The true story of how print is relevant and a powerhouse in today’s media world -- plus an insider viewpoint on what is driving New Zealand’s economy -- will be among key messages awaiting delegates at this year’s Single Width Users’ Group (SWUG) Conference.
Being held at Auckland’s Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre on August 22-23, the 17th-annual event will feature Kellie Northwood emphasising print’s strengths and environmental credentials as well as debunking myths about sustainability.
Delegates will also gain an insider viewpoint on New Zealand’s economy from experienced financial and political commentator Bernard Hickey.
Together, the keynote speakers will provide a sharp edge to the conference, “leaving delegates sure of the future of our industry and its relevance to the media marketplace”, says Lauren Keen, one of this year’s conference organisers.
Theme
In conjunction with an overall “Tangibly Trusted” theme, this year’s event will focus on adding value to print for the customer and the creation of products that stand out from the crowd.
“Whilst print continually faces attack from other media, there are still some very real benefits for customers utilising print as a promotional tool,” says Keen.
“When you are able to make your product have a point of difference -- one that stands out on the shelves and has that wow factor -- and are shown examples of how this can make a big difference to the bottom line, serious consideration must be given.
“In the newsprint and direct mail sector there are many examples of products that achieve this.”
Ms Keen says opening the SWUG conference via Mr Hickey and Ms Northwood will provide an excellent opportunity to analyse such facts.
Format
On day one, following the first two speakers and a break for lunch, an industry question and answer session will be held.
All delegates will be encouraged to put forward questions raised from the morning presentations and have an opportunity for both speakers and industry experts to answer.
“We encourage firms in the sector to make sure they have representation from their sales and production staff at this exciting session.”
Awards Dinner MC
This year’s SWUG Awards for Printing Excellence and Apprentice of the Year MC will be Phil Gifford -- the winner of nine New Zealand and two Australasian radio awards, who has also twice been judged New Zealand sportswriter of the year and three times New Zealand sports columnist of the year, among many other achievements.
Networking Dinner
Following the pinnacle Awards event on Tuesday evening, Wednesday night will feature the Networking Dinner, which is open to all interested parties -- even those people who are not attending the conference itself.
“The dinner will be MCed by New Zealand’s pre-eminent comedy team and should be a great night, so we definitely encourage delegates to invite additional guests along.”
7DAYS stars Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood and Paul Ego are expected to provide an improvised comedic touch during the evening to wrap up the conference.
Cost
This year there are three attendance options for delegates, to make the conference as accessible as possible to everyone:
- first-day morning session and lunch with Bernard Hickey and Kellie Northwood (August 22) -- $45
- full delegate registration -- $145
- additional tickets are now available for the Networking Dinner at the cost of $95.
Organisers request all attendees register their attendance online.
Programme/Registration
Keen says the programme will cover a variety of highly relevant fields and include exciting site visits to both Horton Media and Paper Reclaim.
“The conference will also feature the SWUG Awards for Printing Excellence and the Apprentice of the Year. We expect another interactive and engaging event this year, which is likely to attract over 130 delegates and suppliers, reflecting the strength of interest and passion within this unique sector of the print industry.”
Online registration to the event is now live via the SWUG website www.swug.co.nz.
Accommodation can be booked by contacting the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre directly by phone 09 526 3003 or E-mail res@waipunahotel.co.nz -- while quoting the booking reference “PROM0817” to ensure special SWUG rates and a room is secured from the allocated conference block, www.waipunahotel.co.nz.
For all enquiries on this year’s SWUG conference and registration please contact Lauren Keen from Promote Ltd by phone 04 237 0482 or E-mail lauren@promoteltd.co.nz.
Further information via www.swug.co.nz.