Roland DG has confirmed its platinum sponsorship of Visual Impact 2026. A long-time supporter of trade shows, Roland DG will be joined by the expo’s first gold sponsor, Mimaki Australia.
Visual Impact Conference & Expo 2026, the industry’s leading digital print, sign and graphics show, will be held under The Dome at the Sydney Showground from 2-4 September, 2026.
A number of leading companies have also confirmed their stands for the show in recent weeks, including Additive Machines, 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.
The growing list of exhibitors has embraced the show’s fresh layout, which takes full advantage of the circular design of the Showgrounds’ iconic Dome to create an ‘in-the-round’ experience, with a number taking prime positions at the front of the hall and around the central area, designated ‘The Hub’.
Stands at the show will sit in the familiar grid format, but will be arranged around The Hub, which is designed to provide a central focus for visitors and a nucleus from which every stand is easily accessible.
The concept is intended to disrupt the normal ‘front to back’ traffic flow and disperse crowds more evenly throughout the hall. For exhibitors, that means a steadier, more consistent stream of visitors to stand, while for visitors it provides an ideal meeting place and navigation point.
Karren Challoner-Miles, executive general manager of the event’s host, Visual Connections, said it’s just one of the innovative ideas which demonstrate the renewed approach the association is taking with this show.
“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,” Challoner-Miles said.
“We know that costs are rising, we know that business owners are pushed for time. 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.”
As well as the reimagined expo, Visual Impact will feature a co-located industry conference addressing issues of broad relevance and interest, like the economy, industry trends, sustainability, AI and more.
“While this is an industry event, we don’t want it to be completely internally focused,” Challoner-Miles said.
“None of us operate in a vacuum; we are all working within a local and global economy, all facing challenges like rising costs, talent shortages, and the need to meet important sustainability goals. Our personal and business lives continue to be transformed by new technologies, and with AI advances, this is only going to continue.
“At Visual Impact, visitors will not only have access to the industry’s leading suppliers, who will bring their solutions and their collective expertise, experience and insights, but also to experts from outside the industry who will provide important information and valuable perspectives to the table.”
Jenny Harris, Visual Connections events consultant, said the stands which are ‘inked in’ are just the start, with many other companies in discussions to secure their place.
“We are having lots of conversations, which is a great result considering we are still 10 months out from the show.I think that’s 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.”
Harris said the team is also making good progress with the conference, and is looking forward to sharing more about that as the format and themes are finalised, and speakers start to be confirmed from early next year.
For more information, go to visualimpact.org.au
