The biennial Brisbane Truck Show is organised by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the national association representing and advancing the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles and their components, equipment and technology.

Speaking in advance of the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show, HVIA chief executive Todd Hacking outlined that the 2019 show is part of a full week of celebrations showcasing Australia‘s heavy vehicle industry.

“The show has come a long way from its humble beginnings when 21 truck, trailer and component manufacturers and suppliers came together at Haulmark Trailers‘ premises in Rocklea in 1968,” he said.

“This year we have been delighted to announce new partnerships with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. They have come on board because they recognise the value of every attendee to the show, and indeed the enormous contribution our industry makes to the economy.

“Through those partnerships we have created a new umbrella event – Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week – to capture all of the events and activities going on across Brisbane alongside the Brisbane Truck Show.

Hacking said the Brisbane Truck Show is the biggest business event the industry holds in the southern hemisphere, and it is run by industry for industry.

“It‘s inspiring to see the enthusiasm with which trucking operators approach the innovative products and solutions that are showcased at the event.

“The countless deals sealed with a handshake during the show are testament to the mutual respect that the heavy vehicle industry and its clients have for each other.

“It is also why the show is described as the place where the industry gathers. That side of it is hugely important too.”

This year for the first time, streets in the dining and entertainment precinct of Little Stanley Street and Stanley Street Plaza are being closed to traffic to create a hub called the South Bank Roadhouse.

“We hope you will all enjoy congregating there with your mates and peers – both old and new – and share in the spirit of this fabulous week of events,” Hacking said.

The 2019 Brisbane Truck Show is the fifth that will be held at BCEC and features more than 300 of Australia‘s leading heavy vehicle industry brands on display.

Hacking invited visitors to explore and enjoy new features and improvements for the 2019 show, including:

• The NatRoad Conference at the venue in the day preceding the show is a compelling value-add.

• The KPMG Insights Centre is another new feature. Visitors are invited to pick and choose from the series of free short seminars, covering an abundance of useful practical information, to aid them in running a an efficient, safe and profitable trucking business.

• HVIA‘s new Jobs Hub, located on the Plaza Level is a one-stop shop for students, school leavers and job seekers. A new jobs exchange will be taking place over the four days of the show with short meetings – much like speed dating – giving job seekers the opportunity to talk to employers about real jobs, available right now.

• Within the Jobs Hub, you will find the Technology and Innovation centre, where you can get hands on experiences made possible by virtual and augmented reality.

• The National Apprentice Challenge is back bigger then ever and allows leading apprentices from around the country to showcase their skills and experience.