The dynamics, quality and sheer size of the inaugural International Truck, Trailer & Equipment Show caught everyone by surprise, even the organisers were  overwhelmed by the industry's high level of enthusiasm and support. Visitors from around Australia and overseas flocked in their tens of thousands to witness the largest dedicated road transport equipment show the country has ever staged.

The Exhibition Pavilion alone housed over sixty trailer configurations, making it the largest single trailer display ever to be assembled indoors in the history of the industry.

All the major truck manufacturers also rolled out to support the event, and in a big way, with world-class displays. Some, like the PACCAR and Daimler Truck Group, took up entire buildings, whilst others showcased major exhibits ranging from heavy duty rigids to light vehicles.

As for the ancillary equipment providers they packed out the many show halls and the Grand Pavilion, the trade mark of the newly renovated Showgrounds site.

Trade visitors were genuinely impressed by the immense diversity, innovation and presentation of the exhibits, saying the show resembled the style of major events held in Europe. In fact many commented that the quality of the stands was the highest ever seen in this country.

Exhibitor sales also exceeded expectations with most companies reporting ‘best ever’ results from a trade show that delivered quality patrons.

It was estimated that half a billion dollars of the latest in road transport technology was on display thanks to the hundreds of exhibitors who participated in and took ownership of the event. Hundreds of trailer combinations ranging from tankers, curtain siders, tippers, skels, drop decks, wideners, extendables and logging jinkers in semi, B-double, B-triple to road train configurations lined the streets and grassed areas of the 19 hectare Melbourne Showgrounds site. Some 54 trailer manufacturers displayed their brands to trade visitors who explored all the latest designs at the one location.

The Show was judged a huge success by the exhibitors, trade visitors, organising committee and sponsor associations with over 35,000 turning up, plus more than 2,000 exhibiting personnel attending, all to witness history in the making. And with the spacious layout of the Melbourne Showgrounds, there is plenty of potential for the event to grow in the coming years. Talking of being judged, the show concluded with a spectacular Expo Awards presentation held at the Flemington Event Centre.