iSPEC24 Recap
Cuthbert Stewart delivered its 5th annual Innovative System Partner Educational Conference (or iSPEC) to over 200 industry participants at Auckland’s Ellerslie Convention Centre in August.
With a growing number of attendees and a comprehensive programme of educational sessions and guest speakers, this year’s event was split into two focus streams: General Electrical and Industrial.
Attendees were able to build their own schedule and spend down-time enjoying innovations and cutting-edge product showcases on the exhibition floor and networking with the wide variety of guests from all sectors of New Zealand industry.
The general electrical sessions kicked off with Getting started in automation, presented by Siemens’ Adrian Tschann, Weidmueller’s Michael Garnham and our very own Sam Siddawi. Nexans’ Simon Waldren then presented how modular wiring can reduce project costs and minimise waste, before Belden’s Tony Hawes added to this with the key Do’s and Don’ts with Structured Cabling insights.
Meanwhile, our industrial focus sessions began in the Pakuranga-Hunt Hall with demonstrations of Siemens SISTAR process control systems and SIMATIC WinCC delivered by Siemens experts Shalveen Sharma and Justin Farrel respectively.
Water New Zealand’s regional director, David Hogg, then delivered the first keynote of the day; What now with three waters? This excellently received presentation explored changes in government policy and how they will affect the water services industry and infrastructure throughout the country.
Our next keynote was delivered by CSL independent director and ex-CEO of Siemens New Zealand, Paul Ravlich. Titled The business opportunity in sustainability, the iSPEC audience was treated to expert insight into energy price rises, achieving ambitious net zero targets, skills shortages and how New Zealand can face these challenges and remain competitive on the global stage.
The exhibition and demonstration floor remained well attended throughout the day with virtual reality, digitalisation and alternative power distribution solutions capturing the interest of many.
Alongside presentation stands from each of our global brands, this year saw the emergence of CSL’s system integrator and technology partners creating their own exhibitions and bringing along examples of engineering and electrical expertise, adding a fresh new dimension to what iSPEC has to offer everyone associated with the industry.
After a delicious catered lunch and a chance to explore the beautiful sunny setting of Ellerslie Racecourse, the afternoon sessions began. Industrial topics presented included Smart energy management solutions from Siemens’ Milan Bawa and Leveraging AI and smart tools in industry by Siemens’ Richard Ella.
The electrical sessions continued with Power Assemblies’ Frank Hagan exploring modular and adaptable switch boards, Introducing efficiency into design manufacturing and assembly through digitalisation by Rittal’s Michael Mallia and a Fluke testing masterclass delivered by Fluke’s John Pepperides.
We would like to thank all our presenters for adding such valuable and insightful knowledge and expertise to iSPEC24. The rich content and capable delivery really added value for all who attended and raised the bar for future years.
Networking, drinks and another opportunity to explore the exhibition floor followed until the end of the day before attendees donned their glad rags for the annual Industry Networking Gala Dinner and presentation of the iSPEC Awards.
We are proud to recognise the following partners and customers for showing excellence in engineering and innovation:
This year’s iSPEC continues CSL’s track record of running engaging events with valuable content. Feedback from everyone who attended iSPEC24 has been overwhelmingly positive with many requests for further information on the topics.
Many thanks to all our guests and in particular the CSL team members who put so much work into raising the bar and continuing to make each iteration of iSPEC a complete success.