The ARBS seminar program is the intellectual heart of Australia’s largest HVACR and building services event.
From electrification and heat pump technology to intelligent buildings, indoor air quality, energy efficiency and the path to net zero — this is where the industry's best thinkers come to share what's working, challenge what isn't, and chart the course ahead.
This year’s program features panel discussions, seminars, research presentations and compliance updates.
With ARBS 2026 only weeks away CCN provides an overview of industry issues to be covered at the three day event which takes place from May 5-7, 2026.
The program will be supported by industry initiatives such as the Women Igniting Change event where industry will support the Empowered Women in Trades industry goal to achieve 30 per cent female participation in skilled trades and technical roles by 2030.
It is three days of discussion, debate and discovery.
Day one of the program will feature a number of sessions examining the future of the HVACR industry on a global scale.
The HVACR industry is increasingly shaped by decisions made far beyond Australia’s borders.
From refrigerant regulations and decarbonisation policies to evolving standards and export market requirements, global developments are influencing how equipment is designed, manufactured and installed.
ARBS will bring together a panel to examine the international forces affecting the sector and what that means for Australian manufacturers, exporters, engineers and contractors navigating an increasingly connected global industry.
It will be followed by a session exploring the question: Who will build the HVACR workforce of the future?
The HVACR industry faces a growing workforce challenge. As buildings become more complex and the transition to low-carbon technologies accelerates, the demand for skilled technicians, engineers and specialists is increasing — yet the pipeline of trained professionals is struggling to keep pace.
This panel brings together leaders from industry, training organisations and policy to explore how Australia can build the workforce needed for the future.
The discussion will examine the scale of the skills gap, how training systems must evolve, and what practical steps industry, government and training providers can take to strengthen the pipeline of talent entering HVACR.
The lunch-time panel on day one begins at 12.30pm and will be moderated by ARBS chair, Professor Tony Arnel.
An Australian business leader, architect, academic and former high-ranking public servant, Arnel has devoted three decades to industry collaboration, sustainability and regulatory reform to improve Australia’s built environment.
A professor at Deakin University, Arnel is a former president of the Energy Efficiency Council, Green Building Council of Australia and World Green Building Council. He was also the Victorian Building and Plumbing Industry Commissioner for 12 years.
He will be joined by Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) CEO, Shayne La Combre, who is also current chair of the World Plumbing Council.
La Combre has been instrumental in the continuous expansion of the PICAC training organisation which now has several facilities throughout Australia including their newest campus located at Narre Warren in Victoria, Australia.
The site will be the first net zero energy education and research facility in Victoria.
The training facility, designed for the plumbing industry, will generate all energy required to support the operation of the building on site through the incorporation of several renewable energy technologies.
Prior to his current position, La Combre was director of plumbing at Victoria’s plumbing industry regulator, the Plumbing Industry Commission (now the Victorian Building Authority).
