Latest tech to promote Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region at QME

Mackay Regional Council is pleased to again partner with local and state government stakeholders and industry bodies to highlight the latest in technological innovations at QME from July 23 to 25.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said virtual reality and AI technology would feature at this year’s METS Innovation Lounge.

“A feature at the stand this year will be the 360-degree 3D video, which will promote the Mackay region based on council’s Discover Mackay website, with the themes of Live, Work, Invest and Explore,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Attendees can view the video through VR headsets,” he said.

“For the first time, the Innovation Lounge will also feature an AI phone agent, which is an expert on our region.

“The AI phone agent, called Maddy, will answer questions about the region, provide information about current and future industries and even tell you where to get a cup of coffee.

“The AI phone agent, developed by local company A-Tech Industries, will demonstrate the type of technology that is available to assist small businesses in their day-to-day operations.”

Mayor Williamson said QME 2024 is on track to be the largest QME in more than a decade.

“Council is committed to supporting Prime Creative Media, who recently acquired QME, to showcase Mackay’s METS sector to a national and international audience,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We look forward to working with Prime Creative Media to deliver QME in Mackay in future years,” he said.

“The METS and mining sector is a huge contributor to our local economy, and we want to continue to shine a light on our region as the hub of mining and METS in Queensland.

“QME is a signature event on Mackay’s calendar and one that council is proud to support.”

Greater Whitsunday METS Innovation Lounge partners are Whitsunday and Isaac Regional councils, Resource Industry Network, Resources Centre of Excellence, Greater Whitsunday Alliance, Department of State Development and Infrastructure, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and Trade and Investment Queensland.

Visitors to the stand can also meet some of our region’s outstanding METS businesses, including MyneSight, Gricon Industries, CQG Consulting, iCutter Industries, D&T Hydraulics, Stemsafe and JCW Drafting.

The Greater Whitsunday METS Innovation Lounge can be found at stand A616 at QME at the Mackay Showgrounds.

Drop by for a coffee and a chat or visit the stand for Cocktail Hour, with cocktails from the award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed.