The countdown is on for the 63rd National IQA Conference (IQA2021) in Newcastle from 29 to 31 March, 2022.
The conference is set to provide a welcome opportunity for members of the extractive and associated industries to re-connect through an innovative and engaging program.
Supporting the IQA’s vision of educating and connecting the extractive and associated industries, the conference theme – Re-Think, Re-Source, Re-Engage – is designed to incorporate the significant learnings the industry can take from successfully operating during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the growth opportunities that lie ahead as economic recovery strategies are implemented.
Through an engaging and informative program, delegates will hear from a range of insightful speakers and industry practitioners and explore the key changes that impact the extractive and associated industries.
WELCOME TO NEWCASTLE
Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Region and only two hours’ drive north of Sydney, Newcastle boasts cosmopolitan cafes, award-winning restaurants, harbourside bars, a vibrant arts scene and boutique shopping precincts. With direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney and regional areas, Newcastle is an easily accessible destination for IQA2022.
As Australia’s second oldest city, Newcastle offers modern and contemporary venues, together with iconic and historically significant function spaces which delegates will have the opportunity to experience at IQA2022.
Accommodation has been secured at four hotels within walking distance of the conference venue. Rooms are selling quickly so book soon to avoid disappointment.
IQA2022 will be held at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX), a state of the art conference facility located in the Newcastle CBD.
IQA2022 plenary sessions, the inaugural Position Partners Conference Theatre, and more than 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment and services available to the extractive and associated industries, will all be positioned on the one level at NEX, within an open, modern space. An outdoor display in the adjacent Hangar at NEX will complement the exhibition.
CONFERENCE PLENARY PROGRAM
IQA2022 is shaping up to be one of the best events yet. The Organising Committee have devised a fantastic conference plenary program which will showcase the host city of Newcastle and provide opportunities for education and networking.
See below for an outline of the keynote speakers and presenters.
SOCIAL PROGRAM
Three social functions will be incorporated into the IQA2022 Conference Program. The program commences with the Hitachi Welcome Reception on Tuesday, 29 April at Newcastle Museum, followed by the Komatsu Conference Dinner on Wednesday, 30 March at Newcastle Racecourse and the Caterpillar Gala Dinner on Thursday, 31 March in The Arena at NEX.
All three events will provide fantastic opportunities for networking with industry colleagues.
Additional tickets for social functions are available to purchase. Visit the conference website below for further details.
SITE TOURS
Two site tours will be held in conjunction with IQA2022. The first incorporates a tour of Australia’s largest coal export port, the Port of Newcastle, followed by a visit to Port Waratah Coal Services and the Mines Rescue Station.
The second, an initiative designed specifically for younger employees within the extractive and associated industries, includes a private tour of the Orica Kooragang Island site.
Both tour options have been popular to date and limited numbers apply, so make sure you register soon to secure your place on one of these tours.
REGISTRATION
Early bird registration has now closed but it’s not too late to secure your place at IQA2022. For further information or to register, visit iqa.eventsair.com/conference/
We look forward to joining you in Newcastle.
This article appears in the August edition of Quarry Magazine.