Constructionshows
With less than three months remaining before the National Construction Equipment Convention (NCEC), running from 15-17 November in Sydney, the construction sector is gearing up for world-class exhibitor showcases, cutting-edge technologies and networking opportunities that the three-day multidisciplinary event will feature.
There has never been a more crucial time for the civil construction sector in Australia to be working at optimal level, as government and industry bodies, continue to announce major project after project. Only recently did the Victorian Government announce a $50 billion rail transport project, the biggest in the state’s history.
The sector demands the ability to meet this growing demand while facing challenges around a shortage of skilled workers, safety issues and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.
Biggest brands in the sector
The exhibition will host more than 100 major brands including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Toyota Material Handling Australia, Clark Equipment (Bobcat & Doosan), Atlas Heavy Engineering, CJD and more, who will showcase their latest equipment and leading technologies.
Those at the convention will be among the first in the sector to learn about and interact with this equipment. With access to specialist representatives and live demonstrations at the outdoor demonstration pit, attendees will leave with hands-on knowledge about the latest equipment in the sector and how new technology provides solutions to current challenges.
Major global product launch
Equipment company Caterpillar plans to launch new models that introduce technology and functionality never seen before in the industry. This will be the first showing of this product globally for Caterpillar, and the company promises to deliver new and exciting changes to how these machines are operated.
Networking nirvana
NCEC will offer an abundance of opportunities to meet and mingle with senior decision-makers, interested buyers and top equipment suppliers from across the civil construction sector.
In addition to the connections that occur naturally when thousands of like-minded individuals gather and cross paths, the program will also feature several designated social functions that facilitate introductions to transformative industry contacts.
These networking opportunities include access to pre-identified VIP buyers that are personally invited to the Opening Ceremony; networking drinks at the ‘Gravel Pit’ pop-up bar on the exhibition floor; and mingling with VIP guests and industry association representatives during the Business Leaders Breakfast.
These are significant opportunities to discuss industry learnings and experiences in an informal setting, giving attendees the chance to gain business and future connections.
A dedicated technology zone
The ‘Tech Zone’, located on the exhibition floor will provide attendees with a future look of the sector and explore:
- The worksite of the future
- The jobs of the future
- The infrastructure of the future
At the Tech Zone, attendees will gain exposure to emerging technologies and innovative wearables, learning more about new infrastructure-enhancing materials, safety and productivity innovations, and the ‘smart’ worksites of the future.
Topics from the tech zone will include advancements in locating; developments in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology; innovations within acidic environments in the mining heap leaching process; what you need to know about fire suppression on machines to be compliant; SMARTCONSTRUCTION; digital worksites; and innovations in road plates, among many other important tech discussions.
Forge a new career path
NCEC also features a Job Exchange area which will provide a unique opportunity to begin or further a career in the construction, civil engineering and infrastructure industry. In this zone, attendees will receive first-hand information about education, training and career opportunities in the construction sector.
HR managers and other representatives from leading construction organisations will be on hand to give prospective applicants an overview of the exhibiting companies’ job openings, as well as the ability to meet potential employers in person at the show.
Strong industry support
NCEC stands out from the other events thanks to its major endorsements from The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA), WorldSkills, the Australian Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Association (AustStab), Demolition Constractors’ Association of Victoria (DVAC) and Industry Capability Network (ICN), who each recognised the potential of the NCEC to fill the civil construction and infrastructure sectors’ need for a critically collaborative event and have partnered with the event.
Brendan Woods, President of the TMAA, the peak body for the traffic management industry in Australia, said, “Our industry is crucial to both these industries and we welcome the opportunity to share in this showcase and experience the latest innovation and creative technologies available to all our industries.
“We believe the NCEC will provide the perfect opportunity to continue to build bonds and integration across the infrastructure and construction sectors.”
Witness future leaders
WorldSkills’s partnership with the NCEC will include hosting the Australia Heavy Vehicle Regional Competition at the convention. Alex Haughton, Business Development Manager at WorldSkills, said the NCEC is the perfect forum to host the contest.
“It puts the spotlight directly on young Australians to shine and display their talent in front of the industry elite who will be in attendance at the exhibition.
“We are excited to partner with the NCEC who are passionate about training and the future of their industry, and the WorldSkills Australia competition provides both the competitors and industry with a snapshot of things to come.’’
Think Globally, Act Locally
With a theme of, ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’, the NCEC conference program will provide a forum for industry thought leaders to deliver compelling presentations on:
On-site safety
- The aging workforce
- Project pipeline and industry outlook
- Skilled labour shortages
- Best practice in equipment
- And a multitude of other key industry issues
With a focus on civil construction and equipment supply and demand, the expert speakers and panels will share insights into the future of civil construction and how technologies such as drones, intelligent machines and autonomous vehicles are shaking up the sector.
Both the conference and exhibition aspects of the event are suited to anyone working in civil contracting (Tier 1, 2 and 3), engineering, demolition or earthmoving, local or state government, or quarrying.
The expert speaker lineup includes:
- Phillip Charlton, CEO, Skills Oz
- Adrian Hart, Construction, Associate Director Maintenance and Mining, BIS Oxford Economics
- Chris Johnson, Digital Solutions Lead, GHD
- Nick Smith, CEO, Airsight Australia
- Dean Gaedtke, Executive General Manager Construction Equipment, Komatsu
- Deborah Keep, Trainer, Speaker and Coach, Deborahkeep.com
- Peter Webster, Executive Director, Industry Capability Network
- Lindsay Le Compte, Executive Director, Australian Constructors Association
- Stuart Burdack, CEO, Association of Australia Dial Before You Dig
- Plus many more still to be announced
Registrations are now officially open for the National Construction Equipment Convention (NCEC), running from 15-17 November at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. To register, visit ncecaustralia.com.au.
Source: NCEC Press