FESPA Australia – Leaders Program Shaping Tomorrow’s Print Industry Leaders

Launched in 2022 by FESPA Australia, the Leaders Program is now in its fourth year. It was created in response to a recognised gap in strategic leadership across the industry. As a flagship initiative, the program is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of industry leaders by equipping emerging professionals with the skills, confidence and networks needed to drive the industry forward.

With the industry facing rapid technological change, sustainability pressures and workforce challenges, FESPA Australia identified the need to cultivate talent capable of navigating these complexities with creativity and resilience. The Leaders Program addresses this need by offering professional and personal development opportunities that are typically only available to senior executives.

“Our industry is constantly evolving,” says Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia. “Developing and nurturing a pipeline of visionary leaders who can take a fresh perspective on these challenges is essential.”

Orafol continues its support of the program as Diamond Sponsor. Alex McClelland, Managing Director of Orafol, says, “We are proud to once again partner with FESPA Australia. Orafol’s commitment to learning and development aligns perfectly with the goals of the Leaders Program. Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of industry leaders.”

Fostering strong networks and meaningful relationships within each cohort is a central focus of the program. Davies notes that established leaders often owe much of their success to long-standing professional networks, while emerging leaders may not yet have access to these connections. “Participants in the FESPA Australia Leaders Program will have the unique opportunity to join a close-knit cohort of like minded professionals, connections that are likely to prove instrumental to their future development. The program’s emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing and mentorship creates an environment where participants can draw on one another’s expertise, exchange innovative ideas and collectively address the challenges ahead.”

The program is built around an intensive two-day leadership workshop. Delivered by respected corporate leadership coach Carl Harman, the workshop has been specifically tailored to the print industry. Over the two days, participants take part in highly interactive sessions covering core leadership capabilities, including strategic thinking, effective communication, team dynamics, and industry specific challenges such as sustainability and workforce development.

The program is open to early to mid-career professionals actively working within the speciality printing industry, including printers, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. Rather than being student focused, the cohort is made up of emerging professionals who already demonstrate leadership potential and are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Workshop content combines practical leadership frameworks with broader industry insight. Alongside coaching and skills development, the program places a strong emphasis on networking, collaboration and peer learning, helping to build lasting professional relationships that often extend well beyond the formal sessions. Many alumni also have the opportunity to represent FESPA Australia at major international events, such as the FESPA Global Print Expo, further broadening their global outlook.

In just four years, the FESPA Leaders Program has established itself as a respected development pathway, building a connected community of emerging leaders equipped to tackle the challenges facing the print and signage sector today and into the future.

For more information on the program, please contact [email protected]