Visual Impact Conference & Expo Planned for Sydney in 2026

Visual Connections has this week announced that Sydney will host a Visual Impact Conference & Expo in September 2026, with organisers saying the reimagined event promises a ‘new concept, new vision and new opportunities’ for exhibitors and visitors alike.

The show is booked for 2 – 4 September, at the Sydney Showground, with the timing deliberately pushed back from its traditional May timeslot to avoid clashes with the global shows which are typically held mid-year, explains Visual Connections Executive General Manager, Karren Challoner-Miles. 

Since joining the supplier association late last year, Challoner-Miles has been clear about her intention to review and assess all the association’s activities and initiatives to ensure they align closely with the needs and values of both Visual Connections Members and the wider industry.

“Industry businesses are facing a raft of challenges,” Challoner-Miles says. “It’s hard to get away from the workplace; time is tight, and money tighter. Yet it’s imperative for business owners to keep pace with technological changes, evolving trends and new market opportunities if they want to build success and stay ahead of their competition. 

“On the supplier side, marketing budgets are as tight as ever, and trade shows take a real commitment in terms of stand builds, staff allocations and promotion. As show organisers, we need to make sure that our exhibitors can maximise the value of every square metre of space, and every moment they spend on stand. 

“In short, the onus is on us to deliver trade shows which are sharper, more focused and more valuable than ever before – and we are embracing that challenge in 2026.”

Visual Impact has long been regarded as the leading expo for the sign, graphics and visual communications sector in Australia. 

The 2026 iteration, which is expected to draw some 4,000 visitors, will not only feature some exciting new initiatives, but is also perfectly timed to allow industry businesses to make the most of both local and international opportunities.

The co-located Conference will enhance the value for visitors by bringing together leading experts, visionaries and thought leaders to provide vital information and insights on economic conditions, industry trends, business leadership and the big issues which can impact the market and create new challenges and opportunities.

“This will be a tightly focused show, designed to bring the best of the world’s innovations in digital, wide-format and textile printing; engraving, routing and laser cutting; conventional, digital and illuminated signage; promotional gifts, awards and trophies, and more, to the iconic Showgrounds Dome,” says Challoner-Miles.

“The daily conference program will have a broad scope, bringing together information and insights which will inform and equip business owners to understand the global market, identify opportunities, learn about Australian and international sustainability requirements, and capitalise on emerging markets and new technologies,” she adds.

The Visual Connections events team is already fielding enquiries from exhibitors keen to be among the first to confirm a prime position, and Challoner-Miles says they are also seeking expressions of interest from organisations in sponsoring the expo or conference, and from speakers in presenting a keynote address or seminar session.

Visual Impact Conference & Expo will run from Wednesday 2 September until Friday 4 September, 2026, at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. To find out more, go to visualimpact.org.au or contact us by email to explore exhibitor options or submit an expression of interest.