24 April 2019

Visual Media Conference 2019 – a creative triumph

The Visual Media Conference 2019, held at the Rose Bowl Leeds, proved an overwhelming triumph as 300+ attendees went home inspired and challenged from the rich array of speakers and exhibits aimed at those in the creative, digital, print and packaging industries.

Audiences heard directly from Channel 4's Ewan Douglas ahead of opening their new national HQ in Leeds and the benefits this will bring to the region, while the impressive line-up of fellow speakers had an international flavour and was themed around the area of sustainable innovation in business.

Attendees heard from Gillian Garside-Wight, Packaging Technology Director at Sun Branding Solutions, who spoke on the pollution crisis and ways in which conflicts (consumer trends versus environmental awareness) can be overcome for brands and retailers, while Joanna Stephenson at Parkside Flexibles spoke about significant developments in compostable packaging.

The exhibitors' area was also a hive of activity, where Production Park and Backstage Academy showcased some of the latest technology in the live visual design and production world, and Framework Creative's presentation of immersive technology brought print to life through augmented reality, and brand storytelling through virtual reality.

The Euro Panel was yet another highlight of the day, where international experts shared informed and candid opinions from the EU and around the world giving an insight into the future of our industries in Europe, and understandings were further deepened as we heard from Nic Sheen of Communisis about ‘Digital Transformation', Denise Turner of Newsworks about unlocking the power of news in an ever-challenging market, and Olga Munroe of Leeds Beckett University about the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution'.

CDi President and VMC curator Robert McClements said, "The VMC 2019 has done it once again - a top class free-to-attend event which has brought together those in the creative, design, print and packaging industries and has stirred each one of us in different ways. If every person is able to return to their professional environment and make one small change as a result of today, then the VMC has done its job. I would like to thank all the sponsors, organisers, speakers and exhibitors for all their hard work in making today happen, it's been our best VMC yet."

Chief Executive of the BPIF Charles Jarrold said, "The Visual Media Conference consistently brings a fresh perspective to the way we communicate with our customers, and this year has been no exception. I've been personally challenged and inspired by our speakers and exhibits, and it's been wonderful to see so many people thriving on the innovations they've seen today. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who have helped create this must-attend event for those in the creative industries, and I encourage people to watch this space for VMC 2020."