The 22nd Machines Conference brought together electrical engineers, site supervisors, plant managers, and technicians, offering the best of both established and emerging perspectives for testing, monitoring and maintenance of plants and machines.

Refocus on the practical

This year's event was our second to be held within Australian Energy Week (AEW), Australia's premier power and energy conference.

Machines Conference Chair and machinemonitor Director, Jon Pemberton said:

“Whilst AEW focuses on high level energy policy and tech economic issues surrounding the new world of energy, Machines Conference focuses on the performance and reliability of critical electrical and associated equipment.
Machines is unashamedly a technical conference!

Machines delegates represented industries including utilities, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power generation of course. Both renewable and traditional needing powerful generators, motors, transformers, cables, and switchgear.

Taking our program cues from delegate feedback, Machines2024 strongly focused on practical solutions for working with machines in the field. This year's sessions concentrated on reliability, sustainability, and longevity, addressing the need for extending the life of high-voltage machines, especially as many plants operate beyond their intended lifespan.

The maintenance versus replacement debate remained a hot topic, supported by international speakers from E/One and IRIS Power. They discussed the value of monitoring equipment to maintain plant reliability. Nearly 100 specialist delegates attended, and AEW delegates frequently joined them, appreciating the practical approach to similar challenges discussed at AEW.

New approaches and loved traditions lead to deeper insights and deeper connections.

New to the program this year were an afternoon of Round Table Sessions where delegates joined small groups and collaborated to find solutions, fostering robust discussions.

Additionally, expert panel discussions also spiced up both days, featuring candid debates on testing, monitoring, and maintenance in a rapidly changing environment.

Returning in 2024 (and for future Machines Conferences) was the much-anticipated Machines Conference Dinner. The dinner brought back all the ‘faves’ including a highly competitive Trivia Competition, Luau theme, and a truly rousing performance by Elvis impersonator, Rohan Hammitt. The Viva Las Vegas conga line dance had to be seen to be believed!

A new (and continuing) tradition was the Leatherman competition, open to both Machines and AEW attendees.

Growing together

Overall, the Machines Conference 2024 has found the right balance of old and new, characterised by collaboration, insightful sessions, and networking opportunities.

Despite the chilly Melbourne temperatures, the atmosphere remained warm, open, and informative throughout both days.

Preparations are already underway for the 2025 conference in Melbourne, promising even more insightful sessions and networking opportunities. Stay tuned for the call for briefs and join us for another enriching experience next year.