MainTrain 2023: The Premier Asset Management Event Gathers the Global Asset Management Community
Mississauga, 22 September 2023 - The MainTrain 2023 conference, held from September 11 to 13, 2023, has concluded, leaving a significant impact on the field of asset management. Organized by PEMAC Asset Management Association of Canada, the event brought industry leaders, experts, exhibitors, sponsors from around the world together in WInnipeg, Manitoba for three days of knowledge-sharing and networking.
For 3 weeks leading up to the in-person event, delegates had additional opportunities to connect and learn through pre-conference presentations hosted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Workshops for PEMAC's Becoming a Certified Asset Management Assessor and Module 1 of the Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) also provided delegates with the opportunity to expand their skills and take the next steps towards globally recognized certifications in Maintenance and Asset Management. These courses began on the Sunday prior to the conference allowing those signed up to focus on these intensive sessions before diving into the conference content.
PEMAC proudly hosted members of both the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM) and the World Partners in Asset Management (WPiAM) international organizations both founded to promote and develop the maintenance & asset management professions by collaborating on knowledge, standards and practices. Representatives from both organizations contributed to the conference program, sharing insightful presentations and announcements about their collaborative work around the world. WPiAM shared that they have over 1928 CAMA certificants around the world, with 104 of them identifying as being from Canada.
Day 1: Industry in Action
The conference kicked off with a bustling breakfast session, setting the stage for a day filled with insights and networking. It was appropriate, standing as we were in Treaty One Territory, to hear from Chief Gordon BlueSky of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. Chief BlueSky’s keynote address, which was sponsored by ReVisionz, explored the theme of "Asset Management - Engaging with the Enterprise." He was both challenging and unifying. He challenged the audience to do their homework and learn more about the history and legal framework which defines Canada’s relationship with First Nations people, especially on Treaty lands. It was unifying in that as he articulated a vision for what our shared, prosperous, future could be if it were built upon Treaty relationships which are properly recognized and properly understood as mutually beneficial.
The keynote was followed by an opening day which featured an array of workshops, presentations, and courses including an offering of day two of Module 1 of the Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) program and PEMAC’s Becoming and Asset Management Assessor course, providing participants with in-depth learning experience, exam preparation and the opportunity to complete the Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA) exam.
Tours of the Winpak and MacDon facilities provided registered delegates with impressive opportunities to witness excellence in maintenance and asset management in practice and what is involved in ensuring these organizations operate efficiently. Winpak manufactures and distributes high-quality packaging materials and related innovative packaging machines providing insight into not only the manufacturing processes but maintenance considerations required to maximize production efficiency. MacDon manufactures harvesting equipment, giving insight into the machines that build machinery which are essential to food production and processing.
Interactive sessions led by experienced speakers covered topics ranging from problem-solving and root cause failure analysis to the path to net-zero maintenance. Recipients of PEMAC Capstone Awards, received for outstanding performance in the final Capstone projects of the association's AMP and MMP training programs, showcased their award-winning projects. The importance of lifelong learning was emphasized during a presentation by Northern Lakes College, a continued supporter of the association and Platinum Sponsor of the MainTrain 2023 Conference.
Lunch was complemented by the opportunity to meet authors who have published influential books in the realm of maintenance, reliability, and asset management. In a session led by PEMAC Staff it was announced that the association would be introducing a certificate of completion within its Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) training program, the Maintenance Strategy Development Certificate, providing participants of the program with alternating learning paths and recognition for those who have completed Module 1 and 5 of the comprehensive program. The day concluded with a Grand Hall Opening Reception, hosted by ReVisionz, where attendees explored exhibits and networked with peers before concluding the first day of the conference.
Day 2: Connect, Learn, Contribute
Day 2 built on the momentum with a diverse range of activities and sessions. It began with an insightful keynote focused on Creating an Asset Management Culture for Success by John Hardwick, Executive Director of Asset Management for Sydney at the Roads and Maritime Services for New South Wales, Australia. This highlighted the importance of people that drive an organization forward and emphasized the importance of coordinated effort to achieve value from assets.
Informative sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities filled the day, allowing participants to expand their knowledge, connect with experts and contribute to discussions. The interactive and highly engaging MRO Roundtable allowed delegates to discuss topics vital to maintaining top efficiency within their facilities.
During one of the day’s sessions the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM) shared an update that they reached an important milestone with its Landscape Revision Project, completing the draft of the 3rd edition. Over the past 18 months, 20 PEMAC members, as part of a global team of over 250 asset management practitioners, have made a significant contribution to this vital document.
The evening was a celebration of excellence as outstanding individuals and organizations received recognition at the PEMAC Awards banquet. A full recap of the Awards presentation and recipients can be found on the PEMAC website.
Day 3: Global Connections and Next MainTrain
The third day of MainTrain 2023 marked the culmination of this exceptional event. Delegates gathered for a final day of engaging activities. Jim Pawluk, Director of Asset Management at Manitoba Hydro, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on "Asset Management - Engaging with the Enterprise," sponsored by Cohesive. Industry experts presented on topics such as redundancy for cost savings, digital transformation, and asset condition monitoring, providing valuable insights.
A panel discussion on climate resiliency and adaptations offered a forward-looking perspective on asset management before closing out the conference with the announcement that MainTrain 2024 will be taking place in the beautiful city of Saint John, New Brunswick. After the conference, in-person attendees had the opportunity to continue networking at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, fostering connections beyond the conference venue and giving delegates an opportunity to explore the City of Winnipeg before they returned home.
MainTrain 2023 has been a journey of learning, collaboration, and celebration. It wouldn't have been possible without the support of sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and the active participation of delegates. As we say farewell to this year's conference, we carry forward the knowledge and inspiration gained, eagerly anticipating future opportunities for growth and innovation in the field of asset management. Until we meet again at MainTrain 2024, remain connected, stay inspired, and keep pushing the boundaries of excellence!
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Mbongeni Mtetwa
marketing@pemac.org
1 (905) 823-7255 ext 8
About MainTrain: MainTrain is Canada’s largest annual maintenance and physical asset management conference exhibition and networking event. Every year it gathers leading experts, practitioners and professionals from across Canada and around the world to share their insights and strategies that support professionals and their organizations.
About PEMAC: PEMAC is a Canadian not for profit association enabling excellence in maintenance, reliability, and asset management through collaboration, applied learning, and leadership.