The Australian crane industry got right behind this year’s CICA Conference and Exhibition, and there were plenty of highlights.
The rolling hills of the Hunter Valley provided a beautiful backdrop for the 2019 CICA Conference, attended by more than 400 delegates associated with the crane industry. Thanks to the New South Wales Conference Committee and Sponsors, the conference was once again a resounding success and consistently proves to be a must-attend event on the Australian crane industry calendar.
In the opening plenary, Kurt Fearnley three-time Paralympic and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, gave an engaging keynote presentation highlighting how grit, perseverance and key people have contributed to his successes and willingness to tackle harsh challenges. This was followed by an address by Marco Burgmer from Platinum Sponsor Sennebogen Asia Pacific who, in collaboration with Pace Cranes demonstrated the features of their cranes, some of which made up the crane display.
A key theme of the six technical and business workshops was opportunities for the future, demonstrating ways to overcome potential challenges in safety, competency, industrial relations and road access. The numerous speakers provided lessons from their own fields of expertise and highlighted opportunities for the crane industry in Australia to control, eliminate or minimise risks within their own businesses.
The 2019 CICA Conference once again provided a networking focal point for crane industry associates with the opportunity to meet suppliers and colleagues during Thursday night’s Networking Dinner sponsored by Manitowoc Cranes. The stunning Hunter Valley, the crane display and a balmy spring evening served as a perfect setting for making new acquaintances and catching up with old ones, over a glass of locally produced wine and fresh seafood. Networking and information sharing were also a highlight of the three-day trade exhibition featuring over 45 trade stands. Delegates donning flannel shirts and boots had a “whip crackin’” celebration at Ben Ean Winery, commemorating industry forebears and 40 years of progress in the crane industry.
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The CICA Gala Dinner delivered on its reputation as the crane industry’s premier event with captivating entertainment and the Awards presentation.
Congratulations to the winner of this year’s awards, that acknowledge crane industry excellence and rewarded commitment and effort.
Winners of this year’s awards were:
Project of the Year: Field Engineers and WALZ Construction Group
Innovation Award: John Holland, Edwards Heavy Lift and RUD Australia
Lift of the Year > 20 Tonne: MAX Cranes
Excellence Award: Steve Gonano, Chris Kolodziej and Marcus Rigney
Hall of Fame: Jeff Wilson
2019 CICA Conference Sponsors
CICA would like to acknowledge the sponsors because without their support, this event would not be possible. These were:
Strategic Sponsor: Destination N.S.W.
Platinum Sponsor: Sennebogen Pace Cranes
Networking Dinner Sponsor: Manitowoc Cranes
Gold Sponsors: Schaeffler, Tadano and UAA
Silver Sponsors: Assignar, Finlease, Liebherr
Conference Satchel Sponsors: Franna
Bronze Sponsors: 365 Software and Crane Connection / Link-belt
Lanyard Sponsor: Hummer Cranes by DRA Engineering
Delegate Handbook Sponsor: Maeda Mini-Cranes
General Sponsor: Sarens
Lift of the Year Awards Sponsor: Cranes and Lifting Magazine
Thanks
CICA thanks the NSW Conference Committee, Conference MC – Marianne Van Dorslar for keeping the conference proceedings on time, and Susan Ryman-Kiernan and her team from Wise Connections for another exceptionally organised conference.
2020 CICA Conference
Planning is now underway for the 2020 CICA Conference, which will be held from 21-23 October 2020 at the Perth Convention Centre. Tadano have been announced as the Platinum Sponsor for this event, and the CICA team looks forward to seeing you in beautiful Western Australia.