The 2007 ATA/ARTSA Technical and Maintenance Conference (TMC) has been described as a success by organisers and attendees.
This year’s event saw a high number of first time delegates, proving the TMC’s reputation of being one of
the best of its kind is spreading within industry circles.
Returning delegate numbers were also high, with many past attendee’s revisiting the TMC due to the comprehensive program on offer.
“The TMC is the perfect opportunity for industry members to interact in both formal and informal
environments and delegates made the most of this opportunity by fully participating in the program and
the social functions,” says ATA chief executive, Stuart St Clair.
The Conference, which was held at Moonee Valley Function Centre from 11 to 13 November, also
included the BP Awards Dinner, where Mr Jeff Chandler took out the annual Craig Roseneder Award for
Technical and Maintenance Excellence in a Workshop.
The Conference program gave delegates the opportunity to discuss a range of topics within open forums
and smaller group workshops. Engine innovation, workshop training systems, tyre technology and
maintaining compliance for truck modifications were just a few of the issues which made up this year’s
program.
“Each session saw delegates applying the issues to real life workshop situations. Session speakers
displayed a high level of technical knowledge and are to be congratulated for sharing this knowledge so
articulately with a very attentive and diverse audience,” said ATA chief executive, Stuart St Clair.
Over 70 exhibitors took the opportunity to present their range of products and expert knowledge base to
almost 400 delegates.
The exhibitions provided delegates the chance to explore the ever changing catalogue of products entering the market that will facilitate their workshop operations in the future.
“The exhibitions were professionally presented and are a credit to industry suppliers who are leading
members of the trucking community into a new era of technical products,” St Clair says.
“On behalf of the ATA I would like to thank all of the delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and
ARTSA representatives who made this year’s Conference such a worthwhile event.”
“Special thanks go to our Major Sponsor and ATA Foundation Sponsor, BP Australia, whose ongoing
support for the event makes it possible for us to form a strong relationship with the trucking community
that ensures the future success, growth and improvement of the Technical and Maintenance
Conference,” St Clair says.
Preparations are now continuing for the ATA’s next major Conference, the 2008 Australian Trucking
Convention, to be held in Canberra from 27 to 30 May 2008.