Earthmoving Events, Earthmoving News

ACE EXPO 2015 moved the construction industry forward

ACE EXPO, one of the largest construction industry events in Australia, has proven even stronger in its new home for its ninth staging.

Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds for the first time, the must-see biennial event for the construction and earthmoving industries was action packed over three days, from 12-14 November 2015.

Luke Kasprzak, Portfolio Director – Industrial Division, Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF), which owns and presents ACE EXPO in conjunction with the Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG), said six main factors drove this success.

“These were: the energy of ground-breaking ideas; the excitement of unearthing capabilities with new equipment; the efficiency of seeing practically every construction solution out there in one trip; the engagement of talking shop with peers and problem solving and building relationships with suppliers; and being able to hold onto a competitive edge advantage by staying on top of the latest trends before competitors see them.”

Luke spoke about the successful theme of each day.

“We opened the expo with a bang with our ‘Green Flag Thursday’; 31 exhibitors offered show-only deals such as a special price, a value add, or an offer to beat or match prices. This was a great way to start the expo because visitors who were in the market to buy the latest equipment got some fantastic deals on this day.

“Friday was all about networking, culminating in the ACE EXPO Networking Function — which was once again a feature of the ACE schedule. Winners of the CMEIG Industry Awards were announced here too. These awards acknowledge the industry’s success across a range of sectors, and we’d like to congratulate them on their achievements.”

The winner of the best stand over 36 square metres was Boss Attachments, while best stand under 35sqm was Hard Metals Australia.

Brad Dawson, State President of CMEIG Victoria, said the awards were important in recognising the industry’s top apprentices.

“For our industry to remain strong, we need to keep producing top apprentices. These awards recognise the skills and knowledge we strive for as an industry.”

The awards went to: for first year, Michael Brazell; second year, Mitchell Loring; third year, Dean Channell; and fourth year, Tristan Kelly. The CMEIG Travel Allowance Award went to Richard Gauci of Melbourne Tractors.

Saturday was family day.

Luke said, “The idea here was that people who work long hours during the week — and usually through the weekend as well — could bring the whole family with them, and know their family would be entertained with free activities while they talked business with the experts. From Minion madness to an impressive display from the Mustang Owners Club Victoria and Australia’s leading stunt rider, Lukey Luke, it was a highly successful day for all.”

Liam Bell, from ACE EXPO 2015 sponsor Signet Pty Ltd, said the event gave Signet the chance to talk to a large number of potential customers in the one place.

“Sponsoring the event gave us significant exposure for our brand, and I believe we will be able to grow our business considerably in Victoria, based on the leads we have gained during the expo. The expo was well organised, with a good marketing program and steady visitors for most of the show. I also really enjoyed the networking on Friday night, while the family day on Saturday was a great way to get people in who might not have otherwise given up their Saturday to attend.”

Luke Kasprzak said ACE EXPO wanted to acknowledge all supporting associations and media partners. Event supporters were: Civil Contractors Federation, Elevated Works Platform Association, Hire and Rental Industry Association, AustStab, Australian Concrete Repair Association and International Erosion Control Association. Media Partners were: Australian Earthmoving Magazine, Outdoor Design Source, NZ Construction News, Trade Earthmovers, Trade PlantEquipment, Machines4u, while the principal media partner was Earthmovers & Excavators.

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