Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show readies for biggest show ever

The 2025 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show (HEMS) – which will run alongside the Brisbane Truck Show as part of Truck Week 25 – will feature a record number of sites, with a range of displays and experiences for operators and their families.

This year, the show will run from May 15 to 17 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

According to the organiser, Civil Contractors Federation Queensland (CCF QLD), the 2023 show drew record crowds and the organisation expects the 2025 event to be bigger than before.

The biennial show has become one of the nation’s largest displays of all-things earthmoving, showcasing a wide range of machinery from diggers to dozers and hosting plenty of giveaways.

“We have been holding this event, originally called the Civil Construction Field Days, since 2019 and we are thrilled with the growth of this event in such a short time,” said CCF QLD CEO, Damian Long.

“The 2023 event really cemented the show’s popularity with a massive 5500 people coming from all across Australia to check out the latest and greatest from the heavy equipment and machinery world.

“It’s phenomenal to see how far it has come, considering that we had just 900 people join us for the first show in 2019! This year, we anticipate we will get more than 7000 people based on past growth.”

Long added the show has benefitted from its close association with the Brisbane Truck Show, including reciprocal ticketing and free bus shuttles between the two venues.

The Truck Show – known as the Queensland Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show until 2011 – has always been closely intertwined with the earthmoving and construction sectors, featuring a popular machinery component that ran from the early '80s until 2009.

When HEMS was born in 2019, it marked a return for the machinery show, and it has grown in popularity ever since.

“It is fantastic to be able to provide the heavy equipment element of the show in conjunction with Brisbane Truck Show, allowing attendees to see the latest and greatest machinery across the week,” Long said.

“The show is tailored to the business-to-business market, with many of the latest innovations on display, but we know how much families love visiting, so there will be plenty for everyone to see and experience.

“Last year the technology and simulators from exhibitors like Hastings Deering and SITECH Construction Systems were a huge hit, as was the live on-site Pickles Industrial auction. We are excited to build on that in 2025.”

This year’s show will kick-off with a live on-site broadcast by SENQ Radio’s hosts, Corey Parker and Ian Healy, from six to 9am on Thursday, May 15.

The official ribbon cutting will take place at 8.30am at the Hastings Deering stand with Queensland Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie.

Alongside the many exhibitor attractions, CCF QLD will host its annual State Conference on Thursday, May 15, and there will also be a new CCF QLD Marquee, thanks to sponsor SITECH Construction Systems with happy-hours from two to 4pm daily.

Members can gather and enjoy drinks, nibbles and networking to see out the day – with live entertainment from the Steph Long Duo on Friday and Saturday.

“Members can come and enjoy happy hour at the marquee, but we also encourage non-members to come and find out more about what we do at CCF QLD and how vital the civil construction sector is,” Long said.

New for 2025 is a “Hard Hat Hunt” which will allow attendees to enter a draw to win their share of a daily prize pool, including AFL and NRL footy tickets; cricket bats signed by cricket legend, Lord Ian Botham; a special getaway thanks to Mitsubishi Motors Australia and more.

Long encourages Truck Show attendees to capitalise on the reciprocal ticketing and free shuttle service and dedicate a few hours to check out HEMS.

“Make sure you allow a good amount of time to come and check out the incredible array of exhibitors because there is just so much to see and do,” he said.

“Of course, there will also be delicious food, drinks and entertainment across the day, including chances to enter the draw for a range of giveaways.”

Long also urges students and those wanting to join the industry to come along to the show to find out about the various employment pathways for the Queensland civil construction industry.

“Ultimately, the show offers industry an opportunity to come together and see the latest equipment and technologies to help make the construction of Australia’s infrastructure more productive, affordable and effective,” Long said.

Visit the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show website for more information.

Location: Brisbane Showgrounds

Dates: May 15 to 17, 2025

Admission:

(Online) Adults – $25 plus GST and booking fee; concession – $20 plus GST and booking fee; children (under 18-year-old) - free

(At the door) Adults - $30 plus GST and booking fee; concession - $25 plus GST and booking fee; children (under 18-year-old) - free

A ticket to HEMS offers ticket holders entry into both the Brisbane Truck Show and the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show on the same day

Opening times: 8am to 4pm daily