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NOVEMBER 2016 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • www.timberbiz.com.au
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AUSTimber in review and towards 2020
Greater industry involvement in planning phase to ensure success I
N EARLY September, Sponsors of the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and AUSTimber2016 Stakeholders enjoyed a Lunch together while hearing the results of a review completed following the success of AUSTimber2016. Ian Reid, AFCA Chairman said “It was great to provide an opportunity for those who participated in AUSTimber2016 to come back together to reflect on the week and Expo Days and hear some of the outcomes from a post-exhibition review,” said Ian Reid, AFCA Chairman. “It’s important that we consider what worked well, what could be improved and we build on these findings to make AUSTimber2020 an even bigger and improved show,” he added. “There were a number of consistent themes throughout their feedback. It is clear that exhibitors thought the Flynn site was well prepared, with a great layout and circulation and the proximity to Melbourne made it easy for both interstate and international guests to travel to.” Ian acknowledged that “the positive feedback regarding the Flynn Site is testament to the contribution of HVP, particularly their Gippsland crews, as well as the AUSTimber2016 team who made every effort to ensure the site was of a ‘world class standard’. HVP should be commended for this”. On the other hand, some of the things that have been identified to have not worked well is the use of two sites; the showground and Flynn site, as well as the location of some of the facilities within the Flynn site. Feedback also identified that the event could be improved by better cohesion between the events held across the
¢ Brilliant crowd at AUSTimber2016
week. A number of exhibitors also noted the significant investment that was outlaid for a two-day expo and raised the question whether a third day may be viable. “Overall, the show has been a great success and this is evident from the feedback, significant number of sales which can be attributed to the show, and the findings of the Economic Impact Report. Both the AUSTimber2016 team and AFCA are extremely proud of what was delivered and are looking forward to working with industry and both Latrobe City and Wellington Shire councils to commence the planning for AUSTimber2020.” AFCA has also taken the opportunity over the past few months to start initial early planning for the 2020 show. “I am pleased to confirm that AUSTimber will return to Gippsland
in 2020 and we are working with HVP to again hold the event on the Flynn site. Whilst the format of the week is still to be developed we expect that AUSTimber2020 will be held over a week in March/April 2020,” said Ian. A site concept plan was also presented at the lunch as a means for creating discussion and ideas for the 2020 Expo and comments are being sought from exhibitors. “Based on the feedback received to date, we aim to diversify the exhibitor type and range and expect to have 120 exhibitor sites available all on the one site in comparison with the 80 across the two sites at AUSTimber2016. There will also be a focus to increase the haulage representation as well providing greater opportunities to showcase our Native and Plantation industries. “Other opportunities currently being explored and tested with
industry are to improve engagement with children and young people, who appeared to enjoy training simulators at the 2016 Expo. As well as extending the expo to three days, the inclusion of a technology and innovation tent with seminars and workshops held throughout the expo and the possibility of post-event field trips,” he said. “We are also creating opportunities for greater industry involvement in the planning phase of AUSTimber and expect to establish an industry committee shortly to assist in guiding the delivery of AUSTimber2020. “We believe this is an important element for AUSTimber going forward. It allows improved industry participation and it will create opportunities to widen the breadth of industry coverage throughout AUSTimber2020. “We believe this will add value while complimenting the primary focus of the show which will continue to be the demonstration of machinery and new technology,” Ian said. The Industry Committee is expected to hold its first meeting before the year’s end and further updates on AUSTimber2020 will be communicated as information becomes available.
AUSTimber results in financial windfall for region
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