AM: What advice would you have for visitors in terms of making the most or getting the most out of their visit to AIMEX 2007?
JG: As exhibition organisers, we are very aware how time poor our potential visitors are. To make the most of your time at AIMEX, we suggest visitors plan in advance. That means planning their schedule of people they’d like to see. Secondly, pre-register as a visitor, so there’s no queues; it’ll be easier to get into the exhibition. Badges will be sent to registered vistors. In planning who to see visitors can look at our website www.www.aimex.com.au. The list of exhibitors is on the site. Pre-registered visitors receive a matchmaker list of exhibitors of interest, so there’s plenty of opportunity to have a program ready on arrival. Allow plenty of time, wear comfortable shoes, and get some sleep the night because it’s a big area to cover, and it’s an exciting and productive day; you’ll be worn out if you’re not ready.
AM: So what will be different about this year’s show from previous shows?
JG: A key focus this year is to ensure we get a truly representative number of interstate and international buyers to AIMEX. It does have the kudos of being a truly international event and we really want to focus on interstate and international buyers coming to the show.
AM: How is exhibitor space tracking? What are some of the big names that have already signed up?
JG: It’s tracking really well. We’re already 13,500 m2 net, which at this stage of the campaign is extremely positive. We’ve got a large number of international exhibitors this year; we’ve had international exhibitors in the past, but there’s increased participation from abroad. We’re ahead of the same stage in 2003 and we’re well on course for a much larger show than we had four years ago. Some of the top players that have already signed up include Liebherr, Hitachi, Atlas Copco and Detroit Diesel It really is a who’s who of suppliers. We’re very happy with exhibitor take up to date.
AM: Products of most interest at the last AIMEX were underground equipment, conveyor equipment, materials handling equipment and open cut mining equipment. Are we likely to see the same level of interest in these products at this year’s AIMEX? Do you anticipate interest in other areas?
JG: Absolutely! There’s no doubt we will see high interest in those areas. What I’m detecting is strong focus on environmentally efficient equipment, safe equipment and services, mine infrastructure-equipment and services and maintenance equipment and services.
AM: What advice would you have for exhibitors in terms of making the most of their presence at the show?
JG: If you haven’t signed up already, I urge you to sign up soon. That’s not just because I’m selling it, the plan is filling very quickly. For those exhibiting it’s never too early to start planning – logistically and in getting products ready. Exhibitors should also make AIMEX the focus of marketing efforts. Advise customers to see you at the stand – and promote the stand number. Use every opportunity to get customers and prospects to visit AIMEX and use the partnership with Reed Exhibitions.
AM: Who should visit AIMEX 2007?
JG: Everybody in the mining industry should visit AIMEX, but in particular buyers, specifiers, mine managers, operators, and engineers.
AM: The Meet the Buyer Programme at AIMEX 2003 facilitated one-on-one meetings between key industry buyers and AIMEX exhibitors. Will that program be repeated at this year’s show?
JG: Yes, in fact we’ve recently had our first planning meeting for Meet the Buyer. Meet the Buyer is a value-add for exhibitors and for buyers. It aims to bring together, away from the shop floor kind of environment, suppliers with buyers they might not otherwise meet, and buyers to be introduced to suppliers whose company or products they wouldn’t necessarily be aware of.
AM: An important feature of AIMEX 2007 will be the inclusion of international pavilions from leading and emerging suppliers of mining equipment. Can you elaborate on this feature and what’s the benefit here for visitors?
JG: This is a very exciting part of AIMEX. Many visitors wouldn’t be in a position to travel to other exhibitions around the world. In this case, we are very pleased that AIMEX will welcome a whole range of international pavilions. We’ve got the regulars such as South Africa, Germany, Canada, but this year they’re joined by Brazil, China, India, Chile plus a very large pavilion from the USA.
AM: What arrangements would you suggest for visitors in terms of travel and accommodation to AIMEX 2007?
JG: Well we have a partner, Ozaccom. Their details are on our website. They can arrange accommodation either onsite at the Olympic Park, or in central Sydney. There’s a regular train service from the city. There’s a large amount of parking on site. We’re also looking at tentative plans for buses and charter planes. We’re working hard to make sure it’s easy for visitors to get to AIMEX, but I would suggest pre-planning – working out which colleagues will be going and if you travel together or are booking your flights in advance for best prices, make those arrangements early.
AM: Where can I find more information about AIMEX 2007?
JG: All the details are on our website at www.aimex.com.au.