Dirk Kuiper provides a digestive of the 2009 events which put the IICA on the map, and also supplies a snapshot of the 2010 events to look forward to.
It has been an action-packed year for the Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation (IICA), with an even more exciting 2010 to come. Hosting a slew of Table Top Exhibitions, Symposia and Technical Presentations over the past 12 months, the IICA celebrates one of its most successful years yet.
The IICA NSW Division hosted a huge 27 events, including the annual Christmas in July Charity Function which was attended by over 60 delegates. The Wollongong Table Top in March achieved over 100 visitors, while the events in Lavender Bay and Blacktown were also a great success. Strong relationships were established with both Macquarie University and Petersham TAFE throughout the year, and events were held at both campuses.
In 2010, the NSW regional shows will be held in Wagga and Newcastle to capture the industry in the areas. The metropolitan shows for October 2010 will be held in Ingleburn and Dee Why where there is a substantial growth in industry. An Automation Symposium will take place in Sydney and Newcastle.
The Victoria Division this year saw an increase in medium-sized instrumentation and engineering projects. This has manifested itself for the IICA in various forms, such as an increased interest in the Table Top Exhibitions, site visits and Technical Presentation Nights. Four Table Tops were held in Victoria.
The IICA Victorian Division will continue to organise multiple Table Top and Technical Presentation events for 2010 as well as an Automation Symposium. The Murray Region Branch is also busy planning the 2010 Albury Table Top to be held in May 2010.
The Queensland Division held two successful Table Top Exhibition Events in Brisbane at the Victoria Park Golf Club, The second Table Top Event was in the North Queensland city of Mackay.The Events planned for 2010 are Table Tops in Gladstone, Townsville and for the first time in Ipswich. Automation Symposia are also planned for Brisbane & Gladstone.
The South Australian Division once again held the Adelaide Table Top at AAMI Stadium. This Event always attracts a good crowd and 2009 was no exception. With a more active Committee and the new Chairperson Peter Kroon at the helm, 2010 should provide more local Events for IICA Members as well as the usual Adelaide Table Top and an Automation Symposium.
The committee members of IICA Western Australia Division have been kept very busy with their 2009 events. The Industrial Chemical Processes in WA (Instrumentation Requirements) Seminar was held in September, with guests reporting that the day was informative and educational.
A Hazardous Areas Seminar is planned for April 2010 which is a frequently requested topic. An Automation Symposium will be held in September.
[Dirk Kuiper is the IICA president and general manager of AMS Instrumentation & Calibration.]