Mark Vender
ARBS 2022, held from 16–18 August in Melbourne, has been lauded as an “overwhelming success” by the organisers, based on positive attendance numbers and feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike.
The official visitor count – not including staff or exhibitors – came in at 7,408, with 216 stands filling out the 15,000m2 of exhibition space.
Organisers say more than 80 per cent of exhibitors polled achieved their objectives for exhibiting at the event, with one exhibitor commenting that it was “the best ARBS I have attended, and I have been to them all”.
On the attendee side, 84 per cent of those polled agreed they found suppliers or products they would purchase within the next two years. One surveyed visitor commented that “ARBS helped me with finding great new sources and products I was not aware of, and speaking to suppliers gave me new ideas and solutions through their experience and sharing knowledge”.
The event hosted exhibitors from China, India, Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and USA. Visitors travelled from regions such as China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Africa and Sri Lanka, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, New Caledonia, Oman, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates.
Organisers say the highly anticipated Seminar Program also enjoyed strong attendance, with 1,284 tickets booked and many sessions sold out, while the Exhibitor Presentation Theatre allowed exhibitors to present product and technology information, updates, and demonstrations.
The ARBS 2022 Industry Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in the industry, were held at the Crown Palladium on August 17 and hosted by Australian media personality Andrew Daddo.
“ARBS is thrilled to see visitors returning so enthusiastically to our exhibition and supporting programs,” says ARBS Chair, Professor Tony Arnel. “Overall, a phenomenally successful three days celebrating our diverse industry and the best it has to offer.”
ARBS 2024 will return to the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney in May 2024, exact dates to be confirmed.
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