PacPrint 2025 set the stage for a transformative showcase of innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration. The opening ceremony was led by Kirsten Taylor, Chair of PacPrint 2025, joined by Kevin Pidgeon, President of the Visual Media Association, and Mitchell Mulligan, President of Visual Connections. Together, they welcomed industry leaders, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees, celebrating the start of an event that shaped the future of the print and visual media sectors.
“This year, our theme – Innovation, Collaboration, Transformation – captured the very essence of what drives our industry forward. It’s inspiring to see the energy, creativity and resilience gathered within these walls , as we come together to shape the future of print,” said Kirsten Taylor. “This is truly a playground of innovation, where our exhibitors are showcasing technologies that challenge boundaries and open new paths for growth. To our valued equipment and solution providers – thank you. Your commitment to progress, excellence and creativity is what makes this event a standout experience.”
On the first day of PacPrint 2025, good crowds explored the show, visited the wide range of exhibitor stands, and attended the seminar sessions. Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Visual Media Association led the Print Leadership Panel: Navigating Success in a Changing Industry, joined by industry experts Simon Bailey, IVE Group Lachlan Finch, Rawson Print Co., and Emmanuel Buhagiar, Imagination Graphics who discussed how they have grown their businesses despite challenges, leveraging sustainability, technology and unique market positioning to stay ahead.
The first afternoon session looked at the critical areas of Emerging Talent, with industry leaders Leon Wilson from Revolution Print, Gabrielle Stevens from Konica Minolta, Brett Johnson from IVE Group and Lisa Michalanny from Signageworld discussing how to cultivate the next generation of talent. Later, Steve Fisher from Fujifilm, Craig Hardman from HP, Epson’s Craig Heckenberg and Phillip Trumble from Pozitive provided essential insights into supply chain challenges, and how partnership is the key to ensuring businesses can access the innovations they need to build their business success.
Several exhibitors reported their first sales of the week, validating the power of trade shows to provide valuable information for businesses to make important investment decisions.
Informative seminars
The second day of PacPrint 2025 unfolded with dynamic insights into employee wellbeing, next-generation print technologies and the enduring power of craftsmanship. From seminars on mental health to product launches and artisan showcases, the diverse strengths of the print and graphics sector were highlighted.
Kicking off the day, Steven Gamble of Anchor Health delivered a powerful seminar on the role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Mental Health First Aid in the print and manufacturing industries. He stressed the need for organisations to demystify EAPs and build mental health literacy across all levels.
“Our mission is to break stigma, build literacy and drive real change through education and access,” Gamble stated. “By fostering a culture where mental health is understood and prioritised, we’re not just supporting individuals we’re creating resilient, high-performing teams.” Gamble praised the Visual Media Association’s initiative to subsidise Mental Health First Aid training for members, calling it “an unprecedented opportunity for our industry to lead on wellbeing.”
This was followed by a session from Christina Bruce from Sellabilities, who not only delivered some practical sales tools and techniques, but a good dose of inspiration to help stand out in a noisy world, create lasting customer relationships and drive loyalty.
Later in the afternoon, Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of Women in Print, hosted a fireside chat with Sara Stuart, a Kamilaroi woman who founded Printing with Purpose, Mob Jobs and Dreamtime Range. A distinguished advocate for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, the chat covered challenges to DEI, and the importance of belonging.
Label and Packaging Day seminar program
It was also Label & Packaging Day, with a full-day program of seminars around this important and dynamic sector. Peter Woods from BOBST shared how to simplify label production, before Paul Sanelli and Adam Todd from Konica Minolta discussed how to leverage the benefits of inkjet in packaging, all with a sustainable focus.
The importance of integration and partnerships – and how they can drive growth and profit – was the topic of an intensive session from Justin Webber from Print IQ and Alex Bowell from Infigo. They were followed by Peter Dhondt from CERM who shared his expertise on Automation 2.0 for labels and packaging.
In the day’s final two sessions, the dynamic Lindsay Nutley talked about UN-sustainability, label trends and other ‘hot stuff’, and Mariella Menato from Denomination provided a fascinating insight into the elements needed to achieve brand sustainability – honesty, ingenuity and bravery.
