The one-day NMW 2012 Conference (Wednesday, May 9) will be a star event at this year’s National Manufacturing Week (co-located with Austech and held May 8-11, Sydney Showground – Sydney Olympic Park).
This year’s NMW Conference will give manufacturers tips, tools and strategies for addressing industry’s big issues: such as boosting productivity, sustainability and innovation.
Themed Essential Strategies, Tools and Methodologies for Australian Manufacturers, the NMW Conference will provide a closed-door forum for manufacturers to hear from and talk with industry experts. Among the topics to be addressed are: dealing with the challenges of manufacturing in a high cost environment; overcoming the skills shortage; boosting innovation and addressing sustainability issues.
The NMW Conference’s speakers are drawn from businesses that have overcome business-critical challenges – such as Bluescope Steel, Siemens and Boeing – along with government and industry experts who bring actual case studies and strategies that are boosting the bottom-line results of manufacturing businesses.
Structured around presentations, discussion and panel sessions to encourage discussion and deeper insights, the one-day conference aims to provide new ideas and strategies that participants can implement straight away in their business.
The NMW 2012 Conference (Wednesday 9 May) program includes:
· John Duddy, managing director of Boeing Aerostructures Australia
Facing up to economic realities including the carbon tax and manufacturing in a high cost environment
· David Rowlinson, chief executive officer of Ontera Carpets:
Sustainable practices and developing a sustainability mindset
· Richard Rowe, sustainability manager, Bluescope Steel:
Competing with innovative, sustainable product development
· Nick Juniper, workforce development manager, Manufacturing Skills Australia:
Building and retaining a highly skilled workforce
· David Keenan, vice president – industry sector, Siemens:
Taking a “can do” approach to building a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable industry (Round table discussion)
Registration is available at nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.
In addition to the NMW 2012 Conference, NMW will also host an extensive program of partner events – such as industry-specific events and training sessions – as well as a rolling program of NMW exhibitor demonstrations on the exhibition floor. These will include:
Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 May: innovateAustralia
Running throughout NMW in a dedicated showcase area, innovateAustralia is designed specifically for Australian precision engineers and advanced manufacturers who wish to discuss business opportunities in emerging industries – aerospace, defence, renewable technologies, automotive transport and medical. Further details at austechexpo.com.au
Tuesday 8 May (10am): RDA Western Sydney Manufacturing Leaders Forum
The key opening event for NMW 2012, this forum will open with an address by The Hon. Andrew Stoner, Deputy Premier, NSW (invited). It will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion on future directions and global opportunities for Western Sydney’s vibrant manufacturing industry. For details contact Regional Development Australia on 9890 7804 / anne.malsbury@rdasydney.org.au
Wednesday 9 May (from 6.15pm): WTIA Annual Awards Dinner and AGM
Following the AGM, the WTIA Annual Awards honours companies who have demonstrated leading expertise and innovation in welding technology. Awards will be presented in several categories, including Company of the Year, Top Training Organisation, Young Tradesperson of the Year, State Awards and more. For details, contact WTIA on (02) 9748 4443 / info@wtia.com.au
Thursday 10 May (from 2.30pm): Skills Forum
Hosted by Industry Update Magazine / NSW State Training Services, this forum will explore solutions to Australia’s current skills crisis. Full details and registration at industryupdate.com.au
Thursday 10 May: WTIA Manufacturers Forum ‘Welding and the Engineer’
The Forum will give engineers a general introduction to welding technology (especially advances in welding and inspection), standards and education, with panel discussions providing opportunities to ask questions and share experiences. For more information, contact WTIA on (02) 9748 4443 / info@wtia.com.au
Thursday 10 May: WSBC – Manufacturing Connection ‘Improving the Bottom Line’
A one-day program for manufacturers and allied businesses operating in Western Sydney. Presentations will focus on strategies and methods for improving efficiencies and boosting the bottom line. Speakers will present research and case studies relevant to the local manufacturing industry. Further details are available at wsbc.org.au
NMW Exhibition Director, Paul Baker said, “Between the NMW Conference and our partner program, there is a wealth of opportunity for visitors to NMW 2012 to gain new ideas, as well as seeing the latest products and services that can help strengthen their businesses.”
“With so much on offer, I urge visitors to take advantage of free exhibition registration at nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au, then plan your visit around the events program – available on the website – to make sure you get the most out of this year’s expo,” Baker said.
Image: Last year’s NMW
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