The official opening of Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition today marks the end of weeks of infrastructure and set-up preparations as well as a massive pilgrimage of resources professionals keen to take advantage of a unique industry gathering.

But the logistical challenges related to organising an event of this scope have decidedly translated into an effort well spent as AIMEX day one promises to unfold into an indispensable technological showcase and networking centre.

"We are in the business of providing contracts," Reed Mining Events exhibition director Paul Baker told MiningNews.net on the cusp of the official opening.

"We provide that face-to-face interaction. It's all about engaging all five senses when you see a product. And it provides an opportunity to compare products in one place on the same day.

"You're never going to be able to do that at any place."

Although the face-to-face factor is in many ways AIMEX's most potent drawcard, its synergistic exploitation of social media and online applications exemplifies this year's innovation theme, marking an evolution in the potential effectiveness of mining industry trade shows in general.

Making connections within the resources sector and total immersion in product displays are the primary aims.

"With the demonstrations, there are things you can't do on a trade magazine ad," Baker said.

"The exhibitions are dynamic and a chance for [industry professionals] to establish business relationships.

"It's a knowledge sharing opportunity as well.

"It's important that AIMEX brings big ideas, opportunities and solutions throughout all different parts of the industry."

Today's focal points will include be the now-biennial event's inaugural "discovery forum" - a platform for industry players to push innovations forward and unveil efficiency-enhancing developments in an interactive environment.

The program will begin with Sandpit Innovation outlining an automated robotic idler changer in the venue's Somerville Room, followed by displays from Creative Water Technology, Blast Management Technology, Intium Solutions and JKTech.

The forum will coincide with a "meet the miner" session hosted by Austrade India.

It will be followed this evening by a panel dinner at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, with speakers including geologist Ian Palmer and GVK Hancock managing director and Queensland Resources Council board member Paul Mulder.

As the exhibition rolls out a series of theme days addressing the social and technical evolutions within our industry, MiningNews.net will continue to follow the events on the floor.

"For mining companies and service providers looking to rise to the challenges and structural changes the industry is currently going through, AIMEX 2013 is the single most important event on the mining calendar," Baker said.

"For miners and mining services providers, AIMEX 2013 will offer a once-only occasion to see the latest technology and services offerings with relevance to the entire mining sector ¬- across earthmoving, production, processing, bulk handling and exploration.

"An important element of our strategy for AIMEX 2013 has been working with our exhibitors to ensure that the exhibition covers all aspects of mining - metalliferous and coal, surface and underground ¬- giving it great relevance to mining operations the length and breadth of Australia.

"Furthermore, many exhibitors will be using AIMEX 2013 to launch exciting new technologies, which will increase operational efficiency, help cut operating costs and boost productivity - all solutions that the Asia-Pacific mining industry is looking for as the mining cycle moves to the next phase."

The four-day event will run through to August 23.