William Scott
The Australian Flexible Pavement Association is proudly partnering with Converge, identifying the event as an ideal way to promote its innovation and expertise to the construction and municipal works sectors.
It’s events like Converge, a brand-new show that will bring together the Municipal Works, Civil and Commercial Construction spaces, that help associations such as the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) to broaden its horizons, opening new doors to not only showcase the association, but also learn from the very best that the sector has to offer.
Converge is Australia’s only one-stop-shop for Sub-Contractors, Project Engineers, Council Fleet Managers, and Large-Scale Construction Contractors across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure space.
Through a mixture of live demonstrations, equipment showcases, and conference spaces, the show will bring together the best of each area to learn from one other and provide visitors with the solutions they need to build and maintain the Australia of tomorrow.
As Tony Aloisio, Interim Chief Executive Officer – AfPA explains, events like Converge allow the industry to discuss important topics, such as safety, new technology, sustainability, and government initiatives, all of which align with the Association’s goals.
“Events like this highlight the criticality of the infrastructure that connects our communities,” he says. “This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our roads, airport runways and even our footpaths. Converge will help to create awareness of the companies and people who are putting in the effort to make these connections happen.”
Aloisio adds that it’s important to raise awareness about the critical role that infrastructure can play in supporting increased urbanisation and a growing population, just one of many topics that will be addressed when Converge gets underway later this year.
“Trade shows like Converge are also important because they can act as a vehicle to showcase what the future might hold,” he says. “It helps to understand the important impact that people in the sector can have, to influence positive change.”
Graham Henderson agrees. As AfPA’s Executive Director for Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, he’s seen first-hand the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
“There’s certain aspects, like the government’s push to reduce carbon down to zero by 2050, that are going to require action from all of us in the sector,” he says. “It’s places like Converge where the real action and discussion is being done. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that we’re working together, towards our common goal.
“I find at events like this that attendees are really happy to open up and share new ideas that others can adopt and develop. It’s great for that transferring of ideas.”
Melissa Lyons, AfPA’s Executive Director Technology, says the association is interested in showcasing not just the technical innovations in asphalt and road materials, but also the broader focus on more efficient and greener construction practices across the entire supply chain.
“We’re really excited to put a focus on sustainable construction, as well as practices, throughout the entire project life cycle,” she says.
“For our members, I hope they’re able to take away a clearer concept of the future, to help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.”
Council first
A particular area of interest for AfPA will be Converge’s commitment to showcasing the very latest and best of the municipal works sector.
From technology, through to road maintenance, and larger-scale trade equipment, Converge’s dedicated municipality area will act as a one-stop-shop for council fleet managers and sub-contractors to see the latest tools on offer, with a special focus on zero emission technology.
AfPA is devoted to providing training and education to local government engineers and staff on best practices for maintaining and managing asphalt assets, including workshops, seminars, and hands-on training.
“There’s a shared opportunity to get best practice happening and to create and establish a new standard,” Henderson says. “Local government can be very nimble and provide opportunities for innovation and trials. In turn, AfPA can work with industry and local government to provide solutions that will support the maintenance and resilience of their assets.”
AfPA also helps to develop standardised frameworks, like the lifecycle assessment tool, that local governments can use to consistently measure and track sustainability metrics.
“Those working in the transport side of infrastructure rely on that knowledge,” Aloisio says. “With events like Converge, we can share industry knowledge and experience on the dos and don’ts, to get the best outcomes.”
Siobhan Rocks, Converge Show Director, says the event will cover everything that’s required to successfully deliver infrastructure works, including equipment right through to planning and management software.
“Unlike other events, Converge covers the entire infrastructure sector and will showcase equipment and demonstrations right on the expo floor,” she says.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for businesses that have clients from Tier One and Two contractors right through to smaller operators and council departments to connect with those companies in one place, at one time. We know that nothing like Converge currently exists within Australia.”
Converge will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, across September 17 and 18.
To learn more about the event, visit convergeexpo.com.au
To enquire about speaking and exhibitor opportunities, reach out to [email protected]
