John Wall, president and director of Roland DG Australia, has been named the new president of trade association Visual Connections, taking over from Mitch Mulligan.
“It has been a rewarding year and I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their hard work," said Mulligan, CEO Bottcher Australia, who was named inaugural president when Visual Connections was created in 2015 in a merger between supplier groups GAMAA and VISA. "We are proud that Visual Connections has united major suppliers across the print, graphic and signage industries and continued to contribute to the sustainability of the industry."
As agreed in the constitution of not-for-profit Visual Connections, former GAMAA president Mulligan steps down after a year in the role.
Incoming president Wall, a former Visual Industries (VISA) vice-president, says he's looking forward to taking over. “What a great first year for Visual Connections," he said. "I am proud to take the helm at this juncture and to further the work of the association as it commences its second year. Over the next twelve months, there will be exciting times ahead as we bring together Visual Impact Sydney 2016, PacPrint 2017 and other industry events. With the assistance of the Board, I hope to give back to the industry that supports us all.”
In the past year, Visual Connections presented two successful trade shows – Visual Impact Melbourne in September 2015 and Visual Impact Brisbane in April 2016.
Visual Connections also continued its shared management of the Women in Print initiative, invested in education through its Work Inspirations program and continued a range of grants and sponsorships. In 2015, it awarded the $15,000 LIA-Visual Connections Graduate of the Year award to Jessica McAuley, who then traveled to Drupa in June.
The association provided ongoing support to industry campaigns through TSA Limited and also supported the ANZFTA National Conference, NZSDA Sign Awards, ASGA Awards, Industry Internship Grant, LIA QLD awards and the Drupa Australian and New Zealand Welcome night.