AFAC17 achieves record attendance levels

A record crowd of more than 3200 attended the AFAC17 powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference in Sydney this year.

It was the first time that the event had been held in Sydney for six years, with total visitor numbers up by 75%.

Taking up 14,000 sqm, the exhibition showcased 189 organisations including Isuzu, Iveco, Tatra, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Fraser Fire & Rescue, Fuso, Volvo and HINO.

Showfloor highlights included the interactive Expo Stage, along with 10 live outdoor demonstrations showcasing the latest technology and rescue techniques.

Stuart Ellis AM, CEO at Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC), remarked on the overall success of the conference and exhibition.

“The theme of the conference was collaborating for success and it was really great to see so much collaboration occurring throughout the four days,” he said.

“The calibre of speakers across the program, alongside the live demonstrations of technology and new rescue techniques, demonstrates the strength of Australia’s emergency management and natural hazard response sector.”

Speakers at the event included Dr Blair Trewin, Climate Scientist, Bureau of Meteorology; Ann Bostrom, Professor in Environmental Policy, University of Washington; and Bart van Leeuwen, smart data expert and senior Dutch firefighter — all presenting their latest research and knowledge across the conference.

“Australia is a leader in emergency management research, and we are proud to see research from the Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC being shared with the industry at the Research Forum,” said Dr Richard Thornton, CEO at Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

“Our partners are embracing the results of the science and working hard to implement the work into their practices. AFAC17 powered by INTERSCHUTZ provides a fantastic chance for the broader sector to see how our science is being used, as well as what is to come over the next four years.”

In addition, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC launched the Southern Australia Bushfire Outlook 2017 in a press conference held on 5 September 2017.

At the close of the exhibition, over 70% of exhibition space for the 2018 exhibition had been sold. AFAC18 powered by INTERSCHUTZ will be held in Western Australia from 5–8 September 2018 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Image courtesy of AFAC.

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