Organiser Marie Kinsella of Australian Exhibitions & Conferences has announced the three will again be held concurrently in 2009 from 31 March to 2 April.

"It makes sense to run the Australian Carbon Trading Expo alongside Safety In Action and Melbourne Materials Handling because so many visitors are OHS & E professionals or managers," Ms Kinsella said.

"What surprised us – and our exhibitors – was the intensity of their interest in everything the Australian Carbon Trading Expo had to offer. Visitors seemed so keen for information. In fact, we had to increase the size of the seminar room at the last minute in order to accommodate the 765 people who heard from our speakers. Many registered for more than one seminar, each of which ran for up to an hour, so they were happy to invest quite a bit of time to find out just what the new carbon constrained economy will mean.

"There were also synergies between the exhibitors. For example, logistics providers and forklift suppliers were keen to partner with organisations that could provide carbon offsets or reduce emissions."

The relatively new Melbourne Materials Handling also cemented its position on industry calendars, doubling in size this year to total 67 exhibitors. Among them was pallet giant, CHEP.

"I found the Melbourne Materials Handling show an avenue to meet with both existing and potential customers and show them what new innovations CHEP had to offer," said CHEP's David Williamson.

"Having the ability to display equipment and give live demonstrations provides a unique selling environment that cannot be achieved when meeting in the office or boardroom.

"The event draws interest across a vast range of industries allowing CHEP to communicate a message to a broad audience making it a cost-effective marketing activity."

Ms Kinsella said that despite sharing much in common, the three trade shows would continue to operate as separate events.

"One of the strengths of Safety In Action, for example, is its specialisation," Ms Kinsella said. "Visitors know that they're going to meet a really good spread of safety specialists delivering just what they need – not just a maze of generalist manufacturing offerings – and they'll be able to find them easily."

One of those specialist exhibitors was Ben Marchant of business certification and auditing firm, NCS International.

"NCS International exhibits at the Safety In Action shows as we find it a good opportunity to highlight our services to our target market, and provide information to interested clientele," he said.

"Though we appeal to only a very small segment of delegates attending the exhibition, the quality of our leads is excellent."

In contrast, workplace health services provider, Health@Work, appeals to a much broader cross-section of Australian businesses.

"This year was the first time we showcased our Health @ Work services at the Safety in Action trade show and we were delighted with the outcome," said Health@Work's Nicolette Spicer.

"We were run off our feet for the three days with many and varied questions regarding health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. Lots of business has been generated, so we are delighted with the outcome."

WorkSafe Victoria was Principal Sponsor of both the Safety In Action trade show and the Safety In Action Conference. Hosted by the Safety Institute of Australia (Victoria Division), the Conference was attended by almost 1000 delegates.

Safety In Action, Melbourne Materials Handling and the Australian Carbon Trading Expo will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 31 March to 2 April in 2009. In the meantime, the inaugural WA Safety Show and Conference will be held in Perth from August 12 to 14 and The Safety Show, Sydney, will run from October 28 to 30 at Sydney Showground.

For more information, visit www.aec.net.au, email safety@aec.net.au or phone Australian Exhibitions & Conferences on 03 9654 7773.