ARBS 2026 is Australia’s largest air conditioning, refrigeration and building services exhibition, and its dates are marked in bright red in the planning diaries of most major facility managers months in advance.
Next year, ARBS returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 5–7 May, with FM Media as an event Media Partner.
The major HVAC&R event will connect more than 300 exhibitors and host over 50 seminars, attended by 10,000-plus industry professionals from across Australia and overseas.
Since its inception in 1998, ARBS has become a trusted meeting place for contractors, engineers, facility managers, manufacturers, suppliers, industry leaders and policymakers.
The three-day program features a mix of exhibitions, seminars, networking events and the ARBS Industry Awards.
Nominations have now opened for the ARBS Awards 2026. In 2026, the ARBS Awards will feature additional categories in a new two-stream format: the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards and the ARBS Future Leader Awards.
ARBS Industry Excellence Award categories:
Major Project Excellence Award
Large HVAC&R projects over $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance.
Minor Project Excellence Award
Small Australian HVAC&R projects under $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance.
IBTech Project Excellence Award
Australian projects that successfully integrate intelligent-building principles for high-performing, sustainable outcomes.
IBTech Product Excellence Award
Intelligent building technologies and services that improve performance, connectivity and user experience through smart design or digital innovation.
HVAC Product Excellence Award
New or enhanced HVAC products that deliver innovation, sustainability, and proven industry impact.
Refrigeration Product Excellence Award
Refrigeration technologies that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and outstanding performance in real-world applications.
Education & Training Excellence Award
Initiatives that advance skills, education and professional growth in the HVAC&R and building services industry.
Hall of Fame
Tribute to individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have left a lasting legacy in the HVAC&R and building services sector (nomination via ARBS associations).
ARBS Future Leader Awards categories:
HVAC&R Tradesperson Award
Two awards acknowledging outstanding tradespeople who demonstrate excellence, professionalism and dedication in the delivery of HVAC&R services.
Young Achiever Award
Emerging professional (aged 30 years or under) demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment in the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services sector.
Outstanding Female in Industry Award
Exceptional female professional who has made a significant impact within the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services industry.
Winners of the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards will be announced at the gala dinner on 6 May. Winners for the ARBS Future Leaders Awards will be declared at the ARBS Future Leaders Forum the following day.
“Every two years, the ARBS Awards shine a light on the best and brightest driving Australia’s HVAC&R, building services and technology industry forward. The new format for 2026 allows us to celebrate the excellence from across all areas of our industry,” ARBS CEO Amanda Searle says.
Entries for the awards are now open and close at 5pm on 30 January 2026.
To find out more about ARBS 2026 and for Entry details of the Awards, visit arbs.com.au.
Read more: Major HVAC&R exhibition to make its Queensland debut this year
