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DOWNTIME: VISUAL CONNECTIONS CEO PETER HARPER BOWS OUT TO INDUSTRY ACCLAIM
Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper bows out to industry acclaim
The print industry gathered in Sydney to officially farewell outgoing Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper after more than 50 years in the print, sign and graphics sector.
The print, sign, and graphics industry gathered in Sydney to celebrate the career of Visual Connections CEO, Peter Harper.
The event, which followed a similar occasion in Melbourne, gave Harper’s industry colleagues and friends the chance to reflect on his many achievements as outlined in a speech from Visual Connections treasurer, and long-time board member, John Wall.
Wall acknowledged Harper’s pivotal role in introducing several new and innovative technologies to Australia, establishing the first sign and graphics trade show and founding its original supplier association.
“Peter’s achievements with Visual Connections are well documented; in fact, it is not a stretch to say that he has helped to write some of the most exciting and significant chapters in the story of our industry.
“These include successful Visual Impact, PacPrint, and PrintEx exhibitions, the ongoing strength of the association’s publications, networking events, sponsorship and grants, and important support for, and collaboration with, our fellow industry associations.”
Wall also made special note of the Sign & Print Career Connections initiative –Harper’s pet project – which has grown into a successful, collaborative program that introduces thousands of students a year to careers in the print, sign and graphics sector.
Wall’s speech was followed by a tribute from Visual Connections GM – exhibition and events, Sarah Moore, on behalf of the Visual Connections team.
“Call it sales, call it persuasion, call it negotiation, call it collaboration –whatever you call it, Peter is a master of the art,” Moore said.
“What many don’t realise, is that Peter leads by example. He is always one of the first on site at trade shows for bump in, and one of the last to leave. He also invariably packs the large crates that take all our organiser goods to our shows. Despite our attempts to get him to share the late nights, early mornings and hard, dirty and physical work with us, he goes to great lengths to protect us from the worst of the job. That is typical Pete – he always puts the needs of others before himself.”
Above all, Moore said, the team valued Harper’s unwavering support, trust and confidence, both personally and professionally.
“Having a boss who backs you, even when things go wrong, is invaluable and is so appreciated by our team,” she says.
Harper said he had enjoyed every one of his 50 years in the sector and, in particular, the past 19 with VISA and Visual Connections.
“I would like to thank the Visual Connections board members, past and present, for the faith they have had in myself and the team at Visual Connections.
“They work very hard behind the scenes, giving up their time to make sure your association stays focused and puts back into our industry.
“While I am looking forward to retirement, I know I will miss getting up and going to work each day. More so, I will miss the Visual Connections team. They are a pleasure to work with and they work hard to make me look good.”
Thanking his wife, Jenny, and children for the support which had underpinned his success, Harper took his leave with a final word of thanks to the industry which has been such a big part of his life.
“Thank you again, everyone,” he said. “Thanks for the memories.”
