中文Smartech Business Systems has become the latest major exhibitor to confirm its place at Visual Impact Expo this September, pushing the floorplan for the industry’s favorite digital print, signage, and graphics show past 80% booked. The expo will gather more than 50 exhibitors and has become a must-attend date on the Australasian print and sign calendar.
Smartech has booked a landmark position, Stand F19 on the central aisle adjacent to The Hub meeting and activation area, to showcase its mailing and automation systems. It joins a sponsor lineup that includes Platinum Sponsor Roland DG, Gold Sponsors Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP, and Mimaki, and Silver Sponsors Celmac, SAS, and Project Sirius. Recent confirmations also include Apple Air Filtration, Danthonia Designs, E-Power, Guangzhou Caili Digital Technology, Hero Print, Lite Corp, Sydney Print Media, Velflex, and STL Australia.
These newcomers line up alongside long-time Visual Impact exhibitors such as SA-led, Multicam, PHE, Mutoh, Stick on Signs, Pozitive, Ball & Doggett, and many others, creating a comprehensive display spanning software and MIS solutions, digital wide-format and textile printing and finishing, media and substrates, routing and engraving, and digital and illuminated signage. The Australian Sign & Graphics Association, the Penrith Print Museum, and Women in Print have also confirmed stands.
ASGA will occupy Stand I13, updating visitors on its work with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, BuildSkills, and RTOs on industry qualifications and training, introducing new online courses via its partnership with the International Sign Association, and hosting a meet-and-greet for sign businesses and installers. Shireen Da Costa, Exhibitions & Events Manager for host Visual Connections, said the last-minute rush of confirmations gives visitors even more reason to plan a Sydney trip.
A major draw alongside the show floor is the Connect Conference 2026, sponsored by Premium Sponsor ORAFOL Australia and supported by ASGA and Spicers Australia. The leadership summit is drawing strong interest, with keynote speakers including Gillon McLachlan of Tabcorp, Matt Aitken of IVE Group, technology and leadership expert Steve Vamos, economist and former politician Dr Craig Emerson, and corporate sustainability expert and author Dr David Cooke. The program also features fireside chats and panels on outdoor advertising and signage trends, international perspectives from global industry associations, harnessing AI, education and careers, and the future of signage with local experts.
The week’s attractions are rounded out by the 2026 Easy Signs National Sign & Graphics Awards gala dinner on Thursday 3 September and Make it Happen Signage Bootcamps running at the Showground. Visual Impact Expo and Connect Conference 2026 will be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, from 2 to 4 September 2026. Registration is open for both the expo and the conference.
For suppliers, the 80%-booked floor signals strong confidence in the Australasian market. For printers and sign shops, it is a concentrated chance to see new equipment, compare workflows, and hear where the industry is heading, all in one venue.
Source: Print21 (print21.com.au)
