On 16 February 2016, Australia’s population ticked over to 24 million. From 2013 to the beginning of 2016, the country’s population increased by 1 million to reach this milestone, and it isn’t slowing.
Australia sees a total population increase of one person every 1 minute and 22 seconds, according to projections based on the estimated resident population at 30 September 2016 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
There are myriad sectors of society that are affected and ultimately influenced by population growth, including urbansiation, employment, resources, the environment and, of course, infrastructure.
This growth puts increasing pressure on how goods and services are moved and tests the limits of traditional transport systems, particularly in urban centres.
In the grand scheme of things, this supply chain covers all facets of Australia’s industrial transport and logics sectors, including road transport, sea, air, warehousing, infrastructure, materials and handling and rail.
As the population increases and as mega trends such as globalisation, urbanisation, demographic change, Industry 4.0, buying behaviour and resource scarcity converge, the very idea of transport and logistics as we know it is evolving.
MEGATRANS – an exciting new international trade event – will bridge the gaps between these industry segments that have previously been operating in isolation.
The show makes its debut 10 to 12 May 2018 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, based in the heart of the one of Australia’s major logistics hubs and one of the world’s most livable cities – Melbourne.
Connecting the Australian and international supply chain, the three-day expo will bring together those who plan, implement and control the efficient and effective forward flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and point of consumption.
A number of main sections comprise the show’s 30,000 square metres of space – Logistics & Materials Handling / Warehousing & Storage, Road Transport, Air, Sea & Rail, and Infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on technology right throughout.
“As the borders between industries blur, new multi-dimensional concepts have to rise to the challenge, and MEGATRANS is leading the way,” explains MEGATRANS Show Director Simon Coburn.
The extensive trade show will facilitate discussion around the new trends in the market, explore the innovative technology streamlining the supply chain process, and create a unique networking opportunity across many facets of Australia’s industrial sector.
“With Australia’s population increasing at such a rate, we need to prepare for the biggest industrial revolution of this generation.
“We need to look at what technology and innovation is out there to improve and streamline the supply chain process, and embrace it,” says Mr. Coburn.
“This includes all aspects of the wider infrastructure and road construction sector, which will contribute significantly to the future of Australia’s logistics and supply systems.”
MEGATRANS is proud to partner with the Victorian Government to present the trade show. With major Australian industry and association partners including the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) and the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) on board, the event is already creating a buzz in industry circles.
“With such great industry support for the show from the get-go, we know that MEGATRANS will exceed expectations in delivering a comprehensive and unique platform for the wider Australian infrastructure sector,” he says.
The show will feature site visits of Australia’s leading supply chain infrastructure, a technology showcase, Industry 4.0, key industry networking events, ministerial and government department round tables and the prestigious Mercury Awards – the penultimate awards night in supply chain management.
MEGATRANS will bring together a variety of international and domestic conferences, including conferences for ALC and VTA members, the Global Shippers Forum and the ARTSA Global Heavy Vehicle Leaders Summit.
“As an exciting new trade show, the scope of which hasn’t been done in Australia before, MEGATRANS will be a hub for industry representatives across the entire supply chain,” says Mr. Coburn.
“We’re inviting everyone to be a part of this game-changing expo format – from hands-on decision makers in the supply chain and logistics industry to CEOs, COOs, regulatory bodies, urban planners and government on all levels.
“Watch this space for more developments – MEGATRANS 2018 will facilitate the topics of discussion, networking and decisions around the future of Australia’s supply chain process.”