The Inkers: new national program to support emerging talent and tackle industry skill gaps
A key development unveiled at PacPrint 2025 was the launch of The Inkers Emerging Talent Program, by the Visual Media Association (VMA) and proudly supported by Platinum Partner Konica Minolta. With the tagline “Make Your Mark,” the program aims to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the print and visual media industries – apprenticeship non-completion and generational skills loss. “We realised we need to address the 57% non-completion rate of apprenticeships across our industry. For every apprentice we recruit, we are losing more than half. That is not a tenable solution when we have a skills shortage and an aging workforce,” explained Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Visual Media Association.
Day Three at PacPrint 2025 opened with a powerful focus on the future of the print and signage workforce, as the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) took to the stage at 10:15am to spotlight national training and development initiatives. Representatives from MISA shared insights into emerging industry skill demands and introduced a suite of practical training and mentoring solutions aimed at addressing current workforce challenges.
Their strategic partnership with the Visual Media Association drew particular attention, showcasing joint efforts to combat the aging workforce and attract a new generation of talent. This collaboration includes an expanded apprenticeship pathway, and a mentoring program designed to guide young professionals and newcomers into the print sector. The session strongly complemented The Inkers Emerging Talent Program, launched on Day Two in collaboration with Konica Minolta.
“This alignment of government, industry and employers is exactly what our sector needs to ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals,” said Kirsten Taylor, Chair of PacPrint 2025. “The excitement and support around emerging talent at this year’s event is unlike anything we’ve seen before.”
Compliance took centre stage later in the morning with the Signage Licensing Panel, where Damian Nielsen (ASGA), Mick Harrold (ASGA President), and Charly Taylor (CI-Advantage), facilitated by Janet Maitland (Image Magazine), unpacked the critical licensing requirements that businesses must meet to stay compliant and competitive.
At midday, the Industry Associations Panel, facilitated by Lindy Hughson (Print 21), brought together industry leaders Ruth Cobb (PrintNZ), Kellie Northwood (Visual Media Association), Karren Challoner-Miles (Visual Connections) and Mick Harrold to examine policy, innovation and workforce strategies guiding the sector’s future.
Sustainability returned to the spotlight at 1:15pm with the Label & Packaging Compliance Panel, followed by a 3:00pm session from Stephanie Strassberger, Vice President Asia & Pacific at Gmund Paper. Stephanie delivered a comprehensive forum on global sustainability trends in paper and packaging, spotlighting recyclable and biodegradable materials, shifting consumer expectations, and upcoming regulatory frameworks. Her expertise and real-world case studies inspired businesses to innovate their practices while aligning with environmental goals.
The Fireside Chat with Matt Aitken, Managing Director of IVE Group, provided a high-impact discussion on leadership in the evolving print landscape. Facilitated by Kellie Northwood, Aitken offered insights on strategic growth, building effective teams and integrating print and digital operations.
The day concluded with the electrifying session “Be the Interruption!” by Ciaran McGuigan of Strike Force Sales, energising the audience with actionable strategies to lead rather than react in an ever-changing business world.
A special thank you
The organisers extended heartfelt thanks to all the exhibitors, sponsors, industry experts, panellists, speakers and attendees whose contributions made PacPrint 2025 possible. With hundreds of brands represented, a packed schedule of panels and presentations, and a dynamic mix of in-person and hybrid content, this year’s event delivered value for every industry corner.
“A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors – platinum, gold, and silver – for your unwavering support,” Kirsten said. “No PacPrint would be complete without the buzzing show floor. This is truly a playground of innovation, where our exhibitors are showcasing technologies that challenge boundaries and open new paths for growth. To our valued equipment and solution providers – thank you. Your commitment to progress, excellence and creativity is what makes this event such a standout experience. Together, let’s innovate, collaborate, and transform.”
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Kirsten Taylor, Chair of PacPrint 2025, was joined by Kevin Pidgeon, President of the Visual Media Association, and Mitchell Mulligan, President of Visual Connections, to officially open the show