WOMEN IN PRINT: PRINT AND PROSECCO EVENT

Connections and conversations for industry women at Print and Prosecco networking evenings

Women in Print recently held its annual Print and Prosecco events, with a strong turnout of attendees across the country confirming the ongoing popularity of the gatherings.

Women in Print’s annual Print and Prosecco evenings continue to gain momentum, with networking events recently held across the country in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney.

Elouise Fawcett, Joy Skeels, Sarah Moore, and Karren Challoner-Miles from Visual Connections

Women in Print Australia chair Stephanie Gaddin said the Print and Prosecco events are now a well-established favourite on the Women in Print calendar, providing the opportunity for women in the broader print, sign, display, label and packaging sectors to get together, build their industry networks, and catch up with industry friends.

Debbie Burgess (Bright Print Group) and Karren Challoner Miles (Visual Connections)

This year’s Print and Prosecco series kicked off in Melbourne at the Village Belle Hotel in Barkly Street, St Kilda.

Women in Print Victorian patron, Rita Karagiannis, said, “Our Print and Prosecco networking events are wonderful opportunities for our community to come together over a drink and some nibbles, fostering connections and sharing experiences.

WA Women in Print gathered at the Sassy Cocktail Bar in Perth

“Taking time out of our busy lives to gather like this helps us build stronger relationships and support each other.

“We’re excited to host more events like this throughout the year, not just our annual breakfast series, giving everyone more chances to connect and engage within our Women in Print community,” she said.

Sharon Menary (Access Print), Sandy Aspinall (Creative Juice), Diana Nikolic (Ball & Doggett), and Marisa Smyrneos (Ball & Doggett)

The Adelaide event, which was sponsored by Access Print Holdings and Retail Ink, was held at The Archer Hotel.

Women in Print SA patron, Diana Nikolic, business development manager at Ball & Doggett, said the SA contingent had an enjoyable night.

Gabriella Kangas, Karen Lawler, Rebecca Garcia, Emily Watterson, Prerna Dave, and Muna Koirala from Cactus Imaging

“We started with a fun ‘break the ice’ bingo game to get everyone mingling and making connections with women outside their groups. It was great to see everyone coming together to chat and have a few laughs over some great food and bubbles.”

Belinda Tanner (Media Super), Charlotte Gorham (POS Visual Solutions), Stephanie Gaddin (Digital Image Magazine), and Kathy Chiang (Southern Impact)

Western Australian Women in Print gathered on the following evening at the Sassy Cocktail Bar in Perth.

The Perth night, too, was positively received, with WA patron Kimberly Skinner from Total Digital Solutions saying there is real benefit to getting together with people in the wider industry community and getting to know each other better in an intimate setting.

Carolina Gonzalez (Finsbury Green), Sandra Serrato (Finsbury Green), Mohini Bankal (MCC Label), Gloria Cruz (MCC Label), Geraldine Baptista (MCC Label)

“We had some ice breaker questions which prompted us to go a bit deeper than the usual, ‘how’s business’ conversations. I’m looking forward to building on this event and creating a vibrant Women in Print community in Perth,” she said.

The series concluded in Sydney, with the event, held at the Boulevard Brasserie at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, attracting more than 30 women.

New Queensland and New South Wales patrons announced

The Sydney event provided the stage for the announcement of two new Women in Print patrons.

Tania Andraos, Soula Kapakoulakis, Rita Karagiannis, and Tania Andraos from IVE Group were Halloween themed

Karen Lawler, business development manager for Cactus Imaging was named the new patron for NSW, replacing Debbie Burgess. Kerry-Anne Boyd, co-owner of Sign Right Australia, was appointed as Queensland Women in Print patron, which was previously held by Morag Pugh.

Serrato (Finsbury Green), Carolina Gonzalez (Finsbury Green), Sharon Menary (Access Print)

According to Gaddin, Lawler and Boyd not only bring their significant talents to their new roles, but also add solid wide-format, sign and graphics credentials to the patron mix, ensuring Women in Print can continue to champion the next wave of women in print, packaging, signage, and broader visual media industry.

In welcoming Lawler to the role for NSW, outgoing NSW patron Debbie Burgess said her time as patron had been “a pleasure and a privilege”.

Marisa Smyrneos (Ball & Doggett), Sande Bruce (Newstyle Print), and Sandy Aspinall (Creative Juice)

“I wish Women in Print nothing but the best, and know it is in supremely good hands,” Burgess said.

Gaddin said both new patrons bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles.

Rita Karagiannis, Victorian Women in Print Patron, Robyn Frampton (Visual Connections) and Stephanie Gaddin (Digital Image Magazine)

“Karen and Kerry-Anne embody the mission of Women in Print to empower and uplift women in our industry. They led a field of impressive applicants who threw their hats in the ring for these positions, a response which speaks to the enthusiasm and commitment of women within our sector.

Sarah Moore (Visual Connections), Debbie Burgess (Bright Print Group), Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group), and Nicole Jandik (IVE Group)

“We welcome Karen and Kerry-Anne to the Women in Print executive team and are looking forward to their contribution. With them, and our other amazing committee members, sponsors and supporters, I am confident that 2025 will build on our momentum, fostering an environment that creates tangible benefits for our members and deliver even more value to our community.”