The Visual Media Association (VMA), with the support of platinum sponsor Konica Minolta, will host a national series of ‘Bring Your Boss’ events for its emerging talent program, The Inkers.
The series aims to celebrate early-career professionals by supporting their growth through network building and providing future leadership skills. It is a chance to hear real career stories, recognise great employers and connect with others who care about the future of the print industry workforce.
“During these events, we will have the opportunity in each state to hear from an industry colleague who has thought ‘outside the box’ across recruitment and new talent attraction into their businesses,” Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, tells Print21.
“We will also hear from a panel of early-career professionals to share with us their insights into what makes a positive workplace for them and how they see the industry and their careers developing.”
Held across Australia during February and March 2026, each event brings together early-career people, managers, industry leaders, educators, sponsors and government to strengthen support for industry apprentices, trainees and cadets, and to celebrate the people shaping the future of visual media.
“Skilled labour is a real problem for our industry, as we are looking for our skilled and soon to be skilled labour supply to ensure the future successes of our businesses and industry,” Northwood explains.
“The Inkers – make your mark program is all about supporting and retaining our next generation, and that starts with building good workplace environments, as well as listening into what our emerging talent needs and are inspired by when deciding on their future professional pathways.
“I see these events as a real ‘two ears, one mouth’ opportunity for us all to lean in and learn from our next generation.”
What to expect
- Panel insights from early-career team members sharing real career stories
- ‘Bring Your Boss’ conversations reflecting on what helps people grow
- Employer recognition and program updates
- Networking, refreshments and industry connection
- Insights into VMA 2026 programs
Whether you are early in your career, you employ and mentor others, or you simply care about the future generation of the industry, this is your chance to connect, learn and show your support.
Event locations and dates:
BRISBANE
4:30 to 7:00pm, 3 February 2026
Konica Minolta: 9/100 Skyring Terrace, Newstead QLD 4006
SYDNEY
4:30 to 7:00pm, 10 February 2026
Konica Minolta: 4 Drake Ave, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
LAUNCESTON
4:30 to 7:00pm, 17 February 2026
Flying Colours Group: 5/13-17 Merino St, Kings Meadows TAS 7249
MELBOURNE
4:30 to 7:00pm, 19 February 2026
Visual Media Association: 3/5-7 Compark Cct, Mulgrave VIC 3170
BALLARAT
12:00 to 2:30pm, 17 March 2026
Revolution Print: 1 Production Dr, Alfredton VIC 3350
PERTH
4:30 to 7:00pm, 24 March 2026
Konica Minolta: 66 Kings Park Rd, West Perth WA 6005
ADELAIDE
4:30 to 7:00pm, 26 March 2026
Konica Minolta: Level 8/182 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Who should attend?
- Apprentices, trainees, cadets and early-career team members
- Employers and managers who support emerging talent
- Business owners and leaders across print, packaging, sign and visual communications
- Educators, sponsors and government stakeholders
- Anyone who wants to support workforce development and hear real industry stories
“Starting in Brisbane is always a great way to start. The Queensland membership have always attended and participated in industry initiatives with a good turnout,” added Northwood.
“The bar will be set for the other states as we roll out these events throughout the country. I look forward to seeing our members and also their new emerging talent teams.
“And I’d also like to thank Konica Minolta for their Platinum Member support. We wouldn’t have been able to run this program without their support.”
To register for an event, click here.