Canadian print has a compelling story to tell about its people, careers, and possibilities. Yet employers cannot expect prospective employees to discover those opportunities on their own. Making the industry more visible also means reconsidering how companies present themselves, recognize potential, and help people feel that they belong.

Heather Black brings that talent perspective to the Ontario Printing & Imaging Association’s PrintPulse Live webinar, How to Give Print a PR Makeover: Building a More Inclusive Future for Canadian Print, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET. She will join Christine Yardley and Joanne Gore for an online conversation about talent, messaging, and innovation, with opportunities for audience participation.

Experience Across Print and Recruitment

Heather is Managing Director and Founder of Freely Connect Recruitment, which works exclusively within Canada’s print and packaging industry. She partners with employers on recruitment and helps professionals prepare for career opportunities through coaching, resume development, and professional branding.

Her perspective draws on more than 30 years across print, packaging, marketing, business development, and recruitment. Before founding Freely Connect Recruitment, Heather served as Managing Director, Talent & Strategy at Connecting for Results. Her experience also includes work in personalized print and print on demand, giving her a broad view of the businesses and roles that make up the industry.

Why the Talent Story Matters

Heather’s approach asks employers to look beyond a resume or familiar job title. Skills and experience matter, but so do a person’s potential, interests, and ability to grow into a role. For an industry seeking its next generation of employees, that distinction can affect both whom companies consider and how candidates understand the opportunities available to them.

Print and packaging employers must also think about the story they tell prospective employees. A job posting can describe duties and qualifications. A stronger employer message can help someone picture the work, the people, and a possible future with the company. That is especially relevant when candidates have little prior exposure to modern print.

What Attendees Can Expect

Heather will contribute the perspective of someone who works with both hiring companies and career seekers. Her participation will help attendees consider how recruitment, professional branding, mentorship, and a sense of belonging connect to the industry’s public image.

The session will invite attendees to help shape ideas for a more visible and coordinated Canadian print industry. Owners, managers, HR professionals, and industry partners can bring their own experiences of attracting people and supporting their development.

Join the Conversation

Print’s future depends partly on whether people can see themselves in it. Join Heather Black, Christine Yardley, and Joanne Gore on October 29 for a practical, participatory discussion about presenting Canadian print more clearly and opening its opportunities to more people.

Register for this free webinar here.

Image by Heather Black

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