MINExpo 2012 – The Show

MINExpo, the National Mining Association’s (NMA) equipment show and conference, is similar to the Olympics Games in that it is held every four years and, like the recent Summer Olympic Games held in London, England, it also attracts “the best” from around the world.

But unlike the Olympics, MINExpo gives viewers a chance to get personally acquainted with the performers in that they can actually kick the tires, so to speak, and get a close-up look at what makes the machines outstanding and world leaders in the field.

By early accounts, next month’s show in Las Vegas will break all prior records for size and number of exhibitors and promises to, once again, prove its worth as the world’s largest mining equipment show.

MINExpo 2012, which will be held Sept. 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, already has amassed staggering statistics with an expected 850,000 square feet of exhibit space booked.

Joy Global Inc. President and CEO Michael Sutherlin is the chair of MINExpo 2012, and Michael McLanahan, chairman and CEO of McLanahan Corporation, and Robert Evans, chairman/president of Norwest Corporation, will co-chair the education sessions on Sept. 25 and 26.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect at the show:

More exhibit space:

In fact, the show is about 42 per cent larger than the 2008 exhibition, which broke records. Exhibitors will occupy 11 halls and outdoor space at the Convention Centre and, for the first time, the show will extend to the South Halls, where full registration, meeting rooms and shuttle service will be available.

More exhibitors:

More than 1,700 exhibitors from Canada, the U.S., and 30 countries are expected—a 39 per cent increase over the show in 2008. Canadian Mining Journal will be exhibiting for the first time this year so please stop and say “hi” to Publisher Robert Seagraves and Editor Russ Noble at Booth 4646. In addition to CMJ, there’s something for everyone at MINExpo from excavating, materials handling and haulage, processing and preparation, drilling and safety equipment — to computer technologies, replacement parts and engineering, construction, mining and reclamation services — all in one place.

More attendees:

NMA expects more than the 38,000-plus who came to the 2008 show.

And, there’s more.

Matchmaker Program

A Matchmaker program will help attendees maximize their time at the show. As part of the registration process, attendees can indicate the products that interest them, and before the show a list of exhibitors that match those interests will be emailed. So, register early to plan ahead.

On-Line Exhibitor Directory

Any day now, an online exhibitor directory will be posted on the MINExpo website. It will contain basic information on each exhibitor along with a list of products and a paragraph describing the company’s goods and services. The online directory will be searchable by exhibitor name, products and a word search and it will be available online for a year after the show closes.

MINExpo App

The show will also have an application for mobile devices. Along with information on exhibitors, technical sessions and general information, the app will have a way of finding features to help attendees get from one exhibitor to another…even in different halls. Check the MINExpo website for information on how to download the app.

International Participation

International interest and participation is very strong. Pavilions from Canada, Australia, Chile, China and Germany are already scheduled. MINExpo has been accepted into the International Buyer Program, and delegations led by U.S. personnel are being formed. Information on joining delegations from Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Sweden, and Ukraine is available at www.minexpo.org. Check often, as the site is updated as new delegations are being formed.

The International Business Centre, an escalator ride above the main entrance to the show, will provide translators, private meeting rooms, a lounge area and a complimentary copy of MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2012 Export Assistance Directory. The U.S. Department of Commerce will also have trade experts on hand to answer trade-related questions and to assist with exhibitor contacts.

Awards & Recognition Luncheons

NMA will recognize the 2011 recipients of the coveted Sentinels of Safety Awards at a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 25 at the Convention Centre. The Sentinels of Safety Awards are presented to mining operations with outstanding safety records. This year’s award will be presented to operations in 10 mining categories, for both small and large operations.

NMA will host a second luncheon on Wed., Sept. 26, at 12:30 p.m., at which the U.S. Department of the Interior will honour mining operations that have achieved exemplary mine land reclamation and have employed effective principles of sustainable development. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement will present the awards for coal mining operations, and the Bureau of Land Management will recognize minerals mining operations.

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