MINEXPO 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

By: Scott Bahr

Like many events this year, the 2021 MINExpo event was unlike others before it. The event had to tackle the task of providing a platform for expanded business opportunities for attendees while also still taking into account the health and safety of all participants amid a global pandemic. This is no small feat.

Unsurprisingly, what has in past years typically been one of the world’s largest gatherings for introducing mining technology and innovation was hampered by the inability of many of the usual attendees to take part in person. Despite this reduced turnout, participants who navigated the challenges and arrived in Las Vegas were welcomed by the show they had planned for. The event’s quality was the caliber they have grown accustomed to.

MINERS SEEKING SOLUTIONS

Miners come to MINExpo from far and wide for one main reason. They are seeking solutions for improving productivity, safety, and sustainability. This year’s main focal points specifically surrounded the subjects of mining automation, electrification, and digital transformation—all of which were discussed at length by some of the top experts in the industry.

BIT SERVICE AT MINEXPO

This year, due to corporate travel restrictions, our own Bit Service personnel were unable to make the trip to attend the show in person. We were, however, fortunate enough to maintain some level of exposure and a semblance of presence with our display booth still being active. This was made possible by the generous assistance of Ryan Niemela, Director of Manufacturing & Technology with the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP).

Ryan was able to safely travel to and attend the show, and once there, coordinated with us to keep our presence active and relevant for the delegates who stopped in to request further information and follow up. This creative teamwork highlights the importance of valuable industry associations like STEP, who are there to assist their member organizations, thus ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed in accessing new markets.

For our benefit, there is value from having a visual presence in an event like this—even when we are unable to attend in person. This allows us to retain visual presence for industry partners, enables both current and potential clients to continue the conversation, and continues (without interruption) our connection to the industry even during challenging global conditions.

Of course, we would have greatly preferred to have attended the event in person ourselves. However, when times like these do not permit, we are grateful for the ability to make the best of the circumstances and maintain the ability to push forward in creative and collaborative ways. From day one of the event, we have been able to follow up with interested delegates and extend conversations with mining insiders through the shared experience of a trade show held in a unique and groundbreaking method.'

At Bit Service, we are thankful for the connections made during our remote attendance of this show, and we eagerly await our next opportunity for such an event. We are fully intending to attend and actively participate in person. After all, we know that the power of networking should never be underestimated!