SouthMACH, the South Island’s largest event for the manufacturing, engineering, electronics and technology industries has been called an amazing success by both visitors and exhibitors.

This was the first SouthMACH event organised by new owners XPO Exhibitions who acquired the show in late 2013 and “we couldn’t be more delighted with the results” says XPO Sales & Events Director Tony Waite. “We have been inundated with feedback that the show delivered a lot more new products and innovations with many qualified and quality visitors attending the 2 day event”.

Even though XPO Exhibitions own and organise some of New Zealand’s largest and longest running trade events, Waite admits it’s always a nervous time when you deploy a new acquisition for the first time. There are so many unknowns; Have we got the right mix of exhibitors? Will our exhibitors like the way we run the show versus the previous owner? Are we reaching the right type of visitor and will that visitor attend?

Is the marketing program right? Have we got the right partners on board? Will the industry support us? Thankfully, and through a great deal of hard work and planning from the XPO team and our exhibitors and supporters we are pleased to say that we ticked all the boxes.

SouthMACH attracted 104 international and local exhibiting companies across a range of industries and was attended by 1,967 visitors (authenticated by the Audited Media Association of Australasia) making it one of the most successful events since its inception.

Celebrating the ‘Heartland of New Zealand Manufacturing’ the Christchurch based event attracted a wide range of products and services from leading exhibitors. On display was the latest in CNC machinery, advanced press brake technology, live welding demonstrations, 3D printing technology and robotics.

Several key features were on site including local Cantabrian Graham Tully from Christchurch-based Global Aerial Platforms Ltd (GAP) with his Kuaka UAV. This leading drone technology is attracting international attention as it begins to revolutionise search and rescue operations across the world. Don Clucas, from the University of Canterbury’s Department of Mechanical Engineering says, “It was a very well run event. We made a lot of contacts that may not immediately generate income but gives us more exposure.”

Education and knowledge is an important aspect across all of XPO’s events and SouthMACH was no exception. A comprehensive seminar series held across the 2 days was well attended by hundreds of industry professionals. Presented by some of the most respected leaders and experts in their fields the informative and thought-provoking sessions covered a range of topics including; OH&S, 3D printing, Robotics and a reminder of the contribution manufacturing makes to the NZ economy and the critical role it plays.

XPO introduced a number of additional benefits and services this year to ensure the exhibitor and visitor experience was the very best it could be. Examples included; a robust visitor registration and badging system ensuring all those attending were verified and qualified at the event. New lead retrieval technology with the XPO Leads App allowing exhibitors to scan visitors directly to their smartphone or tablet for immediate sales leads and follow up. Fully serviced exhibition sites and a VIP/key buyer program ensured that exhibiting companies could entertain, delight and engage with their key customers. All this and great support from industry partners and an extensive marketing campaign including national TV coverage on TV3 News ensured the event was a success (you can view the 3News story here https://www.southmach.co.nz/news-and-media/southmach-exhibition-news ).

Visitors to the show were very complimentary about the event in the post-show visitor survey; “A good opportunity to take a day for professional development and broaden / update awareness of the sectors offerings”, “Enjoyed the exhibits and would recommend to other people we had 7 people attend and they all found various things of interest”.

“This is my first time to attend this show. I am really impressed NZ got so many High-Tech Companies. Thank you very much!!!!”, “I was most impressed. The layout of the displays was people friendly plenty of light. The admin and greeting was welcoming and I will be looking out for the 2017 event.”

In addition, XPO are delighted to announce John Brand of Toolmaking Services, Christchurch, walked away with a brand new Ford Transit Custom SWB courtesy of Ford Motors of New Zealand and XPO, valued at over $50,000. All visitors who attended either EMEX 2014 or SouthMACH 15, and had their badge scanned at the Ford stand, went into the draw. Congratulations John!

EMEX 2016
Organisers, XPO are now ramping up for EMEX, New Zealand’s largest national trade show for the manufacturing, engineering, machinery and electronics industries. The previous EMEX in 2014 included 169 exhibitors and was attended by over 4,450 visitors, the highest in nearly 10 years – plans are well underway to ensure that this number is even greater in 2016!

Inspiring Manufacturing and Innovation Excellence EMEX 2016 is on track to be one of the most successful yet. Held at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland 31 May – 2 June 2016 both exhibitors and visitors should book ahead and plan early to ensure they get the most out of it. See www.emex.co.nz for more details.

XPO Exhibitions Ltd (XPO) is a family owned business. XPO purchased the majority of its trade shows from DMG World Media NZ Ltd back in January 2010. In 2013 XPO acquired an additional portfolio of industry trade shows from Hayley Media.

XPO now owns and organise 13 of NZ’s largest and longest running industry specific ‘business to business’ trade show exhibitions and events with around 35,000 trade visitors frequenting XPO shows each year in New Zealand. The attendance to each and every event we run is audited by the Circulations Audit Board of Australasia.

XPO prides itself on delivering first class events and memorable experiences for all visitors while offering Exhibitors a unique business environment in order to Showcase, Educate and Sell their products to targeted niche industry attendees.