Hire and Rental News - August 2018

The hire industry in Australia turned out in force to help the Hire and Rental Industry Association celebrate its 50th annual Convention at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre with a record 1550+ visitors through the doors. The spirit of comradeship founded at the very first Australia hire convention back in 1968 was widely evident again this year in Brisbane with the 112 exhibitors mixing strongly over the two day event with rental company delegates, HRIA CEO, James Oxenham said. “The HRIA works hard to foster and encourage a free and friendly exchange of ideas among members, competitors and stakeholders and our annual Convention provides the perfect forum for sharing expertise and experience,” James said. That ideas exchange continued in 2018 via keynote addresses during the conference segment of the program with international guests including: American Rental Association CEO, Tony Conant who delivered an interesting snapshot of the buoyant US market; John Garrison, President and CEO of Terex; and wrapped up the Day One conference with a look at the European market from Peter Schrader, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of German based Zeppelin Rental. Day Two’s conference program brought home fascinating key leadership principals from former Antarctic Team Leader Rachel Robertson. The inaugural ‘Women in Hire’ leadership breakfast was highly successful and highlighted the need for such a forum with more than 90 attendees keen to hear keynote presenter, Red Balloon founder and Shark Tank presenter, Naomi Simson who encouraged attendees to become someone who “makes things happen, not just watches what happens.” The enormously successful Young Professionals program also continued its trajectory of success with learning sessions with industry mentors and networking events for future leaders under the age of 40. HIRE18 in REVIEW 22 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • AUGUST 2018 HIRE18 wraps up as ‘Best Convention yet’ in 50 year history