Savvy companies who are interested in finding out ways to maximise their output, lower their bottom line, cut their greenhouse emissions or simply want to network with others in their industry, would do well to head to Melbourne this month for the country’s largest dedicated manufacturing conference and exhibition.
National Manufacturing Week (NMW) will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12th to 15th May 2009, presenting an ideal opportunity for process, control, automation and instrumentation technicians and decision-makers to find out the latest trends and techniques for making their businesses run ‘smarter’.
Be smart, work smart
According to the conference organiser, Reed Exhibitions, NMW is especially-important in today’s uncertain economical climate, as it provides a positive environment for manufacturers and equipment suppliers to band together and share ideas to help them weather the financial storm.
“In today’s uncertain economic climate, it is critical that businesses invest in technology, systems and services to increase productivity and efficiency,” said Reed Exhibitions exhibition manager and organiser of NMW, Paul Baker.
“NMW is a well-established event, especially in Victoria where there is a strong manufacturing base, and it is good to see that the Federal Government is encouraging the manufacturing sector to ‘think smarter’”
NMW this year will not only coincide with the recent opening of a new $32 million Victorian Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre in Dandenong – providing support for over 4,000 small and medium local manufacturers – but it also proves to be the perfect opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers to take advantage of the Federal Government’s business tax break offering manufacturers a discount on business-related purchases.
Until 30th June 2009, companies who invest in manufacturing technologies and equipment for their future might be eligible for a 30 per cent tax break on their purchases. NMW therefore provides a well-timed opportunity to try-out some new technology and gather information before making purchasing decisions.
Try now, buy later
Attendees to the show will be able to see and evaluate the latest products, services and emerging technologies with no obligation to buy in numerous different manufacturing sectors including: automation, electronic, electrical, process engineering, machine tools, welding, safety and logistics/materials handling – each with a dedicated pavilion at the event.
“For exhibitors and visitors, NMW is now the only event that brings together market leaders from a wide selection of national and international manufacturing communities,” said Reed Exhibitions’ Baker. “For the first time, participants in the Victorian manufacturing sector will see our expanded ‘shows-within-a-show’ concept, including the electronics and electrical sectors.”
Pavilions within NMW 2009 will include the new Electrix and Austronics arenas – the first time they’ve been included in the Melbourne edition of NMW – supplemented by an enhanced Automation & Robotics pavilion.
Also new to NMW 2009 will be a Logistics, Materials Handling & Distribution (LMHD) pavilion, showcasing key aspects of the sector from raw materials to production and warehousing.
The Surface Mount and Circuit Board Association’s 20th annual conference – Surface Mount 2009 – will this year form part of NMW, and will feature a line-up of “high-profile” international and Australian speakers from the surface mount industry, Reed Exhibitions says.
Last year’s NMW in Sydney represented the first time the two conferences ran in conjunction with one another, and the event garnered positive feedback from attendees, said conference organiser Andrew Pollock.
“It worked very well in Darling Harbour last year and 150 delegates attended the conference. Feedback on co-locating was very positive, with delegates learning about new and emerging techniques and technologies in the conference – and then having the ability to physically see them in operation at NMW. We could see that it added a new and exciting dynamic for delegates,” he said.
Manufacturers unite!
Topics covered at the conference will include: designing PCBs for low-cost fabrication; implementing HDI; complex PCB design strategies; current and future assembly technologies; emerging technologies; lead-free soldering; and acceptability of electronic assemblies.
Another exciting event to be held in conjunction with NMW will be the 2009 Endeavour Awards, run by PACE magazine’s sister publication, Manufacturers’ Monthly, which recognises the essential role manufacturing plays in our economy.
The event will announce the 2009 Manufacturer of the Year, plus category winners, and will feature guest speaker Craig Milne, executive director of the Australian Productivity Council (APC).
The dinner will be held at the Melbourne RACV Club, on 13th May. Contact Rebecca Regattieri on 02 9422 8990 or visit the website on www.manmonthly.com.au/Awards.aspx.
This year’s NMW is sponsored by Enterprise Connect and digital prototyping specialist, Autodesk.
Reed Exhibitions
02 9422 2568
www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au