Visual Impact floor space has almost disappeared with more than 95 per cent booked already.
Suppliers have come out in force to support the first show in Brisbane for more than six years. Organisers predict a diverse show with a mix of major industry players and niche suppliers booking stands.
Charly Blades, events manager for supplier association Visual Connections, which owns and organises the show, says, “We still have a few booths available, but given the amount of interest in them, we expect this to be a fully-subscribed show.
“The exhibitor list for Brisbane is a really diverse group, set to provide a showcase that will encompass all the latest in signage, display, wide-format printing, textile printing, LED and illumination, fabrication, routing, engraving and laser cutting, software and workflows and much more.
“The floorplan is looking like a really good balance between the larger suppliers with multiple solutions and product lines, and the smaller local and international exhibitors who always bring a range of resources, affiliations, solutions and options which are invaluable to industry businesses and ideally complement the offerings of the bigger names.”
Hands on for soft signage
Those interested in fabricated signage will also have the chance to get hands on, by registering for Channel Lettering Workshops, run by LetterTech Australia in partnership with Bounce LED.
Blades says, “The sessions are designed to show registrants the very latest world-class technology for channel lettering and illuminated LED signage.
“They will feature live demonstrations of the latest channel letter bending solutions by industry experts, to show just how versatile and easy these machines are to use – and the potential they offer for increasing profitability and building new revenue streams. Five sessions are available on the Wednesday and Thursday, and four on the Friday.
New seminar programme
In recognition of the need to provide maximum value to visitors from their attendance, organisers have reimagined the seminar programme. The show will feature a series of short, sharp meet the expert sessions in the aptly named Connections Centre.
Blades adds, “These more informal, conversational sessions are designed to give attendees information, insights and ideas while connecting them with the experts who can help them build their business success.”
“With such a comprehensive showcase and program of events, registrations for the show are expected to be strong, with Blades reporting that registrations have already been received from Brisbane and across Queensland, from Northern NSW and the NT.
“We’ve seen excellent attendances at recent shows, particularly where there has been a long hiatus, and we’re certainly expecting to see that in Brisbane. While the majority are likely to be from Queensland, primarily Brisbane and surrounds, we traditionally see quite a good number from NSW and the NT to our Queensland shows, and also expect to welcome visitors from further afield, into New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, for whom Brisbane is a convenient location.”
“The show also usually attracts quite a few visitors from southern states, who welcome the opportunity to spend a few days in the sun while catching up with all the latest.”
Peter Harper, chief executive at Visual Connections, says an increased interest from Chinese companies to participate in Visual Impact represents a global trend. He says, “Chinese companies have a greater appetite to exhibit in overseas shows and we are seeing this all around the world. It is well evidenced at drupa this year with almost 400 Chinese companies set to exhibit at the show in Düsseldorf this year.”
Visual Impact will run from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July, and from 9am to 4pm on Friday 19 July, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Bank.
