Although the official retirement day is end of December, the industry gathered in Sydney last Thursday night for the Sydney end of Peter Harper's official farewell and celebration dinners.
The Visual Connections Sydney team (L-R): Karren Challoner-Miles, Joy Skeels, Charly Blades, Michelle Cruise, Peter Harper, Sarah Moore and Elouise Fawcett. (photo: Carmen Ciappara)
A large crowd of people from across the print, sign and graphics industry gathered in Sydney last Thursday night to celebrate the career of Visual Connections CEO, Peter Harper, and to wish him well on his retirement at the end of the year.
The event, which followed a similar occasion in Melbourne last week, gave Peter’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.
He acknowledged Peter’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.
“That initial trade show grew into the now-familiar Visual Impact Expos, and the association into the Visual Industries Suppliers Association, or VISA, which merged with GAMAA in 2015 to form Visual Connections,” recounted Wall.
Peter Harper (L) with John Wall
“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 modern story of our industry.
“These include successful Visual Impact, PacPrint and PrintEx exhibitions, the ongoing strength of the association’s publications, networking events like Member Meetings and Golf Days, sponsorship and grants, and important support for, and collaboration with, our fellow industry associations,” said Wall.
“The challenges of Covid could have spelled the end for Visual Connections if it were not for Peter’s steady hand, pragmatic approach and the support and encouragement he offered. This helped keep our team, and our members, determined and resilient and we came out of the pandemic stronger and more committed than ever.”
Wall also made special note of the Sign & Print Career Connections initiative – Peter’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. Its success, he said, is due to Peter’s vision and determination, and is a wonderful legacy to leave the industry.
“You have made an enormous contribution to our sector and our story, and it is fitting that we recognise your many achievements tonight. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, and thank you for all you have given to us, personally and professionally,” he said.
Wall’s speech was followed by a tribute from Visual Connections GM – Exhibition & Events, Sarah Moore, on behalf of the Visual Connections team.
Leading by example
Sarah Moore addresses the crowd at Peter Harper's farewell“Call it sales, call it persuasion, call it negotiation, call it collaboration – whatever you call it, Peter is a master of the art,” said Moore, noting his ability to secure exhibitors, sponsors and sales for exhibitions, events and publications, and to convince many a young person – and their parents – that a career in this sector was a good option.
“People trust Peter,” she added: “They know they can rely on his word, because he has proved it, time and time again. That’s a rare quality. Peter will tell you, black and white, how something is; sometimes with some colourful language, but there is no way you can misinterpret what he says.
“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, said Moore, 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. “More than that, Pete provides steadfast support to us personally. Our whole team experienced it during Covid, and many have felt it during tough times in our own lives, when we have been given the grace, patience, encouragement and support we needed, making the most difficult times a little easier to manage.
“Peter is one of those rare individuals that you constantly learn from, admire, and see really make a difference. For our team, it’s been an honour and a pleasure to work for, and with, him,” she said. “He is more than a boss to us. He is a mentor, advisor, supporter and friend. And we will miss him.”
As Peter rose to respond, his wife, Jenny, made a surprise speech, reflecting on the career which she has been witness to since meeting Peter during his time with the family business, Leo Rogaly Lewis. While their romance led them to wed some 18 months later, Peter’s passion for the industry saw them spend part of their honeymoon working on a trade show stand. Nothing much has changed, she said – so it is no wonder that she, and the family, are looking forward to more of his time in future.
Half a century in print and signage
In response, Peter said he had enjoyed every one of his 50 years in the sector and, in particular, the past 19 with VISA and Visual Connections which had enabled him to be involved in trade shows, events and many other initiatives designed to support a sustainable future for the sector.
“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,” said Harper. “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.
“There were a few tears when I told them I was retiring, and I am sure there will be more when I finally leave…and that’s just from me,” he quipped.
Thanking his wife, Jenny, and children for the support which had underpinned his success, Peter 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.”
