Roland DG has confirmed its Platinum Sponsorship of Visual Impact 2026 and will be joined by the expo’s first Gold Sponsor in Mimaki Australia. The confirmation of these sponsorships, still over 10 months out from the event, is a strong show of support for the event, which will be held under The Dome at the Sydney Showground from 2-4 September, 2026.
With a number of leading companies also already confirming their stands - including Additive Machines Pty Ltd, ADM Systems, Mimaki, Multicam Systems, Mutoh Australia, Pozitive Sign & Graphics Supplies, Roland DG Australia, SA-LED Australia, Shanghai Totem Exhibition Co. Ltd and Shann Group - Jenny Harris, Visual Connections Events Consultant, confirms: “We are having lots of conversations with potential exhibitors, which is a great result considering we are still 10 months out from the show. I think this is a testament to the wisdom of pushing the date back a little bit to avoid clashes with other international shows, and the fresh approach we are taking, which is being really well received by industry suppliers.”
The fresh approach Harris refers to relates to a new show layout, aimed at taking full advantage of the circular design of the Showgrounds’ iconic Dome to create an 'in-the-round' experience, with prime positions both at the front of the hall and around the central area, that the show organisers are referring to as ‘The Hub’.
Whilst stands will sit in a familiar grid format, they will be arranged around The Hub, to facilitate more of a ‘central focus for visitors and a nucleus from which every stand is easily accessible: a concept which is intended to disrupt the normal front to back traffic flow and disperse crowds more evenly throughout the hall’.
Karren Challoner-Miles has been promoted to CEO of Visual ConnectionsKarren Challoner-Miles, recently promoted to CEO of the event’s host, Visual Connections, says: “Like many, we have been closely watching the evolution of trade shows both here in Australia and overseas, and across a variety of industries, and we’ve also been listening to the feedback from our exhibitors and visitors from previous shows.
“We know that costs are rising, we know that business owners are pushed for time and exhibitors need to get real ROI for their investment, and visitors who are taking valuable time away from their workplace need to come away with not just information about products and services, but also with enhanced knowledge, understanding and confidence to make important purchasing decisions for their business.
“Events which do not evolve to meet changing market needs simply won’t stay relevant, so we are working hard to make sure that Visual Impact delivers value, at every level, and for everyone who is involved.”
Positive outcomes from Visual Connections AGM
With Visual Impact 2026 clearly the premier event on the Visual Connections calendar, the leading supplier association enjoyed a positive AGM in Sydney yesterday, promoting EGM Karren Challoner-Miles to the role of Chief Executive Officer, and confirmed a strong 2026 Board line-up, which now also includes Adrian Fleming, General Manager Australia & New Zealand for Print IQ and Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia.
Mitch Mulligan, Visual Connections President, says: “Transitions are always challenging, but the Board is delighted with the impact Karren has made over the past few months, and the positive progress we are already seeing in the Association, so we are very confident in a strong future with Karren at the helm."
The new Visual Connections Board now comprises:
- Mark Canavan – Marketing & Vendor Relations Manager, Graphic Art Mart
- Adrian Fleming – General Manager Australia & New Zealand, Print IQ
- Craig Heckenberg – Managing Director, Epson Australia
- Mitch Mulligan – Managing Director, Bottcher Australia
- Ian Martin – General Manager -Trade, Ferag Australia
- Alex McClelland – Managing Director, ORAFOL Australia
- Luke Wooldridge – National Product Manager, HVG Graphics Media
Mulligan concludes: “Our two most recent Board appointments bring fresh perspectives, insights and talent at a time when the organisation is undergoing its next stage of generational transformation. We are confident we have the right team in place to further enhance our ability to support our members and contribute to a sustainable future for the sector.”
