The Visual Media Association (VMA) has named the finalists for the major award categories of the 2026 National Print Awards, recognising the individuals, businesses and emerging leaders shaping the future of Australia’s print and visual media industry.
The 41st National Print Awards will be held at the InterContinental Brisbane on Thursday 4 June 2026, bringing together businesses and professionals from across print, packaging, signage and visual communications for the industry’s premier national awards program.
Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, said the major award categories reflect the breadth of talent, leadership and emerging capability across the industry.
“The National Print Awards recognise the individuals and businesses contributing to the ongoing strength of Australia’s print and visual media sector,” she said.
“The major award finalists reflect the people, talent and capability across the industry, from workplace culture and sustainability through to supplier partnerships, operational performance and the next generation entering the sector.”
Industry Supplier of the Year finalists include John Ferguson and Troy Stockings from Spicers Australia; Graham Hay from Barrack Broking; Robert Humphreys from Kyocera; and Matt Taylor from Chandler CX.
The Workplace Culture & Wellbeing Achievement finalists are Nicolas Ansara from Kwik Kopy Darling Harbour; Gabrielle Stevens from Konica Minolta Australia; Karen Seage from Snap Underwood; and Kirsty Woodhead from Breen Printing.
Finalists in the Emerging Talent of the Year category include Angas Adcroft from MCC Labels; Kristen Dreischl from Ball & Doggett; Melissa Foord from Scotts; Olga Plastourgos from Kyocera; and Laila Stevens from Eckersley Print Group.
Industry Woman of the Year finalists include Magdaline Coleman from Colemans Printing & Signage; Lani Draheim from Rawson Print & Packaging; Stephanie Gaddin from Women in Print Australia; Gemma Leonard from Print City; and Katherine Puttock from Lane Print Communications.
The Industry Employee of the Year finalists are Paul Bartolo and Jessica Breen from Ball & Doggett; Francesca Gorman from Print 2 Metal; Mark Rolls from IVE Group; and Paul Sanelli from Konica Minolta Australia.
Winners of the Emerging Talent of the Year, Industry Woman of the Year and Industry Employee of the Year categories will take part in an international study tour across Europe, including attendance at The Print Show in Birmingham and visits to leading print businesses, suppliers and manufacturers.
According to Northwood, the study tour initiative continues to provide valuable international exposure and leadership development opportunities for emerging and established industry professionals.
“Providing opportunities for our industry to connect internationally and experience global best practice is an important part of continuing to strengthen capability and leadership across the sector,” explained Northwood.
“The study tour gives participants exposure to international businesses, ideas and operational approaches that they can bring back into Australian print businesses and the broader industry.”
Among the Emerging Talent finalists are four participants of The Inkers Program, a national initiative created by the VMA with founding Platinum Partner Konica Minolta Australia to support emerging talent across print, packaging, signage and visual media.
Northwood said initiatives such as The Inkers reflect the importance of long-term workforce development across the industry.
“Programs supporting emerging professionals are critical to ensuring the industry continues to attract, develop and retain talent,” she added. “The finalists recognised this year demonstrate the creativity, leadership and technical capability across print and visual communications.”
The National Print Awards are supported by Platinum Sponsors HP and Currie Group, alongside industry partners including Fujifilm Business Innovation, Ball & Doggett, Plockmatic Group and Renz, Ricoh Australia, Konica Minolta, Flint Group Packaging Solutions, Print21, Spicers, Print Training Australia and Spectra.
The 2026 Awards program will also include the Ink and Innovation Masterclass, supported by conference partner CMYKhub, taking place from 10am to 3pm ahead of the National Print Awards Gala Dinner at 6:30pm.
Hosted at the InterContinental Brisbane, the Masterclass will feature Jon Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of Precision Proco, alongside Kelvin Gage and Bernardo Stalenoef from GF Smith, with discussion focused on workflow, leadership and business performance across the print sector.
The Masterclass has attracted strong interest from across the industry ahead of the Brisbane event, with very limited tickets remaining.
“The response to Ink & Innovation has been incredibly strong and reflects the appetite across the industry for practical discussion around leadership, operational performance and business growth,” Northwood said.
“With only a handful of tickets remaining for both the masterclass and the Awards Gala Dinner, I would encourage businesses to secure their place quickly.”
For National Print Awards Gala Dinner tickets, click here. For Ink and Innovation Masterclass tickets, click here.