| Australia’s largest-ever truck show hailed huge success | 24th March 2010 |
 Recognised by the industry as the largest and most significant dedicated display of trucks, trailers and ancillary equipment in the southern hemisphere, the International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show (ITTES) wrapped up on Saturday after a highly successful three-day exhibition at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Drawing a crowd of 35,800 local and overseas visitors, including some of the industry’s leaders and heavyweights, the show highlighted the newest in transport technology and put on a display of the highest-calibre trucks, trailers and equipment ever to be seen in Australia.
The 2010 ITTES kicked off on Thursday and exhibitors were eager to showcase the latest innovations and technologies of the transport world. More than 350 companies took full advantage of the three days, and every inch of the 19-hectare indoor and outdoor show space, to effectively market their products and services in an effort to achieve optimal returns.
“The industry’s response has been phenomenal and overwhelmingly positive,” said Clint Hendry, show director of the ITTES. “What’s more is that the ITTES has delivered favourable outcomes by providing exhibitors a place where business could be done. It was an ideal platform for transactions to take place.”
Exhibiting companies expressed glowing feedback about the number and quality of leads received and sales completed throughout the show. Some companies even reported that major transactions were executed on the first day, resulting in profit growth and a 100 per cent return on investment.
One of the most popular show attractions was the Exhibition Pavilion, which housed more than 50 trailer manufacturers – the largest display of trailers ever to be assembled in an indoor pavilion in Australia. An impressive variety of trailer types and configurations were displayed and show-goers were eager to witness the latest innovations and advancements in trailer building and manufacturing. With Australia known as a leader in load and vehicle configurations, it was no surprise to see such a range of configurations on show, comprised of low loaders, tankers, tippers, skels, refrigerated trailers and curtainsiders.
Every major truck manufacturer in the industry pulled out all stops to attract show visitors to their stands. All the truck industry leaders – Western Star Trucks and MAN Automotive Imports, Mercedes Benz, PACCAR, Iveco Trucks, Isuzu, UD Trucks, Scania, Hino, Mack and Volvo – delivered the best in light, medium and heavy commercial on and off highway vehicles, with some exhibitors in their own dedicated pavilions, which were transformed into luxurious custom exhibits.
An impressive roster of ancillary equipment exhibitors lined the walls of the Nicholas, Agricultural, Centenary and Victorian Transport Association (VTA) pavilions, as well as the show’s coveted Grand Pavilion. Here, some of the world’s leading brands put on their ‘best in show’ under the ‘big top’ taking centre stage with their colourful stands and interactive displays.
The show included a wide array of exhibitors from all around the network: government, manufacturers, parts and services suppliers related to the transport industry, industry associations, non-profit organisations, academic institutions and other end users. The show’s organisers and platinum sponsors were pleased with the turnout and remarkable support from everyone involved.
“The success of this event clearly proves that advancements in transport are of keen interest for professionals and industry workers in Australia and all around the world,” said Hendry. “Moving forward, we’ll continue to increase awareness of the industry while raising the profile of our exhibitors in bigger and bolder shows ahead, at a cost that’s both reasonable and affordable.”
To conclude the trade event, more than 700 people attended the Flemington Event Centre for an exquisite Expo Awards Gala on Saturday evening. Themed ‘The Awesome 80’s’, the dinner dance and awards night included some of Australia’s most iconic 80’s entertainers. Guests were kept in good company with the Chantoozies, Paul Norton, Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder and the popular Australian rock legend Glenn Shorrock. The show was hosted by one of the country’s best-known and leading comic entertainers, Vince Sorrenti, who kept the audience wildly entertained throughout the awards presentations.
Alongside Sorrenti, CEO Philip Lovel of the VTA presented the Expo Awards to the award recipients in six different categories. Exhibitors were reviewed by a panel of independent judges who evaluated companies based on their exhibit’s design innovation, effective use of space, product knowledge, staff presentation, approach to customer service, as well as other criteria. The 2010 ITTES Expo Award winners were:
Truck of the Show Western Star Trucks
Ancillary Equipment Display Jost Australia
Trailer/Body Manufacturer Display MaxiTRANS Australia
Truck Manufacturer Display PACCAR Australia
Outstanding Customer Service Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific
Most Unique Show Attraction MaxiTRANS Australia - ecoFridge
Organisers have already received numerous inquiries from new and existing exhibiting companies seeking participation in the 2012 ITTES. Preliminary discussions about the next trade event are already underway and event planning is slated to commence in Spring 2010.
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