Despite the apparent display focus, Sydney’s three-day Visual Impact attracted a range of print-interested visitors… and delivered them a range of attractions.

The net result was attendance of almost 4000 at what was billed as a sign, display and wide-format print expo, almost a quarter of them on the first day, not including 936 from exhibitors.

Among “side attractions” was a ‘try a trade’ feature which drew about 100 Year 10-12 students to a booth run by TAFE NSW and Australian Schools & Industry Partnerships, and the presentation of the LIA Graduate of the Year award on Thursday, with Angus McGrath of Note Printing Victoria taking the $10,000 Visual Connections/LIA scholarship and Bradley Powell going home with the Ball & Doggett $5,000 Future Leader award.

The ‘try a trade’ booth provided opportunities to sample garment printing, laser engraving, print and fine art printing, channel lettering, vinyl application and traditional hand lettering and brushwork, with more ‘taster days’ planned for later in the year.

Peter Harper, chief executive of show organiser Visual Connections estimated total sales from the event in “millions of dollars”. And said attendance was up ten per cent on Sydney show held in 2018, and 20 per cent on 2017.

Andy McCourt of industry bible wideformatonline.com quoted him on the “real enthusiasm” for “in-person events “ and “the many benefits of a good trade show”.

At one vendor with an interest in the news printing market, inkjet press maker HP, Jeremy Brew said that in terms of ROI, the show had outperformed even PacPrint 2022.

Next up for Visual Connections is Visual Impact Brisbane, from July 17-19, 2024.

Pictured: Plenty to talk about on stands and aisles (with thanks to wideformatonline)