With more speakers and sessions confirmed this week, Connect Conference 2026 is shaping up as the most important new event on the industry calendar. And, with organisers Visual Connections extending their introductory Early Bird rate until Monday 10 August, there’s still time to attend at an exceptionally good price.
The conference will run from 2-4 September at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, alongside the Visual Impact Expo 2026.
Visual Connections CEO, Karren Challoner-Miles, says the conference has a strong strategic, economic, business and innovation focus aimed at key leaders and decision-makers, and has been priced to ensure access for all businesses, large and small.
“This is a true business and leadership event which is designed to provide the information, insights, external perspectives and practical advice valued by the business leaders who influence strategy, set business direction, and make the call on investments and purchasing decisions,” she explains.
“We’ve assembled a diverse list of local and international experts across economics, business, technology and government, as well as thought leaders on topics like sustainability, leadership and business ethics, then added practical case-studies and industry panel sessions to provide even more local insights and relevance.”
Sessions include:
- Gillon McLachlan, Tabcorp, in conversation with Matt Aitken, IVE Group
- Keynote addresses:
- Dr Craig Emerson – economist and former politician
- Steve Vamos – technology leader and leadership expert
- Dr David Cooke – EST industry leader and author
- International Industry Insights – with senior leaders from US, UK and European print and sign associations
- Integrating and Optimising AI – with Dr Zun Li from CSIRO
- Cyber Awareness & Adaptability – with cyber expert Richard Williams
- Skills, Training and Careers – with Megan Lilly, Jobs & Skills Australia, TAFE and industr
- Global Digital & Print Trends in OOH & Signage with JC Decaux and Signarama
- The Future of Signage – with ASGA & industry experts
- To view the full program, see the speaker list and read the presenter bios, go to visualimpact.org.auConnect Conference 2026 is supported by Premium Sponsor, ORAFOL Australia, and by Supporting Partners ASGA and Spicers Australia.The program will run from 8:30AM – 1:30PM each day in Conference Hall 2A at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Entry will be via The Dome, where visitors will be able to view the latest innovations for the digital print, signage, display and wider visual communications sector from well over 50 exhibitors at Visual Impact Expo. Entry to the show is included with Conference registration.
Early Bird tickets for Connect Conference 2026 start at just $199 a day, or 525 for a three-day pass. Click here to register for Connect Conference 2026 or find out more at visualimpact.org.au