“The best-laid plans” is the old saying and this year at Land Forces 2021, nothing could have been more prescient. Months of extensive planning by defence industry exhibitors were skittled at the last minute as a snap lockdown was called by the Victorian Government to head off the May coronavirus outbreak. Our own Zenith Group was one such defence industry organisation. (Zenith Group is a unique collaboration of suppliers within the defence supply chain).
With borders closed only days before the year’s premier defence and industry conference was due to start, it was impossible for all but a few of the Victorian cohort to make it to Brisbane in time. Zenith Group Co-Founder Mark Wood was fortunately already in Queensland and was one of the few exhibitors present on the Victorian State Government stand.
The Victorian State Government Stand was a significant exhibit and located opposite Hanwha Defence Australia.
2021’s Defence and Industry Conference is underway
Crowds on all three days of the exposition were strong and Zenith Group (ZG) fielded enquiries from exhibitors and attendees alike.
The ZG collaboration was able to interact and clearly communicate it’s unique offering during the three days of Land Forces 2021.
There was significant interest from the defence industry for a collaborative SME group who are:
• ‐ ISO9001 accredited
• ‐ Defence Supply Chain experienced
• ‐ Experts in their field
• ‐ Cyber prepared
Hanwha – one of Land Forces’ big exhibitors
The Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) showcase was situated just opposite the Vic Gov Pavilion – this Land 400 Phase 3 bidder attracted a lot of interest and assisted with foot traffic to our area and stand.
The HDA team even dropped by our stand, headed up by Millie Keating (Head of Industry Development Unit/AIC Manager at Hanwha Defence Australia) and were quick to acknowledge the unique qualities and broad capability of ZG.
Pivoting with technology to overcome challenges
With our team members isolated across several states due to border restrictions and the snap May Victorian lockdown, Zenith Group did what so many of us have done during the testing times of Covid19 – leaning on a hybrid solution of technology and in-person presentations to introduce ourselves and connect with this year’s Land Forces event.
Live crosses to Steven Ullness and Maddie Dharmapala (in Melbourne) was one of the multimedia highlights and demonstrated the broad reaching collaboration links using the power of online meeting technology.
Collaboration solutions through strong relationships
A highlight within the three days at Land Forces was meeting with existing and prospective Zenith Group collaborators, discussing collaboration on upcoming defence programs.
A big thanks to those who took time to engage with us :
BlueScope Distribution’s GM Sam Gerovasilis and BD Guru Irena Kupkovic; Rizwan from Guardware; Dom from Quality People; Jurij from Aldom and many others.
Interaction with the ADF revealed Defence Manufacturers can benefit from support contained within the Army Industry Statement ‐ a true validation of the Defence Supply Chain by the soldiers themselves.
Zenith Group – our value proposition
Zenith Group is a unique collaboration of experienced suppliers within the defence supply chain.
Our strength is project management, reducing risk, production flexibility and much more.
Zenith Group can respond to RFP, RFT and RFQ packages and complete projects in full, quoting all parts.
These qualities elevate the Zenith Group value proposition well above that of individual SMEs.