The goal for most businesses is not just to survive, but to thrive. So, what drives better business – and what do business owners and key decision makers in our sector need to know to build the success they deserve? Day 1 of the new Connect Conference 2026, on Wednesday 2 September at the Sydney Showground, will answer those questions. 

To set the scene, the program will kick off with International Industry Insights from a panel comprising Linda Edwards, Managing Director of the British Sign & Graphics Association, Ford Bowers, CEO of the US-based PRINTING United Alliance; Lori Anderson, President & CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), and Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia, representing that organisation’s global community, hosted by Visual Connections Australia CEO, Karren Challoner-Miles.

Delegates can expect a wide-ranging discussion on the factors which are influencing change in the sector, the challenges and opportunities facing local and global markets, and how sign and print businesses around the world are responding to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

This will be followed by a Keynote address from Steve Vamos, one of Australia's most respected business leaders and leadership speakers, entitled Leading through the shifts and shocks.

In this important session, Steve will draw on more than four decades of executive experience, including as CEO of Xero and NineMSN, and in senior leadership roles with Apple, Microsoft and IBM, to guide delegates on how to lead through change, build high-performing teams and turn disruption into opportunity.

After morning tea, the second session of the day will start by focusing on one of the key challenges – and opportunities – for industry businesses: The need to recruit new talent, provide adequate and appropriate training, including upskilling and reskilling; and equip and encourage good people to stay and build solid careers in the sector.

The panel on Talent Acquisition, Skills, Training and Careers will include the government perspective from Megan Lilly, Acting Commissioner for Jobs & Skills Australia, insights from the training sector thanks to Paul Richards, Head Teacher, Sign & Graphics from Sydney TAFE, and reflections on the talent acquisition process from John Watters, Executive Officer of careers experts AusSIP. 

Importantly, delegates will also hear valuable input from Charbella Ayoub, an apprentice Signwriter at Cunneen Signs. The panel session will be moderated by Rob Griffith, Editor at Visual Connections. 

The final session of the day brings a familiar face with Dr David Cooke, ESG leader and author of Kind Business – How Values Create Value taking to the stage to reflect on The Future of Business: Redefining Success. 

David is a recognised authority on sustainable business and values-led leadership, and will draw on his experience in executive leadership roles with Konica Minolta, Canon and Xerox to demonstrate to delegates how businesses can build commercial success through purpose, sustainability and social impact.

This impressive line-up confirms the value of the industry’s most exciting new Conference, which is designed to complement the existing, industry-focused conference offerings with an event that is more strategic, economic, business and innovation focus.

Day 1 of the program will run from 8:30AM – 1:30PM on Wednesday 2 September, in in Conference Hall 2A at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Entry and exit to the Conference Hall 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 more than 60 exhibitors at Visual Impact Expo. Entry to the show is included with Conference registration.

Tickets for Day 1 start at just $249 (GST included), or attendees can pick up a three-day pass starting at $656 (GST included). Click here to register for Connect Conference 2026 or find out more at visualimpact.org.au