The inaugural ARBSQLD exhibition wrapped in August after two days at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, marking a major milestone for the HVACR and building services industry.
Across the event, well over two thousand attendees explored the exhibition floor, networked with industry peers and discovered the latest innovations from 120 exhibitors.
The show floor featured a mix of local and global brands showcasing technologies and solutions shaping the future of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and building services.
A program of 20 Tech Talks added depth to the event, offering insights from leading voices on topics such as indoor air quality, fire safety systems, energy performance, seismic safety and digital innovation.
The 20-minute sessions attracted a lot of interest with some sessions at absolute capacity.
Highlights also included the popular Women in HVACR networking event, which brought together a wide cross-section of industry professionals to discuss pathways to greater inclusivity.
ARBS Exhibitions CEO, Amanda Searle, said the first Queensland edition has exceeded expectations.
"We’ve been delighted with the response to ARBSQLD. To see the industry come together in Brisbane for the very first time, connect with new audiences and showcase the expertise in HVACR and building services is an incredible milestone for our sector,” she said.
As Australia’s very first state-based ARBS event, ARBSQLD was purpose-built for the Sunshine State.
“ARBSQLD is a focused, local version of Australia’s flagship HVACR event and is designed to connect Queensland professionals with national and global industry leaders, new technologies and timely insights,” Searle said.
With the highest cooling needs in the country Queenslanders should be front and centre in the national HVACR industry conversation, according to ARBS chair, Tony Arnel.
“Fewer than one in 10 ARBS 2024 attendees hailed from the Sunshine State. It’s time to flip the script and put Queensland’s climate challenges, capability by 2026/27.es and ideas in the spotlight,” he said.
Arnel said Queensland’s appetite for air conditioning could be an innovation accelerator.
“With sweltering summers, high humidity and four climate zones spanning subtropical to tropical HVAC professionals have their work cut out,” he said.
One of the 120 exhibitors at the event was Automatic Heating, a sustainable heating and hot water provider.
The company’s marketing and customer experience manager, Rachel Rowbottom, said ARBSQLD was an opportunity to connect with a diverse range of industry professionals.
“We spoke with attendees who travelled from as far north as the Whitsundays, to those from the southern states,” she said.
“There was significant interest in our Revere heat pump technology, with visitors to our stand demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a desire to learn more about natural refrigerant solutions.
“The quality of conversations and level of technical engagement demonstrated that the Queensland market is actively seeking innovative solutions that deliver both performance and environmental benefits.”
Industry will reconvene at ARBS 2026 in Melbourne, 5–7 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more information visit:
