Industry veteran Frank Sticka has recently announced his resignation as CIVENEX Event Manager after 15 years.
Sticka and his team at Frank Sticka Productions (FSP) were the ones responsible for transforming CIVENEX from a small civil engineers field day with just eight exhibitors into the premier civil construction and machinery expo that it is today.
Sticka says it was not an easy move to make.
“Resigning was a tough decision but I am looking forward to spending more time with my family now and living for much of the year on my property in beautiful Oregon, USA,” he says.
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Vice President Stewart McLeod says the institute, which partners with FSP every year to organise the event will definitely miss Sticka.
“His contribution to CIVENEX has been immeasurable,” he says.
According to McLeod, CIVENEX is now the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere which attracts more than 250 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors every year.
He says CIVENEX provides a unique opportunity for equipment and services users throughout New South Wales to compare a wide range of products and services, in one all-weather location.
“It’s also an opportunity to see products demonstrated on a live construction site, meet asset management, GIS and consulting firm, and exchange tips on everything – from how to find the best deals to finance and maintenance practices,” McLeod says.
CIVENEX has also extended its scope in recent years to include a live demonstration area and exhibitor awards to address key issues that many in the contracting business face.
McLeod adds the event will not be affected by the change in management, with exciting new plans for CIVENEX 2014 already firmly in place.
“We will be holding our annual NSW Works and Operational Works Officers conference in the same week as CIVENEX next year, providing an even broader range of learning and networking experiences,” he says.
“This move should please visitors from regional NSW, who for reasons of expense and logistics were often forced to choose between attending either one of the two event sin past years.”
McLeod says next year’s event will be bigger than ever with innovations in all aspects of civil works on display.
“It’s certainly the one-stop shop for all industry professionals, whether owner-operator, council, public utility or private contractor.”
CIVENEX will return to the Sydney Dragway in Eastern Creek NSW from May 14-15 2014. Entry and parking is free.