Asia Pacific’s largest mining exhibition AIMEX opened its doors to visitors on Tuesday August 20. Exhibition Director Paul Baker speaks to us about the event and how it has changed since the last show in 2011.
Over 650 exhibitors signed on to showcase their wares and services this year.
Baker says AIMEX, which is held every two years at the Sydney Showgrounds attracted almost 15,000 trade visitors in 2011.
“Yesterday was a great start to AIMEX 2013 and the next three days look to be very promising as well,” he says when interviewed on Day 2 of AIMEX.
“There is a high level of optimism amongst exhibitors in terms of the contacts they’re making due to the high quality of the visitors that are here.”
Baker says the focus and products on display this year has dramatically shifted since the last show two years ago.
“In 2011, the industry was in a period of rapid expansion in investment and capital expenditure,” he says.
“Since then, with the softening of the industry and commodity prices, it means that the sector is now more focused on mine optimisation, productivity and cost management…so there is a big change in the products on display here which reflects the changes within the industry.”
Another highlight of the show this year, Baker says, is its unique theme days which kick-started with a Discovery Forum on Tuesday.
Wednesday had the industry celebrate Women in Mining, Thursday has its focus on industry safety while Friday will have industry experts talk about mining productivity.
“There’s no other event in Asia Pacific where you can source all your products and services in one place. There’s no greater networking opportunity available within the sector,” Baker says.
“It’s all about making business contacts in this industry and we have to make sure that we provide a platform, through AIMEX, where they can do this all in one place.”
AIMEX will run till Friday, August 23 for 2013 and is scheduled to make a comeback in 2015.