VMA Industry Briefings scheduled to support industry through the Middle East Crisis

The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced a two-part online briefing series to support Australia’s paper, print, packaging, signage and mail sectors in navigating the impacts of the Middle East crisis.

The association says the VMA Middle East Crisis Impact Briefing will bring together leading industry advisors and subject matter experts to provide insights and practical guidance across supply chain disruption, freight, raw materials, trade partnerships, customer communication and workforce readiness.

It adds that the briefings are intended to ensure industry is equipped with both the context and the actions required to manage emerging risks.

The first briefing will focus on understanding the landscape, with a panel of experts across freight, raw materials supply and international trade outlining current conditions, anticipated disruptions and key pressure points. The session will provide members with a clear view of what the industry needs to prepare for in the coming months.

The second briefing will shift to practical business response, bringing together specialists in sales, customer advisory, team training, industrial and human relations and communications to guide businesses on how to respond effectively. This includes managing customer expectations, maintaining confidence and positioning businesses proactively during a period of uncertainty.

VMA Chief Executive Officer Kellie Northwood said the briefings reflect the Association's critical role in supporting industry through disruption and representing its interests at a national level.
“The VMA plays a vital role in representing our industry to government and working collaboratively on practical solutions that support business continuity and economic stability,” said Northwood.
“This briefing series is about ensuring our members, and industry, are informed, prepared and supported with clear, actionable advice. We are bringing together experts from across the supply chain and customer interface to provide a complete view of both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.”

Northwood said that while the immediate impacts are being closely monitored, Australian businesses should be mindful of the lag effect in global supply chains.

“Due to Australia’s geographic distance from key markets, there is often a delay between global disruption and local impact. While some effects are already being felt, further pressure across freight, materials and delivery timelines is expected to emerge over the coming months.”

“We will continue to keep members informed as the situation evolves, including updates to our Advisory Contingency Planning document and insights drawn from ongoing government advice,” Northwood said.

“The panel sessions will provide practical advice on how businesses can work with suppliers and customers to manage disruption, maintain service delivery and protect commercial relationships.”

The VMA is encouraging all to register for the series, noting that recordings will be available only to those who pre-registered and were unable to attend live.

“While these conditions present challenges, our industry has consistently demonstrated resilience. We have navigated disruption before, and we will do so again, working together and enacting well-prepared plans. The VMA is here to support and assist in every way we can,” Northwood concluded.

Registrations for the VMA Middle East Crisis Impact Briefing are now open. Interested industry members can register at the following links for each session:

Navigating Disruption Part 1: VMA Industry Briefing Series – Middle East Crisis Response
 
Navigating Disruption Part 2: VMA Inhttps://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/09d64bd3-868e-4998-b07c-33023d552b58@a3b1dd87-1578-4551-af31-cc57c4b91eccdustry Briefing Series – Middle East Crisis Response