A BANNER YEAR FOR ACE EXPO
16 Dec 2015
ACE EXPO, one of the largest construction industry events in Australia, has proven even stronger in its new home for its ninth staging.
Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds for the first time, ACE EXPO, the must-see biennial event for the construction and earthmoving industries, was action packed during its three days of exhibition from 12-14 November 2015.
Luke Kasprzak, Portfolio Director – Industrial Division, Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF), which owns and presents ACE EXPO in conjunction with the Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG), said five main factors drove the success of this year’s event:
- The energy of ground-breaking ideas
- The excitement of unearthing capabilities with new equipment
- The efficiency of seeking practically every construction solution out there in one trip
- The engagement of talking shop and problem solving with peers, and building relationships with suppliers
- Being able to hold onto a competitive edge advantage by staying on top of the latest trends before competitors see them
Speaking about the successful theme of each day, Luke stated; “We opened the expo with a bang with our ‘Green Flag Thursday. 31 exhibitors offered show-only deals such as a special price, a value add, or an offer to beat or match prices. This was a great way to start the expo because visitors who were in the market to buy the latest equipment got some fantastic deals on this day.”
“Friday was all about networking, culminating in the ACE EXPO Networking Function — which was once again a feature of the ACE schedule. Winners of the CMEIG Industry Awards were announced here too. These awards acknowledge the industry’s success across a range of sectors, and we’d like to congratulate them on their achievements.”
The winner of the best stand over 36 square metres was Boss Attachments, while best stand under 35sqm was Hard Metals Australia.
Brad Dawson, State President of CMEIG Victoria, said the awards were important in recognising the industry’s top apprentices.
“For our industry to remain strong, we need to keep producing top apprentices. These awards recognise the skills and knowledge we strive for as an industry.”
APPRENTICE AWARD WINNERS
Michael Brazell (1st year)
Mitchell Loring (2nd year)
Dean Channell (3rd year)
Tristan Kelly (4th year)
The CMEIG Travel Allowance Award went to Richard Gauci of Melbourne Tractors.
Saturday was family day, and Luke Kasprzak notes, “The idea here was that people who work long hours during the week - and usually through the weekend as well - could bring the whole family with them, and know their family would be entertained with free activities while they talked business with the experts. From Minion madness to an impressive display from the Mustang Owners Club Victoria and Australia’s leading stunt rider, Lukey Luke, it was a highly successful day for all.”
Liam Bell, from ACE EXPO 2015 sponsor Signet Pty Ltd, said the event gave Signet the chance to talk to a large number of potential customers in the one place.
“Sponsoring the event gave us significant exposure for our brand, and I believe we will be able to grow our business considerably in Victoria, based on the leads we have gained during the expo. The expo was well organised, with a good marketing program and steady visitors for most of the show. I also really enjoyed the networking on Friday night, while the family day on Saturday was a great way to get people in who might not have otherwise given up their Saturday to attend.”
ACE EXPO would like to acknowledge all supporting associations and media partners.
EVENT SUPPORTERS
Civil Contractors Federation
Elevated Works Platform Association
Hire and Rental Industry Association
AustStab
Australian Concrete Repair Association
International Erosion Control Association
PRINCIPLAL MEDIA PARNTER
Earthmovers & Excavators
MEDIA PARTNERS
Outdoor Design Source
Australian Earthmoving Magazine
NZ Construction News
Trade Earthmovers
Trade PlantEquipment
Machines4u
COMMENTS FROM ACE EXPO 2015 EXHIBITORS…
“I was blown away with ACE EXPO. It was the best show by far I’ve ever done - and I’ve done three in new Zealand and five in Australia. It had the quality of people, which is the most important aspect for exhibitors. Since the show, I’ve sent out in excess of 150 quotes, and already made eight sales, averaging $50,000 a sale.” Livio Pace, Boss Attachments Pty Ltd
"The moment the show opened, we were inundated with inquiries on the Air Vacuum System. We sold our first unit within 30 minutes of opening the show.” Matt Stainsby, National Sales Manager, Complete Equipment Solutions.
Complete Equipment Solutions sold out of its AVS-3000 Air Vacuum System during the expo.
“ACE Expo 2015 has been a success for us, and helped us get into the Australian market and show our machines. TOP HOE is a French manufacturer and specialist in micro-mini machinery. Following the show, we’ve appointed a number of distributors to cover Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland, with a major New Zealand distributor to be confirmed shortly.” Eric Gadras, Managing Director, TOP HOE UK Ltd
“Ace has been the perfect stepping stone in developing the Kinshofer brand name in Australia - and especially in Victoria. It was an exciting few days down in Melbourne, meeting new and existing customers.” Brendan Refalo, Kinshofer
“This show was a welcome surprise with good custom and great dealer networking to be had. We saw plenty of present dealers visit our stand, and also signed a few more in key areas. All in all the show was a success and the fact our Melbourne factory is busy getting orders out currently backs these claims.” Nathan Parziani, Auger Torque
COMMENTS FROM ACE EXPO 2015 VISITORS…
“I found the expo very informative. Met contacts for equipment and new materials. Was surprised at some of the new gadgets around.” Mark Lindsay, Chisholm Institute
“I took 3 boys aged 9 to the ace expo this year and they had an absolute ball. We went on the Friday evening and they ran from machine to machine and from lolly jar to lolly jar. These next gen ‘tradie’ kids learnt more at the show than a week at school. Lucky Luke was AWESOME on his stunt bike and had the whole audience entranced with his tricks. The stands were really well set out and the venue enhanced the experience with good lighting and plenty of space under one roof.” ACE EXPO Visitor
“Well organised with some great takeaways and lots of great innovation going on in the industry.” ACE EXPO Visitor
“The expo provided more than I expected. I was able to see products close up and made some valuable contacts. On top of that I even had a go in the Kubota nerves of steel challenge and won. Bonus!” Ivan Orlovic, Director of Eagle One Industries
“ACE EXPO 2015 was brilliant! I would thoroughly recommend the show to anyone in the construction and civil industry. It's a great place to find new suppliers and products, reconnect with business colleagues and find out new business practices.” ACE EXPO Visitor