Staffers from the VDM Group’s Como Engineers know how to keep their ear to the ground, not just about upcoming resource projects, but about what others are thinking about current national issues.

Recently, the Como Engineers team wrapped up their expertise in a display booth and took it to the annual RIU Explorers Conference, attended by around 500 ‘explorers’ in Fremantle. Como Engineers was also a sponsor of the event.

The RIU Explorers Conference has a well earned reputation as a major Australian forum for the junior resources sector, with mineral exploration companies and emerging new miners attracting an ever-growing group of brokers, fund managers and investors to hear their presentations.

According to Como Engineers General Manager Tim Gooch, the exposure is invaluable, both for presenting the VDM expertise, and tapping into industry news and new mining discoveries.

This year, the Como Engineers team conducted a survey from their booth, with not surprising results.  The survey revealed that 59% of respondents believed the turnaround in the current global financial crisis will take another 12 months or more.

Mr Rudd’s stimulus package got a drubbing, with 84% saying the $42 billion deal was not well designed. Of greater significance was that 61% reported that projects had been delayed due to the crisis.

The really big survey finding was that less than half the respondents believed the Dockers will finish ahead of the Eagles.

The gallon of whiskey which Como Engineers used to bribe respondents to vote was taken home by Graham Crew of Silver Lake Resources.