4th Metals Industry Conference About

The 4th NZ Metals Industry Conference 2008

"Building Sustainability"

Auckland 29th - 31st October

The 4th New Zealand Metals Industry (NZMI) Conference offers the opportunity for all metals industry players to meet and drive sector-specific and sector overarching industry development. The most important sector overarching topic our industry is currently facing is sustainable development and as it is intended to actively progress this issued the theme “Building Sustainability” was chosen. Therefore sector overarching topics to be covered are metals industry environmental issues such as energy use, carbon emission, energy rating systems, health and safety, but also business opportunities for our industry as a result of national and international developments such as in renewable energy.

To date, industry partners Steel Construction NZ (SCNZ), NZ Stainless Steel Development Association (NZSSDA), National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH), Light Alloys Manufacturing (LAM-NZ), Non-Destructive Testing Association (NDTA) have teamed up with main Conference organiser HERA and they will focus in their specific sessions - typically conducted in an workshop-type environment - on their particular development needs, and sustainability will most certainly be also a topic for them. Government and industry bodies such as NZTE, ECCA, ACC, COMPETENZ and Skills4Work indicated their interest to co-sponsor and organise sessions of key interest to the metals industry.

As is tradition the conference will be preceded by an industry tour day on the 29 th October where attendees have an opportunity to visit Auckland based companies and research facilities to allow for a first hand technology update. A comprehensive exhibition will also be staged around the tea and lunch break areas allowing an update on latest technology and business contact.

As a result of the excellent co-operation between the different metals industry sector groups, the organisers are expecting an even larger attendance than the previous three NZMI Conferences (300 plus). To date, the sector groups LAM-NZ, HERA, NASH, NDTA, NZSSDA, and SCNZ have confirmed to co-operate complemented by Conference sponsors and partners COMPETENZ and NZTE. The target audience of the Conference is the wider NZ metals industry and as a result we are seeking papers on a wide range of engineering topics, in particular those in line with the conference theme of Building Sustainability.

The 4th NZ Metals Industry Conference will be held in Auckland between the 29th and 31st (Wed to Fri) of October 2008 at the SkyCity Convention Centre.

CALL FOR PAPERS (deadline 30th June 2008)

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FAQ:
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1. What is the 4th Metals Industry Conference about?
The Metals Industry Conference has been the foremost event for the NZ metals engineering industry where members of the industry gather to update themselves on the latest products, research, development, industry issues, solutions, etc. They also are able to participate as exhibitors and speakers, bringing new knowledge and products to the various metals-related sectors, such as stainless steel, light alloys, steel-framed housing, steel construction, as well as engineers and consultants in general. In addition to the networking aspects, the Conference serves as a vehicle for highlighting various industry and Government initiatives that will benefit the industry.

2. Why Sustainability? It's so overused now...
While sustainability is now a well-used buzz word in many industries, it is relatively new in terms of the New Zealand metals engineering industry. Companies like fabricators, designers, welders, consultants, manufacturers, etc., all need to look at issues such as carbon footprint, energy efficiency, among others, to enhance their own commercial appeal both locally and more importantly internationally. The sustainability movement is a global phenomenon that has gained serious and significant momentum, and business opportunities are aplenty for the prepared Kiwi business. At this Conference, New Zealand metals engineering companies can identify key opportunities locally and abroad that can enhance their portfolio, widen their commercial appeal and extend their business lifespan.

3. In what ways can the Metals Industry be 'sustainable'?
Besides the more established image of material sustainability such as recycled metals, and energy efficient design and construction, sustainability also extends to the realms of management and operational practices. From the office to the factory line and workshops, the idea of sustainability incorporates the desire for commercial durability, long-term gains and savings from cost efficiencies to waste minimisation. The Conference aims to educate and equip participants with knowledge and awareness of how they can improve and expand their business, as well as refresh their approach to management, operations and manufacturing.

4. What can delegates to the Conference expect in terms of programme and content?
The Conference runs over three days from Wednesday to Friday, with the first day being the free Industry Tours and evening Welcome Function. The next two days focus on various streams related to various sectors or interests. In addition, there are the popular Conference Dinner on the Thursday night and Industry Gala Dinner on the Friday night.

On the day leading to the Conference opening, industry tours led by the various sector groups will bring participants to relevant projects and sites, engineering companies and educational institutes on visits to view new technologies and research projects. The next day will be the official opening of the Conference with keynote speakers and industry experts present. Keynote speakers will be leading figures in the drive towards sustainability in the country. Also in the line-up are business leaders and commentators. That same evening, the delegates will be entertained by good food, a guest speaker and light music.

The last day of the Conference will be Friday and see delegates split into the various streams, by topics or by sector groups. Capping the Conference off will be the Industry Gala Dinner where Industry Awards and spectacular entertainment will allow the Conference participants to relax and get to know one another.

For more general information regarding the Conference, please contact Brian Low at 09 262 4845 or email brian.low@hera.org.nz. With regards to specific issues, Call for Papers or Sponsorship, please contact Conference Chairman Dr Wolfgang Scholz, HERA Director.