INDUSTRY TO FAREWELL PETER HARPER

Visual Connections will hold special Celebration Dinners in Melbourne and Sydney next month, to give the industry a chance to farewell Peter Harper, who retires at the end of the year after half a century in the industry.

Harper has been one of the key figures in print, as CEO of the suppliers’ association. Harper founded the original sign industry supplier association, Visa, some 30 years ago, and has been at the helm of the merged Visual Connections, which encompasses all sectors of print, since its formation in 2015.

As well as representing the industry suppliers, Visual Connections produces and hosts the major print industry shows, including PacPrint, which it co-owns with employers’ group Visual Media Association, and the sign and display Visual Impact, the latest of which has just run in Brisbane. It also provides grants and scholarships to young talent in the industry, promotes print to schools, and supports various industry events.

In Melbourne, the dinner will follow the association’s inaugural Victorian Golf Day on Wednesday 20 November, and will be held in the Sandhurst Golf Club’s Club Rooms, one of Melbourne’s premier function and wedding venues, overlooking the beautiful course.

Sydney will have the opportunity a week later, on Thursday 28 November, at The Deckhouse, Woolwich. The association’s AGM and final Member Meeting for 2024 will also be held on the night, giving attendees a chance to hear more about the Association’s activities and achievements during Harper’s final year at the helm.

Visual Connections’ general manager, Sarah Moore, said the events will be an important opportunity for Harper’s many industry friends and colleagues to come together to recognise his achievements.

“Peter has been in this industry for 50 years, and has achieved an enormous amount during that time,” she said.

“He established the sign and graphics sector’s first trade shows and first suppliers’ association, and was a driving force behind the formation of Visual Connections. Since then, he has grown our trade show and event portfolio and overseen the success of our publications and other resources.

“In perhaps the most important legacy of his leadership, he has also built a strong careers program over more than a decade, with his collaborative approach resulting in the now industry-wide Sign & Print Career Connections program which connected with thousands young people this year to promote careers in the print, sign and graphics sectors.”

“These dinners in Melbourne and Sydney will be a fantastic opportunity for all Peter’s industry friends and connections to come along, celebrate his achievements, and wish him well on his retirement. We are looking forward to seeing a great turnout at both events.”

If you’re in Melbourne, you can register for the Golf Day and Celebration Dinner here or click here to register for the Melbourne or Sydney Celebration Dinners. To send your thanks, support or best wishes to be passed on to Peter, please contact the Visual Connections team at sales@visualconnections.org.au