Engineering elite to converge on Melbourne for Convention 2014

Nov 10, 2014

The future of Australia’s manufacturing sector, climate change and the role of nuclear energy are just some of the big issues to be debated when thousands of engineers of all disciplines descend on Melbourne for Convention 2014 – the largest engineering event ever held in the Southern Hemisphere.

Organised by peak professional body, Engineers Australia, Convention 2014 (Nov 24 – 28) has attracted the superstars of the engineering and science world.

Keynote speakers include retired NASA Astronauts, Colonel Chris Hadfield and Dr Andrew Thomas, International Space Station Operator and Operations Engineer, Andrea Boyd and Siemens Ambassador, Cadel Evans.

Engineers Australia CEO Stephen Durkin said the line-up of speakers at Convention 2014 is the equivalent of the ultimate TEDx for engineers.

“Delegates attending Convention 2014 will hear from the world’s leading thinkers in science, technology, engineering and math. People who are at the top of their profession, inspiring and challenging the way we live, work and interact,” Mr Durkin said.

Expected to draw around 4,000 delegates, Convention 2014 is made up of six conferences covering defence, applied mechanics, climate change, complex projects, telecommunications and leadership.

The event will deliver a range of technical conferences and seminars, more than a dozen workshops, symposiums and forums and site tours.

Mr Durkin said the five-day program would tackle key issues and topics impacting engineers including energy generation, transport and infrastructure, innovation and sustainability.

“Convention 2014 will be the most comprehensive event ever held for Australian engineers and it’s the first time that all disciplines of engineering will come together under the one roof.”

Keynote speakers at the leadership conference include former Prime Minister, The Hon. John Howard OM, AC, SSI and The Hon. Tim Fischer AC discussing how the past has engineered our future. Former journalist and 2013 Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose, will moderate the session.

“Engineering has such a wide impact on society and that is reflected in the range of speakers at the event. The program includes keynote addresses from astronauts, politicians, humanitarians, scientists and leading engineers from Google, Siemens and BAE Systems.”

Recently retired Tour de France winner and Siemens ambassador Cadel Evans will be one of the keynote speakers at Convention 2014

The 2011 Tour de France winner will be joined onstage by Siemens Australia CEO Jeff Connolly, discussing everything from his recent retirement to innovation in cycling.

“As an athlete I know I can play an important role in creating awareness around important issues like the environment and sustainability. That’s why I became an ambassador for Siemens.

“I’m excited at joining a convention of the country’s brightest minds to highlight how people and technology can come together to help create that sustainable future,” Evans said.

Engineers Australia CEO Stephen Durkin said Cadel’s attendance highlights that Convention 2014 is more than just an engineering event – it’s an opportunity to hear from some of the world’s most respected thought leaders on leadership and innovation.

“Convention 2014 is shaping up as the engineering event of the year and we are incredibly excited to have Cadel share insights from his own career and how science and engineering have influenced his sporting life,” Mr Durkin said.

“Engineering has such a wide impact throughout society and that is reflected in the range of speakers at Convention 2014,” he said.

 

Convention 2014 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, November 24 – 28. To register, please visit the website (link to: http://www.convention2014.org.au/about-convention/registration-details)

 

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