That's a Wrap
ARBS 2026 Closed On Record Numbers
5–7 May 2026 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Three Days
When5–7 May 2026
WhereMelbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Attendance10,200, an ARBS record
ReportFree to download
By the Numbers
The Biggest ARBS Yet
Since 1998 ARBS has been the meeting place for Australia's HVAC&R and building services industry. In 2026 it drew its largest audience on record.
10,200
Attendees
The largest attendance in the history of the exhibition.
300+
Exhibitors
Australian and international suppliers across 19,000m² of show floor.
100+
Seminars & Presentations
A full technical seminar program, plus free product presentations on the show floor.
140+
Speakers
From industry, research, government and the global built environment sector.
7,000
Session Registrations
Across the seminar program, the IBTech stage and the Education Pavilion.
$25,000
In Scholarships
Awarded to five Future Leader Award winners across three categories.
Watch
The ARBS 2026 Recap
The floor, the stages and the people. Here is what ARBS 2026 looked like.
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Show Highlights
Moments That Defined the Three Days
Keynote
AI: The Future Is Now
Futurist Steve Sammartino unpacked what artificial intelligence means for the trades, for design and for the way buildings will be operated in the decade ahead.
Opening Day
The Data Centre Boom
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne opened proceedings, followed by ASHRAE President Bill McQuade bringing a global perspective to the Australian floor.
Women Igniting Change
A Headline Line-Up on Day Three
A virtual address from Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, alongside Dr Bronwyn King AO, Melinda Davis of Empowered Women in Trades, Pam Rogers of SP&R Group, Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Michael Morgan and the AFL's Debbie Lee.
New for 2026
The Inaugural Future Leaders Forum
A first for ARBS, giving apprentices, students and early career professionals a program built specifically for them.
Precincts
IBTech, International and Education Pavilions
Three dedicated precincts drew strong engagement, from intelligent building technology through to training and workforce development.
Education
A World Class Seminar Program
More than 100 seminars and product presentations drew 7,000 session registrations, with 140+ speakers from Australia and overseas, spanning industry, research, government and the global built environment sector. Product presentations on the floor were free to attend.
On the Floor
Launches, Demos and Debuts
Exhibitors used ARBS 2026 to launch new products and run live demonstrations across refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and controls.
Industry Awards
Excellence and Future Leader Winners
Seven Industry Excellence Awards and five Future Leader Award winners announced across the three days.
See the Winners
Thank You
From ARBS Leadership
ARBS 2026 was made by the people who turned up. To every exhibitor, speaker, sponsor, media partner, volunteer and each of the 10,200 visitors who walked the floor, thank you.
“The energy across the three days was high, and the record attendance speaks to just how strong and connected this industry is.”
Amanda Searle, Chief Executive Officer, ARBS Exhibitions Ltd
“Record attendance is a wonderful outcome, but what matters most is the connections made and the knowledge shared.”
Professor Tony Arnel, Chair, ARBS Exhibitions Ltd


































