Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142338
forefront "AIMEX 2013 will reflect all segments of the sector, including underground coal and hard-rock mining..." 10 as of early June the 2013 show was almost sold out with very little floor space available for exhibitors. According to Reed Mining Events director Paul Baker, "The Australian mining industry will be exposed to a broader line-up of suppliers, offering a wide choice of equipment and brands. "With continuing strong prospects for Australia's mining and resources sector, we've certainly received a positive response to our plans to increase the frequency of AIMEX from a four-year cycle to two-yearly. According to suppliers and senior managers in Australia's mining industry, there are compelling reasons for this industry-leading exhibition to be held on a two-year cycle. "There is also the fastchanging nature of the industry and technology, along with large numbers of newcomers to the industry, who find an event such as AIMEX an ideal way to learn a lot about the industry in a concentrated time and location." Some of the usual international suspects – China, India, South Africa and Chile – continue to increase the size of their pavilions at this event. Meanwhile, some of the newer players in the mining market, such as Eastern Europe and other Asian manufacturers, have signalled a keen interest in joining the 600-plus exhibitors. In a strong sign of the times, the US Department of Commerce's Commercial Service has also established a US Pavilion at AIMEX, aimed at providing a venue for US companies seeking to expand distribution networks, generate sales leads, evaluate competitors and work with trade specialists in the Pacific Basin. From Australian soil, expect to see stands for Agru Australia, Australian Portable Buildings, and Austwide Tooling Services, among a host of local companies. For the all-important consumer, the exhibition has been expanded to reflect all segments of the sector, including underground coal and hard-rock mining as well as all types of surface mining. A record 17,382 people visited AIMEX 2011, with a survey revealing that 78 per cent of