CQUniversity engineering staff and students are preparing to play host to the annual Northern Queensland Engineering Conference 2012 on Saturday, July 28.

The conference provides a forum for professionals and students in the field of engineering to exchange ideas and knowledge.

Hosted by the Mackay Regional Group of Engineers Australia, the theme for this year's conference is ‘Resource to Reef' which is intended to reflect the diverse range of regional engineering work from coal mining and agriculture to ecotourism.

Topics to be discussed at the conference include recruitment and professional development in regional areas, mentoring and professional development and work-sharing as a means to extend regional capabilities. There will also be discussions on engineering registration, supervision and certification, specialist engineering in regional areas and projects of significance or interest.

More than a dozen interesting speakers will be present including Ralph Ferguson who will speak about a Survival Kit for DIDO/FIFO, Stephanie Moroz from the Centre for Engineering Leadership Management and Bill Weeks discussing the Engineers Australia comments on the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Final Report.

The event will kick off with a welcome reception on Friday evening, with the conference on Saturday followed by dinner on Saturday night.

Organisers expect around 100 delegates to the conference.

The Queensland Central Engineering Conference is due to be held at CQUniversity Rockhampton in August.

For more information, contact the Regional Engineering Conference office on (07) 3226 3003 or email recqld@engineersaustralia.org.au.

**CQUniversity Engineering students have the chance to win tickets to the event which includes attendance at all sessions, pre-conference welcome reception, a satchel, polo shirt, pen, notepad and coffee mug.

To enter, visit https://engineersaustralia.wufoo.eu/forms/win-a-ticket-to-northern-engineering-conference/