The 2023 Modern Manufacturing Expo in Sydney ended last month with an almost 20 per cent surge in attendance compared to the previous year, wrapping up as a resounding success, according to Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition & Conference Group.
The event showcased a growing interest in boosting Australia’s local manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on the progress and opportunities brought by increased implementation of modern manufacturing practices.
The two-day expo hosted over 55 exhibitors and saw 919 visitors and speakers that represent leading companies in the manufacturing industry, such as Mitsubishi Electric, RSM Australia, Slimstock, CSIRO, RSM Australia, Wiise, Fordyno, HSO, Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners, GE Digital, and Bosch AU.
With the theme “Connected, Automated & Digital Transformation,” the expo zeroed in on the adoption of artificial intelligence and the opportunities and future challenges it may present to human labour.
The event received backing from the Federal government, with Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic setting the tone at the opening of the expo’s Smart Manufacturing Conference.
During the event, Husic highlighted the need for Australia to escalate production in order to create stable, full-time jobs. He also discussed the significance of the National Robotics and Automation Strategy, calling out to the manufacturing community to have confidence in their own skills and capabilities.
“We were thrilled to have Minister Husic’s participation at this year’s Expo, augmented by representatives from the NSW Government and the Modern Manufacturing Commissioner’s Office,” Kinsella said.
“The strong support from the public sector over the course of the two-day event highlighted for visitors the government’s vision to rebuild manufacturing and sovereign capability, and the road that lies ahead,” she added.
The Modern Manufacturing Expo 2023 also marked the second year of the Smart Manufacturing Conference and Expert Arena.
The Smart Manufacturing Conference convened industry thought leaders to explore critical subjects, including Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and the evolution of smart factories.
Both events were well-attended and enthusiastically received by visitors, underlining their importance within the manufacturing community, according to a media release from the IEC Group.
“Attendees can rest assured that we have already secured the dates for the September 2024 edition, which will build on the incredible gains we’ve already made,” Kinsella said.
