What's more there seems absolutely no coordination of timing for shows, either nationally or internationally. Old Crosscut is befuddled and bedazzled by it all.

But first I wish to apologise in advance to all those hard-working show, conference and events organising companies.

After all, you are also a supplier and I am simply asking for someone to take a high altitude look at timing. If this is being done, then great.

Now, I like a good show and I reported on a few last year. But here we go again and I simply cannot understand why all the organising groups don't get their heads together and plan accordingly.

I do understand that it's all to do with competition: who can produce the best show, get the most numbers, capitalise on the advertising and exposure, and deliver the best bang for the buck so to speak. Common business sense in a way.

But has anyone thought about the two major factors in a show? One, the attendance of suppliers willing to show their wares; and two, the attendees, the so-called patrons who have to work as well as consider which of the many shows to attend.

Such shows are not intended to capture the same person all the time. Naturally they target a variety of audiences and industry sectors, but it seems to me a fair share overlap each other.

Let me give you a classic example and even though it is far from Australian shores it still proves my point.

World Mining Congress in Krakow, Poland, September 7-11, coincides with Minexpo International, September 22-24 in Las Vegas. But wait there is more: Mining World Central Asia, Almaty is on September 17-19 as well.

The first appears to have an exciting platform and the other is probably the best known and the largest mining expo in the world. Alas, a trip to Almaty looks trifle tight this time around.

Can you imagine the dilemma this causes participants and patrons? I bet I know which will win out. Viva Las Vegas!

Mind you, a great deal of global suppliers would welcome the opportunity to exhibit in Poland or Almaty for that matter.

Just for the record, the Ukraine kicks in at the beginning of September and, in the Southern Hemisphere, Electra Mining based in South Africa is a week later. So if you are an international exhibitor who wishes to canvass a global market then I hope you have convinced the budgeting team you won't be around much for that part of the year.

Regardless of what such events are called - conference or exhibition - the supplier base is bombarded with suggestions that "you cannot afford to miss it" or "the delegates are key decision makers", or "if you are not seen you will be noticed as not being there".

That last statement always gives me a chuckle or two. I do not believe for a minute that not being anywhere or not being seen will result in a lost order.

Take for example the Goldfields Mining Expo in Kalgoorlie, scheduled for the end of October. The last event was not attended by a couple of large mobile plant suppliers who traditionally had the biggest and the best, and probably were on the steering committee.

Maybe it's just a sign of the burgeoning boom times but I bet these boys have not suffered by not being there.

Let's move on. I reiterate to organisers, please get your heads together, work with industry and instigate a plan that spreads the demand.

Suppliers are always willing to work a solution to be involved but they cannot be in all places at once. But then that's why original equipment manufacturers and major suppliers have dealers and-or agents, branches, and so on - but it still has to be funded.

It has just come to my attention that our new Federal boys are surging forward with free trade agreements but I am not sure if they have a new agenda or not. I see the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE is under negotiation.

So for all Aussie suppliers who can provide energy, mining and related services, you best contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and lend your support. I am sure the likes of our buddies at Austmine will be in there pushing our barrows.

Hey, maybe we can take a trade show there?