A series of “theme days” which will look at addressing some of the key issues in Australian mining have been announced for this year’s Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), to be held at Sydney’s Olympic Park, from September 6-9.
Each day of the exhibition will have its own theme, incorporating information and demonstration sessions, along
with special networking events. The four theme days are:
• Safety Day (Tuesday September 6)
• Women in Mining Day (Wednesday September 7)
• Careers and Training Day (Thursday September 8)
• Innovation in Mining Day (Friday September 9)
In addition, throughout the four days of the show, there will be a “Frontliners” focus – aimed at mining industry frontline personnel, including operators, fitters, foremen, supervisors and the like.
This will include a networking and social event every day, to which Frontliners will be invited, plus every day there will be an opportunity to win an Apple iPad 2.
“At this year’s AIMEX, initiatives such as our themed days and Frontliner focus are designed to open up the exhibition to new classes of visitors involved in the mining industry, and encourage them to come along to the show,” said Paul Baker, Exhibition Director with Reed Mining Events.
“Each day will include information and networking sessions, which will be free for visitors to attend.
“In addition, our safety and careers/training days will incorporate information sessions relevant to these topics.
“Safety and skills shortages are of course key areas for the mining industry, which is why we are focusing on these,” said Baker.
“Women in mining – which will be an element of all Reed Mining Events in the future – is aimed at encouraging more women into the mining industry, as well as ensuring it continues to develop a culture where they feel welcome and comfortable working.
“Our innovation in mining day will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to present their latest mining technology innovations, and highlight them to visitors from an Australian and international audience,” he said.
“We are in the process of finalising arrangements for each of our theme days, and full details will be announced shortly.”
An even bigger show
With unprecedented exhibitor demand for space at AIMEX, Reed Mining Events has released a further 1000 sq m, making room for an additional 50 exhibitors.
“This year’s exhibition will have more than 550 exhibiting companies, covering more than 45,000 sq m, making it nearly 20% larger than the previous edition of AIMEX in 2007,” he said.
“It will be unique gathering in a single location of mining products and services from around Australia and throughout the world – and the largest-ever trade exhibition, for any industry sector – ever held in Australia.
Baker said that as with AIMEX 2007, a significant number of exhibitors would be using AIMEX 2011 to launch new products and services – not just to the Australian market, but in many cases to the global market.
“That, combined with the fact that we have a large number of companies who have never exhibited at AIMEX before, means that visitors can be assured of learning about new products and services they have not previously seen,” he said.
Visitor arrangements
Baker said visitors to AIMEX 2011 are strongly encouraged to register in advance with the fastest way being by visiting the AIMEX website at www.aimex.com.au.
“Pre-registration is an easy way to fast-track your entry to the exhibition by avoiding the queues we expect for AIMEX 2011,” he said.
“Visitors who pre-register can bring a print-out of their email confirmation to the show to pick up their visitor badges.”
To cope with the anticipated number of visitors, AIMEX 2011 will again have two separate entry points.
In addition to the entry just outside the Dome, an additional entry point has been established within the Howie Pavilion, giving visitors access from both sides of the venue.
This will allow those visitors who park at Parking Area P6, on Australia Avenue, direct access to the exhibition.
In addition, shuttle buses from the main Parking Centre P1 will be on hand to deliver visitors to either entrance, depending on their preferences and the length of the queues at each entry point.
Once within AIMEX, pre-registered visitors who may be stretched for time can take advantage of Reed Exhibitions’ “Matchmaker” service, said Baker.
“All visitors who pre-register have the opportunity to indicate their areas of particular interest. We then provide them with a list of AIMEX exhibitors who are offering products and services within these interests.
“We have found this service – which is unique to Reed Mining Events – is of great assistance to time-poor visitors who need to focus on certain products and services,” he said.
For larger mining houses, Reed Mining Events is again offering its “Meet the Buyer” program, allowing exhibitors the opportunity to sit down with representatives of major buyers for a one-on-one presentation.
Representatives of major mining houses who are interested in taking advantage of this program should contact Nina Vidale at Reed Mining Events directly on (02) 9422 2451.
Visitors to AIMEX will also have access to a free Wi-Fi Lounge where they can check emails, meet with colleagues and supplier representatives, or take some timeout from the show.
New product highlights
Exhibitors at AIMEX 2011, both large and small, are planning some major product releases at the exhibition. The accompanying sidebar provides a brief snapshot of some of these.
“We are looking forward to providing exhibitors and visitors to AIMEX 2011 in September with an outstanding and successful show, and one which will act as a springboard for our other mining events over the following four years until AIMEX 2015,” said Baker.
Following AIMEX 2011, forthcoming Reed Mining Events include:
• Queensland Mining & Engineering (QME) exhibition in Mackay (July 24-26, 2012)
• Mining & Engineering NSW (M&E NSW) in Newcastle (September 2012)
• Goldfields Mining Expo (GME) in Kalgoorlie, WA (October 30-November 1, 2012)
• Mining & Engineering WA (M&E WA) in Perth (July 2-4, 2013).