NATIONAL PRINT AWARDS LEADS WITH INDUSTRY INNOVATION CONFERENCE - JON BAILEY TO KEYNOTE
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The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced a conference will be added to the National Print Awards to run the day of the 41st National Print Awards. program, celebrating the depth, creativity, and innovation of Australia’s print and visual media industries. The conference has been designed to deliver industry insight from a local and global perspective bringing real-world discussions to a success-focussed industry.
Taking place in Brisbane, the National Print Awards conference will run on Thursday, 4 June 2026, providing a day of industry insights and practical innovation from 10am to 3pm, ahead of the evening gala at the InterContinental in Brisbane.
Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA, says: “Our industry conference, Ink & Innovation, will bring international speakers, local panellists and subject matter experts to deliver practical knowledge, diverse perspectives and industry innovation to help Australian print businesses remain competitive and future focused. The conference will house a market stall trade arena for sponsors to showcase their innovation and business solutions for attendees, one stop shop for convenience.”
With more announcements to come, Ink & Innovation 2026 keynote speaker will feature international print leader Jon Bailey, CEO of Precision Proco, Chairman of WTTB.co.uk and FOUND.US, and Strategic Advisor to Dscoop, as the keynote speaker. With over 30 years of experience collaborating with major UK brands, Bailey has guided Precision Proco from a local Sheffield firm into a global, technology-driven print and marketing business, producing over 100 million unique consumer items annually.
Bailey is recognised for helping businesses leverage creativity, technology, and automation to remain competitive in a digital-first world. A respected figure in the print industry, Bailey has been honoured by the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) for "Outstanding Contribution to the Print Industry," speaks regularly at international events including FESPA Global Print Expo, and is an advocate for sustainable, local-to-global production.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bailey is also a passionate advocate for mental health, equality, and inclusive leadership, as well as for strengthening industry–academia connections to build future-ready, resilient businesses.
“This conference is the first in its kind for our industry, aligning with our recognition of excellence for the National Print Awards, the Ink & Innovation Conference will focus on building the excellence for attendees. I have personally had the privilege of listening to Jon over the years and he is an absolute inspiration and not to be missed. A true global leader of the print and visual media industry, with a true dedication to knowledge sharing, his talk alone is worthwhile to attend, however more announcements are to come,” concluded Northwood.
Conference Registration is strictly limited to 100 attendees:
> Members: $45
> Non-Members: $65
Reserve your tickets now: events@visualmediaassociation.org.au
The National Print Awards entries are now open across all categories, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
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