VizConf 2019 wrap-up

​The second annual Australian conference for visual practitioners, VizConf 2019, hosted by Sketch Group and Visual Friends, was a huge success. 

Over three days in October, we delivered 5 full-day workshops, two inspiring keynote presenters, and over 30 informative open space sessions covering a range of diverse topics.

Our opening keynote presenter, Melbourne-based graphic recorder Sarah Firth, challenged us to consider the ethics and obligations of the work that we do. And US-based lettering guru, Heather Martinez concluded the day by encouraging us to design our life through the lens of hand-drawn lettering. All in all, it was a thoroughly exhilarating day.

Matt and Marcel, hosts of VizConf, welcome attendees and introduce the opening speaker.

 The Graphic Gear pop-up shop was wildly popular, and we sold out of a number of items (including copies of the book that I co-authored, The World of Visual Facilitation).

Shelley, Jo-Ann and Julie respond to the demand for markers, books and accessories at the Graphic Gear pop-up store.

The fact that we had more attendees this year than at last year's inaugural event reflects the growing field of visual practice in Australia. 
If you missed out on attending the conference, you're in luck—there are video recordings of both keynotes available online, for free:

Sarah Firth: Our impact and responsibility as graphic recorders (50 mins)

Heather Martinez: Know the future and your place in it (25 mins)

​Even if you don't work as a visual practitioner, these two presentations cover a lot of ground—ethics, personal development, and how to respond to challenging situtations—that are very human and resonate with just about everyone.

A huge thank-you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and contributed to VizConf 2019. It's wonderful to see this community rally together to co-create an experience like no other, and we're very grateful to be a part of it.