2026 FESPA Leaders Program ‘inviting entries’
2025 FESPA Leaders Sonya Beers IVE Group (left) and Karen Lawler Cactus Imaging flank Nigel Davies, President FESPA Australia
Now looking for its fifth cohort of industry leaders, the 2026 FESPA Leaders Program is officially open for entries as the flagship FESPA Australia initiative continues in its quest to 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.
Nigel Davies, President of FESPA Australia, says: “Our industry is constantly evolving. Developing and nurturing a pipeline of visionary leaders who can take a fresh perspective on these challenges is essential.”
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.
He continues: “Participants in the FESPA Australia Leaders Program will have the unique opportunity to join a close-knit cohort of like-minded professionals, forging 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.
