The 2006 Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) held from July 26-28 in Mackay in North Queensland, attracted a record 470 exhibitors with visitor numbers exceeding expectations.

According to Reed Exhibitions industrial director John Gorton more than 10,000 visitors attended the expo, a 2000-strong increase on 2004.

He said exhibitors reported strong leads and valuable contacts throughout the three days.

"We had a constant flow of visitors, from the opening morning, right up until the final hour," he said.

"Exhibitors were delighted with the quality of visitors, with many reporting sales, orders and very strong leads from their three days at QME. They were particularly enthusiastic about the large number of decision-makers in attendance.

"In addition to attracting large numbers from the central Queensland region, we had visitors from interstate, as well as a significant number of international delegates organised through Austrade.

"These included senior buyers from China, South America and India," John Gorton said.

In October the first Reed-managed Goldfields Mining Expo will be held in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, while September 2007 will be the date for Reed's international mining event, AIMEX - Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition.

"Together with QME and Mining & Energy (M&E) in the Hunter Valley, NSW, these exhibitions form a 'structured calendar' of mining industry exhibitions across Australia delivering valuable business and networking opportunities for suppliers and buyers," John Gorton said.

For more information contact Reed Exhibitions, Soren Norgaard, ph +61 2 9422 2563 or email soren.norgaard@reedexhibitions.com.au or visit  www.qme.reedexhibitions.com.au