So far more than 130 delegates and sponsors are expected for the SWUG New Zealand conference in Wellington next month.

The event, dubbed 'Printfinity and beyond', takes place at the Copthorne Hotel on August 3-4.

Chairperson Dan Blackbourn says expected attendance maintains the consistent trend: "We have more informative presentations than ever before, covering topics that have not been previously addressed.

"In addition to keynote speaker Phil Lawrence's address on the plant issues of poor power quality, we have Nicky Trevithick speaking on the risks associated with drugs and alcohol in the workplace and Karen Lyttle (who replaces Charli Crocker) delivering an insightful address on health and safety matters."

Other presentations include a men's health session, and Chris Smallwood on the use of IR/thermal imaging technology limited 'only by your imagination'.

He says great entertainment has been lined up for both the Awards Night and the following informal evening event, which celebrate the quality awards and apprentice of the year, as well as a networking evening.

Another highlight tour of the Fairfax Media Printing Petone site led - and explained beforehand - by plant manager Ricky Baker. The $22 million investment initiated in September 2014, which saw a four-tower manroland Geoman press imported from the group's Tullamarine (Melbourne) site and upgraded to include QI automated registration and cut-off and an Interbus loop communication system upgrade.

"The investment and upgrade - which required a four-metre increase in the height of the Petone building - reflects faith in the printed product and our print division," he says. Electrical transformers were also upgraded and the publishing room was revamped with the introduction of Ferag online quarter-folding and automated single-copy polybagging.

For bookings contact Lizzy Tankard or Aimee Watkin 04 237 0482; further information at www.swug.co.nz or from Dan Blackbourn 021 770 804.