A total of 10,200 attendees made ARBS 2026 the largest in the exhibition’s history.
The three day event featured more than 300 exhibitors filling a 19,000m² show floor — the largest exhibitor footprint to date showcasing the latest products, technologies and innovations in air conditioning, refrigeration and building services sector.
The exhibition was officially opened by Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece, and attended by the federal minister for training & skills, Andrew Giles, reflecting the event's growing profile across government and industry.
ARBS 2026 delivered the most comprehensive education program in the event's history, with over 100 seminars and product demonstrations attracting 7,000 session registrations, and more than 140 speakers drawn from industry, research, government and the global built environment community.
Sessions spanned the full breadth of the sector, from refrigerant transitions and heat pump technology to smart buildings, decarbonisation and workforce development.
ARBS CEO, Amanda Searle, said the exhibition has exceeded every expectation.
“The energy across the three days was high, from the show floor to the seminar rooms to the networking events and the record attendance speaks to just how strong and connected this industry is,” Searle said.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the team and the industry have built together and deeply grateful to every exhibitor, speaker, partner and attendee who made this gathering so successful.”
The event brought together professionals from across HVACR, mechanical services, building automation and allied sectors, with visitors travelling from across Australia and around the world.
The IBTech Pavilion, International Pavilion and Education Pavilion each drew strong engagement throughout the three days.
Among the program highlights was the Women Igniting Change event, co-delivered with FPA Australia, and featuring inspirational speakers including Governor General Samantha Mostyn, Dr Bronwyn King, Pam Rogers, Melinda Davis, Michael Morgan and Debbie Lee.
The inaugural Future Leaders Forum also made its debut, featuring a thought-provoking panel discussion by industry leaders alongside the presentation of the Future Leader Award winners.
ARBS chair, Prof. Tony Arnel, said ARBS exists to serve this industry and events like this remind everyone of the extraordinary depth of talent, innovation and dedication within it.
“Record attendance is a wonderful outcome, but what matters most is the connections made, the knowledge shared and the sense of community that ARBS brings together every two years,” Arnel said.
The ARBS Future Leader Awards, supported by the ARBS Foundation, were presented on 7 May and recognised exceptional emerging talent across three categories, with $25,000 in scholarships awarded to five winners to support their professional development, education and research pursuits.
Looking ahead the next major ARBS exhibition will be held in Sydney in 2028. In the meantime, the industry’s attention turns to ARBSQLD, the boutique Queensland event with a focus on hands-on-learning which is set to take place on 2–3 June 2027 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Full details and registration will be available at. arbs.com.au