WOMEN IN PRINT STEPPING OUTSIDE THE BOX
The 2024 Women in Print Breakfast series is underway. The Print21 team attended yesterday’s event in Sydney, led for the final time by NSW Patron Debbie Burgess, who is stepping down from the role.
Industry professionals gathered at Waterview in Bicentennial Park for the Women in Print – Sydney Breakfast 2024 event. Despite the damp weather, spirits were high as attendees embraced the opportunity to gain insights into empowerment within the print and graphic arts industry.
Hosted by Debbie Burgess, managing director of Bright Print Group and Patron of New South Wales, the event unfolded against the serene backdrop of Bicentennial Park. The theme of “Think outside the box” encouraged attendees to challenge conventional boundaries and explore new perspectives.
Thanking the sponsors and partners, Burgess introduced keynote speaker Christina Bruce, setting the stage for an engaging and transformative session. She emphasised Bruce’s unique approach, stating, “In this session, Christina will use the phrase ‘think outside of the box’ literally, to challenge the status quo and quickly deliver the breakthrough change we’re all ready for.”
The interactive presentation by Bruce, director of sales leadership training company Sellabilities, provided a stimulating focal point for discussion. The activity titled “Don’t just think outside of the box, build a better box,” proved to be a highlight of the event.
“Sometimes thinking out of the box is not enough, so the first thing we need to do is identify the signals for when we’re feeling boxed in, recognising when those ‘box’ behaviours are leaking out,” said Bruce.
With 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, Bruce captivated the audience through stimulating exercises involving the customised boxes at each table. By personalising their boxes in response to prompt questions, attendees were challenged to confront their own limitations, and explore new avenues for growth.
Throughout the event, delegates were encouraged to participate actively to create an environment of collaboration and learning. The discussions delved into themes such as the purpose of the box, what to do when the box is out of balance, and the importance of cultivating curiosity filters.
Bruce also touched on subjects related to feeling boxed in, and how we react to puzzling situations, promoting attendees to reflect on their own experiences and limiting behaviours, to let go of in the quest to build a better box.
“I want you to find your filters, open them up, and fill them with curiosity and authenticity,” said Bruce.
In thanking Bruce for her entertaining session, Burgess said Women in Print continues to serve as a beacon of diversity within the industry, driving positive change. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration, igniting a spark of inspiration that will continue to fuel attendees’ personal and professional journey.
Burgess took a moment to announce the Women in Print scholarship programme. Funded by HP and Currie Group, this initiative aims to support five women in the industry, by providing technical certification on the newest HP Indigo Digital Press.
In closing, Burgess said farewell to the NSW chapter and invited women in print in NSW to apply for the patron role that she is now vacating.
The final Women in Print event took place in Brisbane this morning, marking the conclusion of the seven-city Breakfast series.
Looking ahead, upcoming events for Women in Print include the June Webinar – Entrepreneurship Panel; Visual Impact scheduled for 18 July 2024; Dignity Drive in August; and Print & Prosecco in September.