Carpentry Expo provided important connections and epic products for carpenters in its first year.
Co-hosted by Carpentry Australia and Prime Creative Media; Carpentry Expo blended innovative ideas, awesome powertools and a bit of fun at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event kicked off with students from Melbourne Polytechnic, Swinburne University of Technology and Holmesglen participating in a ‘build-a-bridge’ competition, televised by Channel NINE’s Today and joined by The Block 2024 contestants Ricky and Haydn.
“The exposure that we’ve been able to build for the industry has been really notable, and connecting the trade schools through the challenge has been a win,” Carpentry Australia Head of Development Nathan Quinn said.
“Giving them exposure not only helps them at a school level, but also parents who maybe watch the TV show that can then be passed on to start conversations, which was one of the goals of the show.
“One of the bonuses has been the collaboration between exhibitors to support each other and find opportunities. I heard that numerous times.”
The expo had its fair share of footy fever with footy royalty — former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy and former Richmond defender Alex Rance making appearances.
Tools of the trade
Many tool brands such as ITW displayed their latest products including the Ramset’s TrakFast 65 and NEW Buildex Bugle Batten Screws.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
The TrakFast 65 is Ramset’s most powerful gas-powered cordless tool, delivering an awesome 105J of impact power in every shot.
The new batten screws include a ClimaShield® Class 4 coating, which keeps them protected from the harsh and varied Aussie outdoors.
“We’ve been showcasing our new beautiful batten screws,” ITW’s Laura Branson said.
“It’s our new high performer. It has the Dual Type 17 Tip with the hex head recess, which is much more firm for the tradies.
“We’ve got a clearing thread too, so it’s a much quicker, and it’s been real popular out there in the market.”
Tech solutions aplenty
Tradie software solutions platform NextMinute had things covered on the tech side of things.
CEO Alex Jenks was on-hand to showcase NexMinute’s new mobile app features.
“[it’s] making it really simple and easy for tradies to carry around their whole digital toolkit right in their pocket,” he said.
“It also helps in connecting their crew — that’s a big thing for us.
“We’re looking at Bunnings integrations and checklist features we’re specifically looking at for the Aussie tradie.
“What we really wanna have now is an app that’s so simple, the training’s really easy that tradies can just pick it up — they’ve got it and it’s done.”
Stage is set
On the expo’s groovy and unique stage, industry experts discussed everything from mental health, training and skills gaps to digital tools for chippies.
Nathan said being able to watch the expo come together in a meaningful way was awesome to see.
“It was great having Sheedy come along in the morning of opening day,” he said.
“We’ve achieved our goal, absolutely, of not only promoting the trade to the general public, but also showcasing the training and the support for carpenters in the industry and what the future looks like.
“What we’ve heard and the feedback, everyone’s really excited.
“It’s been remarkable because everything’s focused on the builder and the bigger companies, but it’s great to be able to provide a support expo for some of the smaller businesses and the ones who need the most support but haven’t had it before.”
