Women in Print Australia will bring its Executive Leadership Program to Melbourne on 27–28 August, continuing the national rollout of the professional development initiative following its successful pilot in 2025 and subsequent Sydney program in early 2026.
Designed specifically for Women in Print Australia, the visual communications sector, and the broader industry supply chain, the two-day program focuses on practical leadership development, allowing participants to step away from the day-to-day demands of their roles and invest in their professional growth.
The Victorian program will be held at Concrete Boots Bar in Richmond on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, with a Leadership Dinner at The Grand Hotel on Thursday evening.
Facilitated by executive coach Jo Wise MCC, the program explores leadership through a combination of facilitated discussion, practical exercises, reflection and peer learning. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, participants are encouraged to examine their own leadership style, identify what may be holding them back and develop practical approaches they can take back into their workplaces.
Women in Print Board Chair Stephanie Gaddin said the program reflects the organisation’s commitment to making meaningful professional development accessible to women across the industry.
“Leadership development is often something we prioritise for our teams while putting our own growth further down the list. This program creates the space for that change to take place, for leaders to invest in themselves, strengthen how they lead and build connections with women who understand our industry,” Gaddin said.
Feedback from participants in the Sydney cohort highlighted both the opportunity for reflection and the practical tools delivered throughout the two days.
Jessica Breen, National Customer Service Manager from Ball & Doggett, described it as a “great two days” that allowed her to “really reflect on myself as a leader and what I could do better for myself and my team. If you’re starting out as a leader, I would really recommend this course,” Breen said.
Beth Corbin of Easy Signs said the program provided practical techniques she could apply to her own leadership and career development.
“Jo gave me a lot of useful, practical techniques that will make me a better leader and mentor to my team, as well as allowing me to grow in my career in a healthy and sustainable way,” Corbin said. “The workshop was very helpful, and I’d recommend it to other leaders and people hoping to move into leadership positions.”
The Executive Leadership Program was first piloted in Melbourne in 2025 before expanding nationally in 2026. The national rollout is designed to give women in different states access to the same dedicated leadership development opportunity without requiring interstate travel.
The program also builds on Women in Print’s three fundamental pillars of Network, Support and Knowledge, combining structured professional development with opportunities to build stronger relationships across the industry.
Places remain available for the Victorian program, with registrations now in their final weeks. Participants can secure their place with a deposit, with Women in Print encouraging Victorian women who have been considering the program to register ahead of the 27 August commencement.
Following Melbourne, the 2026 Executive Leadership Program will continue in Perth on 17–18 September and Brisbane on 29–30 October.
The program is only possible due to the ongoing support of Ally Sponsors Media Super and Durst Oceania, together with Allenby Press, National Print Partner for the Executive Leadership Program.
The organisation also thanks Kwik Kopy Hoppers Crossing for its support of the Melbourne program and Katie J Designs and Print for its support of the upcoming Brisbane program. Gaddin notes that the entirely voluntary board and committee members have also been instrumental in bringing the 2026 program to fruition.
Opportunities remain available for industry partners to support the final Executive Leadership Program events in 2026 or lock in their support for the 2027 program, helping Women in Print continue to deliver accessible professional development and connection for all across the industry.
Any leaders and those wishing to expand into leadership, across the print, packaging, signage, visual communications and associated industries are encouraged to register for their nearest program through Women in Print Australia https://womeninprint.com.au/executive-leadership/
Program costs and payment options:
Full Program Fees, per person, paid upfront: $ 3025.00.
Member Discounted Program Fees, per member, paid upfront: $ 2415.50.
Booking fees apply when booked on the ticketing platform; Women in Print absorbs 25% of the booking fee cost.
Payment Plans Available: Deposit of $685.00 (inc GST), followed by:
- Two (2) x Monthly payments of $1171.50 ($729.75 for members)
- Four (4) x fortnightly Direct Debit Payments of $ 587.00 ($365.00 for members)
Booking fees apply to the Deposit when booked on Humanitix; Women in Print absorbs 25% of the booking fee cost
Caption:
Sam Rogers, owner of Drive Creative in Melbourne, Stephanie Gaddin, Board Chair, Women in Print Australia, and Kirsten Taylor of Taylor’d Press