– By Caroline Falls –
The countdown is on for the inaugural IPWEA Australasian Fleet Conference. It’s just another couple of weeks to go before fleet managers from the public sector and private businesses, and others from related industries, gather in Brisbane for what promises to be a fantastic three-day event.
“It’s going to be thoroughly informative and engaging,” said Rob Wilson, manager of fleet at the IPWEA, the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia, adding the idea to hold a national conference grew out of the popular fleet management professional development workshops and the institute’s experience in holding conferences in other areas.
“We just really wanted to meet the needs of our subscribers and this forum gives us an additional opportunity to provide important information and professional development,” Wilson said, adding, “And there are always new issues that need to be addressed.”
IPWEA also produces the go-to manual for fleet managers: The Plant and Vehicle Management Manual and deliver the industry recognised Fleet Management Certificate and online fleet management training courses.
The upcoming May 23-25 meeting will have two streams: — one focused on fleet management and the other on maintenance. Key sessions include chain of responsibility, which is the topic du jour with new laws coming in in 2018 that will confer primary duty of care on fleet operators to ensure safe practice.
Mike Wood, managing director of logistics risk specialist Latus, will run a moot court on an on-road incident and examine the implications for fleet managers.
The organisers have attracted Washington-based Tim Fitzgerald – fleet director of the U.S. capital’s DC Water and Sewerage Department to talk about how data can be better used to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
Another key session that is sure to be popular will be the one by eminent engineer and consultant Simon Ginn — on autonomous vehicles and how they will impact fleet operations.
In addition, a trade exhibition will be held at the conference venue – the Mercure Brisbane, giving delegates the opportunity to speak directly with suppliers of services and equipment to the fleet industry.
“The conference will bring fleet professionals from councils, public sector agencies and the private sector together with suppliers and technical practitioners to learn how to reduce costs, leverage technology and deliver best practice fleet management,” said IPWEA Executive Officer Ross Moody.
Delegates will get a VIP pass to the Brisbane Truck Show, considered the premier event of the Australian transport industry. It is organised by the industry association the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia and typically attracts as many as 40,000 attendees over four days.
“By partnering with the Brisbane Truck Show we are delivering a value package that demonstrates our understanding and immersion in the fleet sector.
See you there!” said Moody.
Fleet Auto News is the official media partner for the conference. Komatsu is IPWEA’s platinum partner. Repco is sponsoring the Fleet Achievement Award. Platinum sponsor and exhibitor is Pool Car, Gold sponsor and exhibitor is Nissan, and Silver Sponsor and exhibitor is Isuzu Trucks.
Other sponsors and partners include Ausfleet, Chevin, Smartrak, Hastings Deering and Liquip.
See the full program linked here. To register for the event click here.
