They came, they saw, they conquered

They came, they presented, they exhibited, they networked and they dined. They said they were "impressed", "delighted", they said it was worthwhile and then they asked where the 2008 event will be.

The event was the inaugural RadioComms Connect 2007 conference, organised by Radio Comms Asia-Pacific magazine through Westwick-Farrow, and supported by the Australian Radio Communications Industry Association (ARCIA) and other sponsors. It was the event that almost took Melbourne by storm but certainly had two-way radio people asking and looking for more.

This one-day event, held upstairs in Jeff's Shed, was a two-stream series of seminars with some 20 exhibitors in close support. The exhibition area buzzed with conversation, demonstrations and mobile phone calls to get more information.

'Who said two-way was dead' became almost the catch cry of the day as some of the latest digital equipment was shown off.

The event was well supported by the sponsors and exhibitors from across the industry, setting a new benchmark for all future radio communications events.

The range of 'on target' speakers and professional networking opportunities were noticeably appreciated by the activity from the delegates.

For those who were unable to attend, it was a missed opportunity to experience first hand the new energy moving through the radio communications industry. New ideas, applications, suppliers and products were revealed, showing the focus on tomorrow and how radio can best meet the needs of professional users.

The day kicked off with an opening address from Pacific Wireless Communication's David Cox in his capacity of ARCIA public secretary (see the story 'Good times ahead for two-way' in this issue). Cox set the mood for the great array of speakers that followed, who all took up the theme of the renewed excitement in the industry's future and the challenges to capitalise on the burgeoning business opportunities that are ahead.

The pressing need for new talent obviously hit a chord with many during the final panel discussion.