The Visual Media Association (VMA) will be introducing a new conference – Ink and Innovation 2026 – to lead into this year’s National Print Awards, and has confirmed the keynote speaker to be international print leader Jon Bailey.
The conference has been designed to deliver industry insight from a local and global perspective, bringing real-world discussions to a success-focused industry, and will be led by Bailey, who is the CEO of Precision Proco, chairman of WTTB.co.uk and FOUND.US, as well as strategic advisor to Dscoop.
Taking place in Brisbane on Thursday 4 June, the Ink and Innovation Conference will provide a day of industry insights and practical innovation from 10am to 3pm, ahead of the 41st National Print Awards evening gala, to be held at the InterContinental in Brisbane.
“Our industry conference, Ink and 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,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA.
“The conference will house a market stall trade arena for sponsors to showcase their innovation and business solutions for attendees – a one-stop-shop for convenience.”
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 and Innovation Conference will focus on building the excellence for attendees,” explained Northwood.
“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.”
Conference Registration is strictly limited to 100 attendees:
- Members: $45
- Non-Members: $65
Reserve your tickets now by emailing events@visualmediaassociation.org.au.
The National Print Awards entries are now open across all categories, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Click here to enter.
Sponsorship opportunities across Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers remain available. For further information on the National Print Awards or sponsorship opportunities, contact: hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au or phillip@visualmediaassociation.org.au.