Wire & Gas 2024: Line-up of 12 expert speakers confirmed

PostedPublished 21 June 2024

VASA is thrilled to announce the full line-up of 12 expert speakers and high levels of industry support for Wire & Gas 2024, Asia-Pacific’s pinnacle event for professionals in the automotive air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management sectors.

Scheduled from August 23 to 25, 2024, with a new venue at the heart of Queensland’s capital – The Westin Brisbane – this year’s Wire & Gas convention promises unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and industry recognition.

Building on the success of previous years, Wire & Gas 2024 offers an enriching program featuring expert speakers and trainers covering topics ranging from hybrid and electric vehicles to air-conditioning, electrical systems, common-rail diesel and emerging technological trends as well as the latest on regulations, data sources and business acumen required to prosper in a fast-changing industry.

Attendees will be treated to a diverse range of presentations and seminars designed to provide valuable insights and foster professional growth, not to mention the opportunity to learn directly from one another and trade exhibitors with networking opportunities set among the popular Wire & Gas tradeshow.

Attendees can look forward to engaging with leading industry sponsors and partners, including Platinum Sponsor NAPA Auto Parts, Elite Maverick Sponsor Sigma and Gold Sponsors Alcius, Honeywell, REDARC Electronics, Refrigerants Australia, and SuperCool Group.

Many more businesses, including Sanden, CoolDrive Auto Parts, The Australian Refrigeration Council, Adrad, Ariazone, Mastercool, Alienteck, The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, Diesel Help Australia, IM Group and The Automotive Technician will also be represented at the event, their support instrumental in making Wire & Gas 2024 possible.

Wire & Gas 2024 also marks the official launch of Cool Mavericks, a comprehensive history book on automotive air-conditioning. Authored by Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton, who will be on hand at Wire & Gas 2024 to sign copies of the book, Cool Mavericks delves into the intriguing evolution of automotive air-conditioning, celebrating the pioneers who shaped this indispensable aspect of modern vehicles.

Even before announcing the full speaker line-up, demand for tickets to Wire & Gas 2024 has been strong and momentum will only build between now and the event.

One of the highlights of Wire & Gas 2024 is the inclusion of prestigious awards recognising excellence in the industry. The Gala Awards Dinner will feature the inaugural Australian Refrigeration Council’s ARC Award for Best Refrigerant Management in the mobile sector, alongside the first-ever REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award and the new Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award as well as VASA’s longstanding Pioneer and Legend awards.

Confirmed speakers:

Bob Ansett: Founder of Budget Rent A Car, renowned for his pioneering customer service and employee programs, and innovative marketing strategies.

Grant Hand: Founder of Automotive Training Solutions and Australasia’s leading trainer in vehicle climate control systems, Grant will deliver two sessions sharing his detailed diagnostic and analysis methods that can be used to troubleshoot across all kinds of automotive air-conditioning technologies.

Kylie Farrelley: General Manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, providing critical insights into refrigerant emissions and environmental protection initiatives and the technician’s critical role in fighting ozone depletion and climate change.

Jeff Smit: Owner of two auto electrical and repair workshops in Sydney, and co-founder of The Automotive Technician network who advocates for continuous training in the automotive repair industry, sharing the latest in electric and hybrid vehicle technology developments.

Lesley Yates: Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, using data to help workshops and the broader industry address challenges such as workforce shortages and government regulation changes.

Clinton Brett: Founder of Diesel Help Australia, a fifth-generation heavy vehicle mechanic and diesel fuel injection specialist providing specialised education in common rail technology for diesel vehicles and heavy machinery.

Rodney Cumming: General Manager, Compliance and Training at the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), Rod will explain the ARC audit process, including the new ‘quality’ certificates given to first-time fully compliant permit holders who contribute to maintaining professional and environmental standards in a highly regulated industry.

Geoff Mutton: Co-founder of The Automotive Technician network, offering expertise in implementing profitable business practices for automotive workshop owners with a focus on setting goals and tracking progress by using key performance indicators (KPIs).

Rodger Nardi: Executive Officer of the Australian Automotive Service & Repair Authority (AASRA), explaining AASRA’s role in ensuring service and repair information is accessible to aftermarket repairers, RTOs and dealerships alike under the mandatory Motor Vehicle Service & Repair Information Sharing Scheme, which aims to level the playing field.

Aaron Feast: Alientech Academy trainer with three decades of experience from engine reconditioning and machining to engine conversions and diesel chip-tuning, delivering a presentation and demonstration on ECU/TCU cloning and re-flashing.

Oscar Vall: Infinitiev business development manager, discussing hybrid and electric vehicle battery technologies including battery pack replacement, repair and remanufacturing, with an overview of hybrid/EV electrical systems and diagnostic methods.

John McCormack: Representing Chemours in Australia, John will outline the current global landscape of refrigerants, how this influences the Australian market, and preview what the future of refrigerant technology as the world moves to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Bringing it all together:

Michael Bennett AM: Master of Ceremonies, bringing his wit, humour, and industry knowledge to the event as a Member of the Order of Australia and recipient of the VASA Legend Award.

Keegan Sparke: Acclaimed musician known for his engaging performances, returning to entertain Wire & Gas delegates for the third time.

Cognisant of inflationary pressures, VASA has worked hard to reduce the price of tickets to Wire & Gas 2024 by around 30 per cent compared to the 2022 event. As always, special discounts are available for VASA members.

Additionally, exclusive accommodation rates have been secured for attendees at The Westin Brisbane (five-star hotel) and adjoining Four Points by Sheraton (four-star hotel).

Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of Wire & Gas 2024, where innovation, knowledge, and recognition converge to shape the future of the automotive industry.

Visit the official website wireandgas.com to book your tickets and accommodation, and secure your place at this premier industry event.