The Single Width Users’ Group (SWUG) has unveiled an interactive agenda for its 16th annual NZ conference to be held at Wellington’s Copthorne Hotel in August.
"Set to a playful theme of Printfinity and Beyond, the event is expected to attract over 130 delegates and suppliers, reflecting the strength of interest and passion in this unique sector of the print industry," says SWUG chairperson Dan Blackbourn. “We have a fantastic line up of presentations, guest speakers and surprise events that will ensure delegates are riveted throughout.
Among keynote speakers is Workcare NZ’s Nicky Trevithick, who will speak about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
“Having spent over 16 years with the police, Nicky has seen first hand the impact of drug and alcohol abuse,” says Blackbourn. “Now in the private sector, she is passionate about educating the public on the issue, and to help firms implement robust drug and alcohol policies. This includes educating staff on best practice which both delivers a safer work environment as well as ultimately benefiting the family unit and wider community.”
Another keynote speaker will be print industry environmental commentator Phil Lawrence, who will address the business cost of poor electricity quality.
"Phil has followed an academic pathway at Sydney University researching industry’s impact on the environment using the print sector as his example. He recently began looking at how poor quality electricity supplied from the grid impacts on the overall efficiency of a business causing equipment failure, excess heat and up to 40% wasted energy.”
In addition to a tour of the Petone Fairfax plant and a networking dinner, the event (August 3-4) will feature the SWUG Awards for Printing Excellence and the Apprentice of the Year - the latter two presented at Te Papa Museum to a James Bond theme.
“There is still a lot of life in the print industry and will be for some time, and this conference is shaping up to be one of our best,” says Blackbourn.