CEREMONIAL OPENING FOR VISUAL IMPACT

Sign, display and promotional products expo Visual Impact opened with a smoking ceremony and official welcome by the Gawura Cultural Immersions group, at the Sydney Showground this morning.

Before the doors opened to some 100 exhibits showcasing signage, display, wide-format print, engraving, and textile printing, the group shared the rich heritage of First Nations People through a smoking ceremony – a cleansing ceremony which is a gesture of goodwill and bringing people together– before leading guests into Halls 5 & 6 where a song and dance performance continued.

As the show opened Charly Blades, event manager for organiser Visual Connections, said, “Sydney is one of the most comprehensive Visual Impact shows we have seen, featuring everything from printed and illuminated signage, to wide-format print, LED lighting, 3D printing, textile and direct-to-garment printing, trophies, badges and promotional items.

“There will be a busy programme of seminars and workshops, a Try-A-Trade program for students, channel lettering and photography workshops, a photo and fine art exhibition, plus the excitement of the Asga/Hexis Wrap Challenge heats running daily, all under one roof.”

Stuart McMinn, from the Dharug and Gubbi Gubbi nations, and owner and lead cultural facilitator of the group has been professionally performing cultural dance and cultural education for the past 17 years.

“At Gawura Cultural Immersions we aim to provide insights and immersion into the rich cultural heritage of First National People through song and dance, training, facilitation and education programs, and cultural awareness and wellbeing experiences,” he said.

“We enjoy sharing our culture, which has thrived for 120,000 years, and welcoming visitors to Visual Impact in Sydney.”

Inside Visual Impact, visitors will find all the latest innovations in systems, equipment, software, media, consumables and services for the diverse and exciting sector.

The expo runs until 6pm today, tomorrow is 10am-6pm, with drinks from 5pm-7pm, and on the final day, Friday, Visual Impact will be open from 10am-4pm.

Click here to register.