Hire and Rental News - February 2018

48 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • EVENTS in FOCUS • FEBRUARY 2018 EVENTS in FOCUS RIA CEO, James Oxenham said the HRIA Convention is a major event on the international rental calendar and has been ever since the first convention was held in 1968 to ‘evaluate the Australian industry’s prospects and overcome its problems’. For two days at the award-winning Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, HIRE18 will bring 50 years of experience to safeguard Australia’s reputation as one of the most competitive and innovative rental markets in the world,” James said. “HIRE18 will present the latest global trends, technologies, equipment and information while enabling the development of partnerships to positively impact participants’ businesses into the future,” James said. The latest and most innovative equipment and services will be on display over a two-day exhibition; a forum for Australia’s hire industry to network and hear from inspiring speakers and to learn from our Rental Business Success workshops. That first convention in 1968 laid the foundation for understanding and cooperation among ‘hire people’ over 50 years ago on an October weekend at Sydney’s Metropole Hotel. Celebrating 50 Years of Hire Conventions Celebrating 50 Years of Hire Conventions HIRE18 – Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 30–31 May 2018 HIRE18 – Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 30–31 May, 2018 More than 40 members of the then Hire Association of NSW and their staff took part in ‘a non-stop marathon of lectures, films, equipment inspections, dinner and debates’. Every year since that first hire industry show (with the exception of 1998), the HRIA has worked hard to foster and encourage a free and friendly exchange of ideas among members, competitors and stakeholders, James said. “There have been many dramatic changes in Australia’s hire industry over 50 conventions; the equipment, the technology, the players and our rise to prominence in a truly global market place. But the value of industry friendship and camaraderie has remained true and the HRIA Convention has been a cornerstone in helping to promote these values,”James said. “As the then NSWAssociation President, Neville Kennard, originally noted when promoting the first convention: ‘Our competitors can be a great source of business. They can help us with problems and give us ideas. "We should, therefore, be friends with our competitors. This friendship can be worth thousands of dollars in business, and can be of inestimable worth when the value of real friendship is considered.’ HIRE18 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first hire industry convention in Australia and the HRIA is celebrating this major milestone. H The HRIA fosters a free and friendly exchange of ideas among members The HIRE18 conference program will include keynote addresses “Our hire industry conventions are now, and have always been, the best forum for the Australian hire industry to network with industry peers and take advantage of the free interchange of ideas that exists in this assembly of hire expertise and experience,” James said. “We have been fostering this exchange ever since 1968; HIRE18 will again ensure delegates are apprised of the latest products, innovations and advice, who will be front and centre for the bounty of specialist equipment and services covering all things hire.” Highlights of the HIRE18 conference program will include keynote addresses by inspiring individuals targeting business strategy, leadership; safety and technology. The HRIA is also delighted to launch the inaugural ‘Women in Hire’ leadership breakfast; and will continue to build on its enormously successful Young Professionals program, featuring learning sessions and networking events for future leaders under the age of 40. Register now: www.hire18.com.au