IICA Toowoomba Technology Expo

The Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation runs expos all around Australia, and after a 2-year hiatus, will be back in Toowoomba this year.

The IICA Toowoomba Technology Expo will be on 2 November at the Empire Theatres.

Toowoomba, famous for its agricultural base, has transformed into a diverse and strong economy through various industries. The fertile farming land contributes over $700 million to the Toowoomba Region economy. In addition, health care and social assistance are the second-largest employing industry and contributor to the GRP. This offers a perfect opportunity for the automation industry to corroborate and join forces in Toowoomba, benefiting the top two productive industries in the region.

In addition, manufacturing is well implemented in the region as the second-largest exporter, driven by food production, transport equipment, metal (primary and fabricated), machinery, and equipment production and manufacturing. Other main industries in Toowoomba include aviation, construction, education, renewables and tourism.

Toowoomba is a regional capital city, agricultural hub, knowledge and research centre, and freight and logistics hub with bold ambition. With over $13.1 billion in its infrastructure pipeline, the region is unlocking significant productivity, accessibility and amenity through accelerated transitions and investments.

The Toowoomba Region’s strategic location also gives it an advantage as the western gateway to the $237 billion South East Queensland economy, proximity to the Surat and Cooper Basins, and prime position on the Melbourne to Brisbane freight route. This strategic location enhances the trade role for domestic and international import and export markets.

Two new hydrogen clusters have recently been flagged for development in Gladstone and Toowoomba. The Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, shared that the Queensland Government will fund Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) with a total of $100,000. Toowoomba has been announced as commercially viable for domestic and export-scale renewable hydrogen.

According to a 2019 Deloitte report, Queensland could create thousands of jobs and increase Australia’s GDP by up to $26 billion. The current industry is building the skills capacities and commercialisation opportunities necessary to unlock Australia’s enormous potential.

An IICA expo is a one-stop shop to find out what’s new in the automation industry, make valuable new business connections and to catch up with friends. Everyone is welcome to attend, including electricians, engineers, maintenance managers, production planners, operational staff, instrument technicians, health and safety officers, managers, apprentices and students.

There will be 45 exhibitors, including Pilz, Weidmüller, ifm efector, Endress+Hauser, Phoenix Contact, Yokogawa and HYDAC to show the latest in instrumentation, automation and control.

Doors will open at 2 pm, and there will be lucky door prizes to be won throughout the day. Attendees are invited to join the IICA and our exhibitors for a complimentary Happy Hour at 5 pm.

Entry to the expo is free, and those interested in attending can register online at https://bookings.iica.org.au/bookings/events/event.asp?bookingid=1363.

Registrations before the event day go in the draw to win one of three Amazon Echo Dots.

Image: ©iStockPhoto.com/Sushiman