ExpoCam 2005 coming in October

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MONTREAL, Que. – ExpoCam 2005 organizers are gambling that donating space to Quebec’s truck technician training schools will make this year’s event even more successful than the last, says Michel Bergeron, chairman of the organizing committee and vice-president of sales for Cummins Eastern Canada SEC.

The organizing committee recently announced its commitment to foster jobs and the next generation of heavy vehicle mechanics and technicians at this year’s event, through an agreement reached with officials of the cole des mtiers de l’quipement motoris de Montral of the Commission scolaire de Montral and the Centre de formation professionnelle Paul-Grin Lajoie of the Commission scolaire des Trois Lacs, who will be contributing logistical and educational resources to the show.

The schools will be setting up just outside the entrance to the show, allowing visitors to stop by free of charge.

“We want the general public to be able to access this part of the show, and then determine if they want to visit the rest,” says Bergeron. “That way, parents can bring their children, to introduce them to the idea of making a career as a technician, then decide if little Jimmy can visit the big trucks afterwards.”

Bergeron says the future of the trucking industry will depend on whether the industry is able to recruit enough mechanics and technicians for the future.

“Drivers aren’t the only industry workers who are in short supply,” he says.

For three days, freshmen, sophomore and specialized graduating students will occupy 2,500 square feet to perform demonstrations on training modules and answer questions, supported by their teachers and other school officials.

“With the shortage of mechanics and technicians in the trucking industry being as severe as it is, company leaders, professional training centres and students are sure to be pleased with this year’s event. We’ve received tremendous support from the Organizing Committee and professional training centre officials. The agreement we reached will enable motor freight companies to make direct contact with future mechanics and technicians,” says Bergeron, adding these schools currently have a post graduate employment rate of 100 per cent.

Owned by dmg world media and endorsed by the Association du Camionnage du Qubec, the 11th edition of ExpoCam has already sold out and is currently expanding its floor space to accommodate even more exhibitors, Bergeron says.

“We sold out 95,000 square feet, four months before the event, so we’ve had to expand to 105,000.”

Highlights of the show will also include several new product launches by manufacturers, says Bergeron.

“But they’re being pretty secretive about what their plans are right now,” he adds.

“Chances are you’ll definitely be seeing the new ’07 trucks there.”

As for other highlights, Bergeron promises this year’s kick off “cinq–sept” (Montreal’s version of cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m.) on Thursday night will prove even more spectacular than the one held in 2003.

“In 2003 we had sponsors entering the kick-off event on Harley Davidson’s and it really made an impression,” he said.

“But this year will be even better.”

Montreal’s culture and nightlife has always been a bonus attraction for delegates, he says.

“It’s true that people know how to have fun in Montreal and that has definitely helped to increase the popularity of this show.”

Language differences aside, the show is aimed at a national audience Bergeron says, and there will be no problem accommodating those visitors who don’t speak French.

“Every booth will have people who speak English and people who speak French,” he says. “And that’s the way it’s always been. That’s why ExpoCam has always been a national show.”

Tickets for the event are available online at www.expo-cam.com for $10 (not including taxes) or $15 at the door. Booking online can also get you a discount on airfare and train tickets, just give the delegate code you receive when purchasing tickets to the ticket sales agent when making travel arrangements.

Book soon, because this year’s event promises to be even bigger than the last, according to Bergeron.

” We got about 10,200 visitors in 2003, but this year we’re expecting about 12,000,” he says.

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