Delegates ‘Go for Gold’ at the CICA National Conference

27 September 2011

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has broken attendance records with the success of the annual conference, this year held at Surfers Paradise, 14-16 September 2011.

“Despite the challenging economy domestically and internationally, the industry has stepped up to celebrate the industry progress and get on with business,” remarked Alan Marshall, CICA’s Chief Executive Officer. “The Conference is our only national industry gathering for the year, so it is full of various activities such as the CICA AGM, Industry Forum, Crane Display, Lift of the Year Awards, evening dinners, spouse tour, as well as the Speaker Program and Exhibition,” noted Alan.

“On behalf of CICA I would like to publicly thank our many supporters, sponsors and exhibitors, especially Terex Cranes as the Platinum Sponsor,” said John Gillespie, CICA’s President. John continued, “The Conference Committee has done a wonderful job and I thank the CIAQ as the State Hosts, and the strong lineup of speakers, many who travelled from overseas to attend the event.”

“No doubt this year’s Conference was a real winner and well-supported by the industry,” stated Ray Brenton, CICA Director and CIAQ President. “A warm, sunny Queensland location and hospitality was always going to be a positive factor to entice members and many non-members to come along. The record support was a bonus,” said Ray.

“As with each Conference, the highlights were many,” said Alan. “We had 415 registered delegates, we were ‘sold-out’ with 42 booths, plus we had 23 mobile cranes on display - which was a spectacular sight alongside of the Gold Coast hi-rise buildings,” noted Alan. “Karni Liddell, one of Australia’s most respected paralympic swimmers, gave the opening keynote speaker address and set a high standard right from the start,” said Alan.

Alan continued, “In addition, we had many international guest speakers and panellists including Christoph Kleiner (Liebherr), Klaus Meissner and Thorsten Helwes (Terex), Gilles Martin (Manitowoc), Alexander Knecht (Tadano), Bill Stramer (Link-Belt, SCRA Chairman), Grant Moffat (CANZ President), and Stuart Anderson (international speaker, consultant and author).”

“The Gala Awards Dinner was a great finale,” highlighted Alan, “The Lift of the Year Award winners were announced, being - Category A (over 130t): Universal Cranes and Category B (under 130t): Fullers Mobile Cranes. The CICA Bill Shaw Memorial Award for the Best Overall Lift was announced with Universal Cranes receiving the perpetual Cup. Importantly CICA awarded Life Membership to Jeff Brundell in recognition of his

many years in the industry, his 25 volunteer years on the CICA Board, a Past President, a past Con Popov Award winner and current CraneSafe Director. What wonderful service to CICA and our industry,” noted Alan.

“CICA now looks forward to the 2012 Conference, taking place 5-7 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre,” said Alan in closing.

For further Information on this Media Release contact:

Alan Marshall, Chief Executive Officer

The Crane Industry Council of Australia

Ph: (03) 9501 0078; Mob: 0418 822 926; Email: ceo@cica.com.au