National Construction Equipment Convention is coming

To be held this week from November 15 to 17 at the Sydney Showgrounds, the National Construction Equipment Convention (NCEC) is promising to be the biggest, must-attend event for anyone working within the construction industry.

The expo is an industry-only event, organised by the Construction Mining and Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG) in conjunction with Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF). It is free to attend, but is only open to trade personnel who will need to register their attendance beforehand.

It replaces several state-based construction shows around the country, including the popular Australian Construction Equipment Expos (ACE EXPO) in Victoria and Queensland, as well as Western Australia’s Construction Mining Equipment Expo (CME EXPO).

This year, over 100 major brands have signed up to exhibit their wares and services at the inaugural event.

In addition to finding out about the latest products and technologies, visitors can also expect to hear from industry experts on a range of key issues affecting the industry through its free one-day conference.

The expo will also act as a platform for individuals looking to network with their industry peers or to find out about jobs and careers within the construction industry. A job exchange zone has been set up to serve this very purpose, where engineering and construction students can find out about apprenticeships and employment opportunities with major companies including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi and more.

A tech zone will showcase the latest and emerging technologies in the civil construction and infrastructure space, and will offer a range of seminars covering topics such as drones, productivity apps and autonomous control; providing show-goers a glimpse of how the industry will look like in years to come.

Household names including Caterpillar and Hitachi will be using the show as a launch pad for their latest products. Hitachi will be launching its ground-breaking smart ZX210X-6 excavator, equipped with an advanced 3D mapping system and intelligent machine controls for a semi-automatic operation that helps reduce operator fatigue and increase accuracy.

Caterpillar is keeping mum about its new releases at the show, stating its brand new range will have features never before seen in this type of machine. It will be the first global public viewing of the range and visitors to the NCEC will be the first people in the world to see the new machines. In addition, Cat will also showcase some of its latest additions including the Next Generation 323 and 336 Excavators, the 950GC wheel loader and AP300F asphalt paver.

Chinese heavy equipment brand, SANY will be showcasing its new 5.3-tonne SY50U excavator at the show, alongside several of its smaller excavators.

Komatsu, which unveiled 25 new machines earlier this year, will have a significant presence at the show, where it will display some of its new equipment as well as its industry leading technologies such as its intelligent machine control systems, KOMTRAX remote monitoring system and training VR simulator.

New products aside, the NCEC will also be hosting a WorldSkills Australia Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Competition where a group of apprentices, students and trainees will have their heavy vehicle diagnosis and repairing skills tested.

A demonstration pit will be set up on the grounds where visitors will be able to witness some of the biggest brands of machinery in action.

On Saturday, visitors are encouraged to bring their families for the family fun day where there will be complimentary jumping castles, face painting and entertainment for the whole family.

Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Dates: Thursday November 15, 2018 – Saturday November 17, 2018

Opening hours:

Thursday 15 November and Friday 16 November 2018 - 9am to 5pm

Saturday 17 November 2018 - 9am to 3pm

Entry: Free for trade personnel