The Visual Media Association (VMA) has expanded its international study tour program as part of the 41st National Print Awards, offering emerging leaders from Australia’s print and visual media industry the opportunity to travel to the UK to engage with the global print community.
On Thursday 4 June 2026, the National Print Awards gala evening at the InterContinental in Brisbane will celebrate excellence, craftsmanship and innovation across Australia’s print and visual media sector.
Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, said the initiative reflects the Awards’ commitment to strengthening leadership and international engagement across the Australian industry.
“While the Awards recognise outstanding work in print, packaging, signage and visual communications, they also aim to create meaningful professional opportunities for industry leaders,” Northwood explained.
“The UK study tour connects Australian talent with the global print community and gives our emerging leaders the chance to experience international innovation, sustainability and new thinking shaping the future of print.”
In partnership with international organisations, VMA introduced a professional development study tour to London in 2025, giving major award winners the opportunity to connect with the global print industry.
During the inaugural trip, two Australian winners – Isobel Clark from Flying Colours Group and Zaidee Jackson from Ball & Doggett – attended the Power of Print Conference in London, hosted by Two Sides UK and the British Printing Industries Federation.
The conference brought together hundreds of international delegates to explore the future of print, sustainability, technological innovation and the evolving role of physical media in a digital world. The Australian representatives also visited leading print organisations and engaged with manufacturers and suppliers shaping the future of the industry.
Building on the success of the inaugural tour, VMA has confirmed the program will continue and expand in 2026.
This year, the UK study tour will be awarded to the Emerging Talent, Woman of Industry, and Employee of the Year winners, with VMA currently seeking a final sponsor to include the Supplier of the Year recipient. Together, the winners will form an Australian delegation travelling to the UK for a week-long professional development experience.
The delegation will attend The Print Show, the UK’s leading print industry exhibition, while also visiting key printers, suppliers and technology partners.
The program is designed to broaden perspectives, strengthen international networks and expose Australian professionals to global best practice.
“The study tour gives our award winners the chance to represent Australia on the global stage, while learning from some of the most advanced print businesses in the world,” Northwood added.
“The insights and connections gained during the experience help drive new thinking, innovation and leadership across the Australian industry.”
In addition to the Awards ceremony, the 2026 program will also introduce a new daytime Ink and Innovation 2026 conference featuring international speakers, technology leaders and innovators, including keynote speaker Jon Bailey. It will explore emerging trends including automation, workflow transformation, sustainability, packaging innovation and new market opportunities.
The expanded format will create a full day of professional development, networking and industry insight before the evening Awards celebration.
Nominations for the 2026 National Print Awards are now open. Click here for more.
Conference registration is strictly limited to 100 attendees and costs $45 for Association members and $65 for non-members. Reserve your tickets now by emailing events@visualmediaassociation.org.au.
Sponsorship opportunities across Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers remain available. For further information on sponsorship opportunities, contact: hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au or phillip@visualmediaassociation.org.au.