SouthMACH 15 – an astounding result says organiser

The first SouthMACH event organised by new owners XPO Exhibitions was a great success and XPO Sales & Events Director Tony Waite says the company “couldn’t be more delighted with the results.” He said XPO had been inundated with feedback that the show delivered a lot more new products and innovations with many qualified and quality visitors attending the two-day event.

SouthMACH attracted 104 international and local exhibiting companies across a range of industries and was attended by 1,967 visitors (authenticated by the Audited Media Association of Australasia) making it one of the most successful events since its inception.

Celebrating the ‘Heartland of New Zealand Manufacturing’ the Christchurch-based event attracted a wide range of products and services from leading exhibitors. On display was the latest in CNC machinery, advanced press brake technology, live welding demonstrations, 3D printing technology and robotics. Several key features were on site including local Cantabrian Graham Tully from Christchurch-based Global Aerial Platforms Ltd (GAP) with his Kuaka UAV. This leading drone technology is attracting international attention as it begins to revolutionise search and rescue operations across the world.

A comprehensive seminar series held across the two days was well attended by hundreds of industry professionals, reports XPO with presentations by some of the most respected leaders and experts in their fields. Sessions covered a range of topics including OH&S, 3D printing, Robotics and a reminder of the contribution manufacturing makes to the NZ economy and the critical role it plays.

Additional benefits and services this year included a ‘robust’ visitor registration and badging system ensuring all those attending were verified and qualified at the event; new lead retrieval technology with the XPO Leads App that allowed exhibitors to scan visitors directly to their smartphone or tablet for immediate sales leads and follow up; and a VIP/key buyer programme ensuring that exhibiting companies could ‘entertain, delight and engage’ with their key customers. National TV coverage on TV3 News ensured the event was a success, concludes XPO Exhibitions. ( You can view the 3News story here – https://www.southmach. co.nz/news-and-media/southmach-exhibition-news).