From software showcases to industry insights: a consultant’s unexpected takeaways

As consultants, we’re no strangers to the ebb and flow of workload. During a recent quieter period, I decided to attend a few mine planning software showcase events in Perth. While my primary goal was to stay updated on industry innovations and see what new tools might benefit clients (and, let’s be honest, enjoy a free lunch), I was pleasantly surprised by how much more I gained from these events.

Datamine’s Production Symposium: beyond the sales pitch

Datamine billed their event as an exploration of industry challenges and the latest software advancements. I expected a day of product demos and marketing spiels—but what I got was far more insightful.

The symposium delved deep into the data challenges plaguing mining today, from collection and transfer to practical usage. Highlights included:

• University of WA’s ERDi Test Lab discussing Industry 4.0 solutions for seamless data transfer in energy and resources (ERDi Test Lab).
• IBM’s Associate Partner of Product Engineering breaking down frameworks for managing client data needs (IBM Design Thinking).
• A thought-provoking panel on AI’s future in mining, blending technical depth with real-world applicability.

By the end, I wasn’t just awake—I was genuinely engaged, walking away with a sharper understanding of digital transformation in mining.

RPMGlobal’s Connect Live: theory meets practice

Next up was RPMGlobal’s Connect Live, a dual-stream event covering mining and asset management solutions. While more product-focused, the presentations cleverly wove in underlying theory—invaluable for setting up software projects or explaining scheduling inputs/outputs to stakeholders.

This was my second Connect Live, and RPMGlobal nailed it again by closing with a keynote speaker entirely unrelated to mining—a refreshing way to end a technical day with broader inspiration.

Final thoughts: more than just a sales pitch

These events proved that software showcases aren’t just dry advertisements. Instead, they’re platforms for learning from experts who (humblingly) outclass me in the digital realm. Whether it’s cutting-edge research, practical frameworks, or unexpected inspiration, there’s real value in showing up—even if the free lunch is just the cherry on top.