BTS23 attendance record smashed

The doors have closed on the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show following a record turnout from the heavy vehicle and road freight industries and our friends and family from the length and breadth of Australia and further afield.

The Brisbane Truck Show has been produced by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia since its inception in 1968, and the 2023 show has eclipsed all records for attendance.

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said all sectors of the industry had turned out in droves.

“This is the first time we have had over 40,000 people through the doors over the four days of the event,” Mr Hacking said.

“The show is about the industry connecting, and this week has seen that happening at its very best.

“Our members make up the vast majority of exhibitors, and while the original intent was simply to connect them with their customers, it has become much more than that.

“There are so many events that run alongside the truck show now, that make it a compelling opportunity for everyone to get together in Brisbane.

“The South Bank Truck Festival, the Heritage Truck Show, the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show, and numerous other conferences, meetings and events have taken place alongside the show this year.

Mr Hacking paid tribute to Brisbane Truck Show exhibitors for their efforts and investment to showcase themselves.

“The reason it is a world-class show is that our world-class exhibitors present themselves in a world-class way – creating spectacular displays of the latest innovations and solutions for road transport operators to do their jobs safely, productively and profitably,” he said.

Mr Hacking said 2023 would be remembered for its landmarks in the industry’s sustainability journey.

“The industry has again shown its leadership – well ahead of regulation and standards,” Mr Hacking added.

“There is no going back now; this week, Government at all levels have witnessed the compelling case for action to remove all obstacles to these vehicles operating across Australia.”

Mr Hacking also acknowledged the support from key stakeholders in the event.

“I want to thank our members and the HVIA Board of Directors for their confidence in us to deliver this event for them.

“It is a massive undertaking, and we are obviously delighted to see it supported in such a big way.

“That brings me to our team; we have a very small but talented team that punch way above their weight.

“Their passion and dedication to constantly improve the event deserves recognition.

“We are already talking about opportunities to grow and improve in 2025, and we will consult with all stakeholders as part of our review process and strategic planning for 2025.”

Mr Hacking said key partners were crucial to the event’s sustainability and ongoing development.

“This year the Brisbane Truck Show has benefited from commercial support from more significant partners than ever before, and every one of them deserves a shoutout, however right now I will just name National Transport Insurance, whose long-term commitment to the show, to HVIA and to the broader industry is so extraordinary.

“A few years ago, we created Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week to capture all the events taking place alongside the show.

“The Queensland Government, particularly through the Premier’s Office and Tourism and Events Queensland have been our major partner in that initiative for the last three shows. Brisbane Economic Development Agency is also key to opening doors and breaking down barriers.

“We thank them for their support that is key to us taking on some of our greatest ambitions to secure this invaluable industry event.”

Mr Hacking said those ambitions are captured by the six themes of the week: safety, innovation, sustainability, knowledge, careers and community.

“We have partnered with Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds this year, and we hope that has been successful in supporting its mission to shine a light on mental health and well-being,” he said. 

“That initiative is about supporting the people who are the heart and soul of this industry, and it is those people I want to thank the most.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the show and surrounding events this year. We look forward to staying connected with you and seeing you all again in 2025.”