi (lines per inch) dot screen for increased flexibility and optimized quality closer to offset. By using CV Toner and an Advanced Image Transfer Belt, these devices can print high-quality, consistent output on a variety of media, including textured stocks. With these features, users have the ability to enjoy color consistency for predictable quality output, a necessity of print providers who run repetitive jobs. Reliability and Productivity To help meet the growing demands of print service providers, the imagePRESS C850, C750 and C650 devices operate at print speeds of up to 85, 75 and 65 A4 pages per minute, respectively, in colour and black- and-white. These digital presses provide reliable paper feeding with air separation and double sheet detection intended to reduce paper jams and production interruptions. First-time-right results with consistent colour and precise registration achieved by the Compact Registration Module help increase the amount of sellable output. A new option is the Booklet Trimmer-F1, which helps save valuable time with a larger trim waste bin and continuous run capability with on-the-fly trim waste removal. Media Versatility and In-Line Finishing The imagePRESS C850 Series supports a variety of in-line finishing options to help expand the offerings of print service providers, including the ability to stack, fold, saddle-stitch, staple, perfect-bind and ring- bind. A new option for this series will be the Multi-Function Professional Puncher-A1** for die punching on a wider range of media sizes and weights for A4 and larger, oblong bound books. Utilising Canon’s unique die set, this new finishing module can professionally crease documents in-line to produce folded applications, including saddle stitch booklets, with less paper cracking on the spine of the document. This series of printers now supports auto-duplex printing of up to 762mm long sheets1, proving itself helpful in the short run production of 6-panel brochures, posters and dust jackets. Streamlined Workflows With the imagePRESS C850 Series, print professionals have the option to select the digital front end to help get the most out of their workflow. Among these options is Canon’s celebrated PRISMAsync Color Print Server for imagePRESS, the first DFE-embedded Idealliance G7® Certified System, with unique productivity features such as the Job Scheduler and Remote Manager for up to eight hours plan-ahead production. Now further enhanced with the new Version 5 platform, PRISMAsync...Read More. . .

Free Company Listing – Buyers Guide Do not miss your opportunity for a free company listing in the 2017 Visual Impact Buyers Guide. Just click on the link below to submit your free listing. http://www.visualconnections.org.au/buyers-guide-2017/buyers-guide-2017-submission Please ensure you submit your listing by 25 November to ensure your are including in the 2017 Buyers Guide Read More. . .

Pozitive Wrap Academy is back!! If you missed out last time, REGISTER NOW and reserve your place in the Hexis Vehicle Wrap Courses. This time round we are hosting two fantastic courses, a 1 Day Entry Level course for the beginner, and a 3 day vehicle wrap course. Ideal for people of all skill levels, Pozitive Wrap Academy will again be run by the most sought after instructor, Oliver Röhler, who will be on hand to share his extensive industry experience. o Groups limited to 12 participants o In-depth theory plus predominantly hands-on practice o A combination of teamwork and one-on-one instruction o Fine-tune your skills and face challenging projects with increased confidence o Get the “tips” to do the job with more efficiency o Materials and lunch provided o All participants will receive an application manual, a complementary applicator pack and a personalised HEXIS Training Certificate on completion of the course 1 Day Entry Level Course Trainees will discuss properties and uses of Hexis products, techniques and do’s and don’ts. Oliver Röhler will answer any questions and will take into account the level of knowledge of each participant. * Hands-on application * Demonstrations on specific areas (recesses, convex areas) * Finishing touches, trimming, post- heating and pre-delivery check. When: 21st November 2016 Time: 8:30am for a 9:00am Start Where: Eastern Creek, NSW Cost: $390.00 Ex GST Inc Lunch REGISTER NOW 3 Day Wrap Course Master the art of vehicle wrapping with HEXIS wrap vinyl's and expert instruction from Oliver Röhler. Course is broken up into a 1 day foundation course, and a 2 day Advanced Course. In successfully completing this course you will not only receive a personalised HEXIS training certificate, but will be eligible to attend the HEXIS Silver and Gold level training courses to be held in future. When: 22nd ~ 24th November 2016 Time: 8:30am for a 9:00am Start Where: Eastern Creek, NSW Cost: $895.00 Ex GST Inc lunch REGISTER NOWRead More. . .