The 2022 International Maritime Exposition Indo Pacific event, held in Sydney from 10-12 May, delivered a record turnout in its 20-year history.

With more than 25,000 visitors attending across the three days and 736 participating exhibitor companies, the event provided unheralded opportunities for engagement across the maritime sector.

Exhibitor numbers represented a 12 per cent increase from 2019, making it the largest number of participating companies in the history of events by organisers AMDA Foundation.

The event saw 115 official defence, industry, academic and government delegations with more than 40 nations represented, including 39 Chief of Navy Counterparts or their representative from around the world.

South Australia’s industry representation was also record breaking – up 10 per cent from 2019 – boasting more than 50 exhibitors, including a strong presence from the research and education sector. Check out the full list of local companies who attended Indo Pacific here.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said SA companies were particularly keen to demonstrate their capabilities regarding the nuclear submarine program.

“There was a real buzz at the event, being the first face-to-face opportunity for international engagement in quite a while post-Covid,” said Richard.

“Our industry was able to connect with world-class defence suppliers in the global supply chain for major defence and maritime projects.”

Highlights from the event included Adelaide-based engineering companies Century Engineering and MG Engineering being announced as selected by BAE Systems Australia’s ‘supplier panel’ to help digitise its supply chain for the Hunter-class frigates program and Eptec Group securing a $66 million contract to carry out painting services for the Collins class full cycle docking program, with 100 workers to undertake the work at Osborne Naval Shipyard.

Justin Giddings, CEO of Indo Pacific 2022 organiser AMDA Foundation, said that with the 2021 event being delayed due to Covid, the next event will return earlier than usual.

“Set for 7-9 November next year, Indo Pacific 2023 will return the event to its traditional schedule, and although that is only 18 months away, we hope that everyone will be back next year for an equally successful event,” said Justin.