The countdown to NMW 2013 is nearly over, with the May 7-11 event to get underway tomorrow morning at 10 am.
This year’s event will feature over 300 exhibitors and a record-breaking 12 product zones, including two new ones for Sustainable Manufacturing and Metals & Composites.
“Alongside the latest technologies, products and services, we will be bringing networking and discussion right into the exhibition space, via the Solutions Theatre in which industry experts will outline practical strategies and ideas for growth,” said Paul Baker from Reed Exhibitions.
“This, with the allied events programme –dealing with issues affecting business on a day-to-day level – is designed to ensure that NMW will be the best place for manufacturers to come together this year.”
Prime Minister Julia Gillard recently praised NMW, which will address the “critical challenges” and “rich opportunities” identified in the PM’s Manufacturing Taskforce report.
Manufacturers’ Monthly will have a presence during the event at stand number 2002.
“This year’s NMW look to be an exciting event, with a number of companies displaying new technologies,” said Cole Latimer, editor of Manufacturers’ Monthly.
“It will show that despite the slowness in the industry, innovation remains highly important.”
This magazine is also hosting the Endeavour Awards, a yearly celebration of excellence in the industry, on May 9, as well as the second annual Leaders Summit, which will address the opportunities offered to manufacturers by the Asian Century.
The Endeavour Awards dinner will see 13 winners in categories including Lifetime Achievement, Australian Steel Innovation and Exporter of The Year. The keynote speaker will be Sue Morphet, chair of Manufacturing Australia, with shadow industry minister Sophie Mirabella and comedian Shane Jacobsen, the MC for the night, to also make presentations.
The Leaders Summit, proudly sponsored by the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, will provide an opportunity for industry leaders to learn more about the risks and potential rewards for manufacturers presented by the growing Asian middle class. Presentations will be given by Futuris Automotive, EFIC and Austrade, with representatives from Australian Made, Keech, Cook Medical, the Australian Industry Group and many others attending.
The Premier of host state Victoria, Dr Dennis Napthine, offered his praise for NMW, Australia’s premier manufacturing event.
“On behalf of the Victorian Government, I welcome you all to Melbourne and Victoria – Australia’s manufacturing heartland – for this great event, which I have no doubt is going to be an outstanding success,” he said.