The success of Hillhead Digital has not only opened up an additional new, interactive virtual event platform for organizers the QMJ Group going forward, but also demonstrated to both exhibitors and visitors that digital transformation offers greater resiliency and innovation in the face of COVID-19 challenges.
With manufacturers and suppliers keen but unable to showcase their products and services at physical exhibitions over the last 18 months, the virtual show offered a silver lining in the form of a dynamic new digital platform where the Hillhead community could reconnect, share and embrace all of the positive developments that will invigorate the construction recovery.
Among the many companies and organizations who took part in this year’s Hillhead Digital event were Doosan, Marubeni-Komatsu, Terex Finlay, Molson Group, Volvo Trucks, the Mineral Products Association, Powerscreen, Shell and Wirtgen, whilst a host of other exhibitors showcased their latest technology, including FMS (Force Measuring Systems), EvoQuip, Cummins, SBM Mineral Processing GmbH, EDGE Innovate and Weir Minerals, to name but a few (further details of just some of the new products showcased at the digital event can be found on pages 16,18 & 20).
With a vast number of delegates registered for the symposium, the multi-stream conference was an overwhelming success, thanks to a packed schedule of high-calibre speakers and live-streamed content, seminars and interactive panel sessions, not to mention opportunities to network with industry professionals and experts throughout the two days.
Former BBC presenter Susannah Streeter hosted seminar proceedings in the Decarbonization stream (on day one), with Martin Baxter, deputy chief executive officer and director of policy and external affairs at Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), opening ‘The Carbon Crisis’ session.
Other key speakers contributing to the climate change and low-carbon debate included: Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer; Marian Garfield, sustainability director at Hanson UK; Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK’s low-carbon offers manager; and Michael O’Neill, engineering director for Terex Minerals Processing.
Meanwhile, an Industry Spotlight stream on day one – moderated by leading technology broadcaster Zoe Kleinman – featured a further 15 highly engaging presentations that provided valuable insights into the key developments in digitalization, decarbonization and health and safety.
And continuing the theme of health and safety best practice, the Institute of Quarrying’s People focused stream looked at the challenges facing the aggregates industry in the post-COVID-19 recovery.
The industry’s commitment to ‘Creating Future Leaders: Building Skills for the Future’ could not come at a better time – as quarry operators and materials suppliers look to address the alarming skills shortages and develop a highly skilled, knowledgeable and competent workforce ready to meet those challenges in the post-pandemic era.
Health and safety leadership, workforce engagement, personal development and well-being were among the key topics of discussion during the IQ People stream, with keynote speaker Viv Russell, managing director of Longcliffe Group and chair of QNJAC (Quarries Joint National Advisory Committee), opening the morning session seminar proceedings.
Also joining the seminar sessions and lively facilitated debates were David D’Souza, director of membership at Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Ian Greenaway, chair of the HS2 Skills and Supply Chain Board, and HSE Quarries Inspector Catherine Pickett.
Innovation is key to delivering the UK’s current and future infrastructure challenges, and day two of the New Horizons | Building the Recovery conference proved to be just as engaging and highly thought-provoking as day one of the seminar proceedings, with no less than 50 high-calibre speakers contributing to the Digitalization and Infrastructure-focused streams.
Hosted by Zoe Kleinman, the Digitalization stream gave an insight into the digital and technological innovations (eg drone technology, IoT solutions, advanced telematics, automation etc) that are being trialled, adopted and used to optimize productivity, efficiency and safety, whilst delivering a low-cost, environmentally friendly operation.
Bringing together all of those who have a keen interest in a digital future and artificial intelligence, some of the industry experts who took part in the seminars and live panel debates included: Simon Briggs, director of Geodime; Dr Liam Bermingham, explosives engineer at EPC-UK; Theresa Farell, AI business development manager for SKF UK; and guest speaker representatives from SITECH, CDE Global, Terex Finlay, Molson Group and Siemens.
The Infrastructure stream – moderated by Susannah Streeter – featured contributions from leading experts within the wider construction and civil engineering sector on the vital role mineral products will play in helping deliver the major infrastructure and building projects, which are crucial to supporting the UK’s economy recovery and long-term development.
The massive scale of projects currently under way, including HS2, and schemes in the pipeline as part of the Build Back Better agenda, means there are unprecedented challenges and opportunities ahead for the UK construction supply chain.
Many of the high-profile speakers who took part in the Infrastructure stream emphasized the importance of delivering an improving, sustainable and greener construction industry that is not only fully fit for purpose but also for the future.
Among them were: Andy Brown, head of construction planning and logistics at HS2 Ltd; Michael Ambrose, technical lead, centre of excellence at Highways England; Mark Flint, head of technical at FM Conway; Richard Kershaw, technical manager of materials for CEMEX; and a Tarmac team that included Rob Gossling, head of commercial engineering, Chris Swan, head of rail, and Robert Lane, HS2 general manager.
For anyone who missed the event or who wants to revisit the proceedings, the 70+ presentations and panel discussions from the New Horizons | Building the Recovery conference are now available on demand and free to view until the end of May 2021 on the Hillhead Digital platform.
Visitors to the platform will also be able to visit the 350 virtual exhibitor booths; watch promotional videos; download company brochures, product specifications and case studies; and make enquiries through the messaging facility at each booth. The networking tool will also remain active on the platform.
Commenting on the event, Hillhead Digital event director Richard Bradbury said: ‘Thank you to everyone who attended the first Hillhead Digital live event. We look forward to continuing to build the Hillhead Digital community and welcome your feedback for future conference themes.’
The next ‘live’ Hillhead show will take place at Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, from 21–23 June 2022. For more information visit: www.hillhead.com