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BBMC Celebrates 10 Years

28 July 2020 | BBMC News

BBMC’s first decade is done and dusted! Today, 28 July 2020, marks the beginning of the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s second decade – and while we’re pausing to look back, we’re quietly excited for what’s ahead.

Why a ‘mining club’ for the Bowen Basin?

From the get-go, our aim has been to open and expand the resource sector’s communication pipelines. The idea was born at a backyard BBQ in Mackay, to solve a perennial problem – building relationships with key mining executives and influencers can be difficult and costly when your business, large or small, is located remotely in central and northern Queensland. Membership has always been free.

Through our bi-monthly luncheon program with top-level keynote speakers presenting industry updates and insights, we give members priceless opportunities to meet and discuss current resource issues and solutions face-to-face. While we don’t keep count, we know many leads and ideas have come to fruition from a meeting of minds over a good lunch and a handshake.

BBMC runs on the board

Our first official luncheon event was held in Mackay on 24 September 2010 with 156 people attending. The formula has proved to be a winner. 57 luncheons later, that attendance has accumulated to well over 10,000. Our largest luncheon sat 450 people who were the first to hear Adani’s announcement about financial close for the Carmichael Mine.

BBMC promotes thought leadership

In a natural extension to further promote and champion sector growth, the BBMC launched the Queensland Mining Contractors Awards in 2014. Held bi-annually, the awards (now the Queensland Mining Awards) are the crowning event of the Queensland Mining Exhibition, showcasing the most innovative achievers in the resources sector. The Gala Dinner at QME 2018 seated 560 mining movers and shakers in a glittering celebration.

2018 marked another milestone in BBMC’s thought leadership initiatives – the launch of the BBMC Yearbook. Our high-end, 100+ page hardcover publication was an immediate hit. The Yearbook gives businesses 24/7 exposure to company board rooms, crib rooms hotel rooms and workshops through advertising opportunities and presentation of timely, relevant articles.

BBMC moves with the times

Just this year, we launched The BBMC Crib Room, our podcast initiative to connect key industry influencers with those who may be travel-restricted, or just want to hear compelling opinion, advice and insights into the resources sector. More far-reaching initiatives are in the pipeline, so stay tuned for those.

We continue to actively advocate for the Bowen Basin at corporate events in metro areas and at industry conferences. While our luncheon program has been on hold while we all negotiate Covid-19 issues, we’re back from 27 August, at the MECC, Mackay. Registrations are open now!

You definitely can’t put a good thing down. The Queensland Mining Awards 2020 are happening – tickets go on sale this month for the Gala Dinner at QME on Wednesday 23 September.

What’s next?

So have we hit the ceiling? A solid no! The future is bright. No matter the economic highs and lows, we’ll continue to do what we do best – advocacy, encouragement and empowerment. Now more than ever, BBMC membership and participation is a door-opening asset to any business.