If there’s one constant for every business in our industry it is change, and the speakers at Day 3 of Connect Conference 2026 were unanimous that the ability to embrace change will mark the difference between those who struggle, and those who thrive.

In the first session, Neil Brener, Head of Operations for out-of-home leaders JC Decaux Australia and Matt Fitzpatrick, General Manager for Signarama, one of the country’s most successful signage franchises, joined Visual Connections CEO Karren Challoner-Miles for a wide-ranging conversation about the trends in signage and outdoor advertising. 

As well as providing some fascinating insights into both companies’ global business models, both guests were very clear about two things: The power of print and digital combined is vital to success, and that the ability of people to innovate and add value remains central to growing business.

The program then moved to one of the biggest risks, and opportunities, for business, with a keynote on cyber awareness and adaptability from Richard Williams (left), Managing Director of Precisions Solutions Group.

Richard pointed out that identifying, capturing and codifying the IP held by your people enables business growth, cost reductions and improved margins and business value, but it must be balanced by a realistic appraisal of the inherent risk in these processes, and concrete actions to mitigate that risk.

After morning tea, ASGA President Mick Harrold led a panel session looking at the future of signage here in Australias. He was joined by Steve Lambourne, Director of SS Signs, Andrew Hall from Factory One, and Callan Laughton, Managing Director of Insigns (pictured below).

Perhaps the most interesting take-away from the session was the insistence of all four business owners that advances like 3D printing and AI solutions are not only vitally important for the future, but something which signage businesses should be exploring and embracing today to stay ahead of the market.

The impacts of AI, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for industry businesses, were explored in more detail in the final two sessions. 

In his keynote presentation, renowned economist and former Federal minister Dr Craig Emerson, gave his views on whether AI will strengthen printing and signage, or risk destroying it. 

Looking at how industry has evolved over decades, and the businesses and industries which have adapted, survived, and grown in the face of change, he argued that the emergence of AI alongside advanced robotics marks a scale of change not experienced since the advent of electricity – but expressed confidence and optimism that the long-held ability of print and signage to adapt to change and embrace new opportunities, augers well for a bright future.

In the final session for the day, CSIRO Team Leader & Senior Researcher Dr Xun Li provided some interesting case studies on how AI is driving practical innovation across agriculture, robotics, automation and healthcare, and reflected on the kinds of opportunities the technology offers to improve efficiency, reduce labour-intensive work, support smarter decision-making and create real-world impact across industries of all kinds. 

It was a fitting end to a conference which has provided delegates with a wealth of inspiration, insights, and practical information to help ensure they are ‘future ready’.