About the Show
The Australian Airports Association National Conference & Industry Expo is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading aviation industry gatherings.
The 2026 event will unite representatives from major international gateways, regional airports, remote aerodromes, government agencies and specialist aviation suppliers under the theme Strong Airports, Strong Communities.
The conference will explore how safe, sustainable, resilient and well-connected airports support employment, essential services, tourism, freight, trade, healthcare and regional economic development. Its program combines plenary presentations, practical case studies, technical sessions, regional streams and collaborative breakout discussions.
The four-day program begins with the Women in Airports Forum on Monday, followed by the National Conference and Industry Expo from Tuesday to Thursday.
Key Features of the Show
Women in Airports Forum
The opening day will focus on advancing gender equity, inclusion, leadership and professional development across the aviation industry. It will include forum sessions, workshops and a dedicated networking function.
Industry Expo
Operating from Tuesday to Thursday, the Industry Expo is the event’s primary networking and product-discovery environment. Catering breaks, coffee stations, meeting areas and networking hubs will be positioned inside the exhibition to encourage delegate traffic throughout the show.
Technical and Security Sessions
Thursday’s program will feature technical, operational, safety and aviation-security content, supported by specialist breakout sessions.
Networking and Meeting Hubs
The exhibition floor will include meeting spaces, networking lounges, coffee stations, a Learning Hub, recharge areas and other environments designed to encourage business conversations.
2026 Conference Topics
The conference program is structured around five primary areas:
- Connecting Communities: accessibility, inclusion, community co-design and customer-focused airport design.
- Connecting the Network: safety, security, regulation, cyber risk, crisis management and sector collaboration.
- Connecting Regions: regional connectivity, tourism, freight, essential services and economic development.
- Connecting the Future: sustainability, net zero, climate resilience, AI, infrastructure and digital transformation.
- Connecting People: workforce planning, leadership, gender equity, inclusion and new pathways into aviation.
Who Should Exhibit?
The Industry Expo is best suited to organisations providing products, technology, infrastructure and professional services to airports and aerodromes, including:
- Airport planning, design, architecture and engineering firms
- Construction, civil works and infrastructure contractors
- Airfield lighting, runway and pavement specialists
- Aviation safety, security and screening technology providers
- Baggage handling and passenger-processing suppliers
- Airport operations and ground-handling technology companies
- Digital transformation, data, AI and cybersecurity providers
- Terminal technology, self-service and customer-experience suppliers
- Accessibility and inclusive-design specialists
- Environmental management and sustainability consultants
- Renewable energy, electrification and net-zero solution providers
- Emergency management and airfield rescue suppliers
- Airport retail, hospitality and commercial service providers
- Parking, transport, mobility and wayfinding companies
- Communications, surveillance and air-traffic technology providers
- Workforce, recruitment, education and training organisations
- Legal, financial, insurance and specialist aviation consultants
Who Attends?
The event attracts aviation professionals and decision-makers from Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region and international markets.
Expected attendees include:
- Major airport executives and management teams
- Regional and remote airport operators
- Aerodrome managers
- Airport operations and technical personnel
- Infrastructure, planning and development teams
- Safety, security and emergency-management professionals
- Sustainability and environmental managers
- Customer experience and accessibility specialists
- Commercial, retail and property teams
- Local government airport owners and operators
- Federal and state government representatives
- Aviation regulators and policymakers
- Engineering and infrastructure consultants
- Technology and equipment providers
- Corporate aviation suppliers
- Industry associations and professional advisers
- Emerging aviation leaders
- Women and allies working across the airport sector
Why Should You Exhibit?
Reach an Influential Aviation Audience
Exhibitors can present their products and expertise directly to airport operators, government representatives, infrastructure leaders and aviation decision-makers.
Generate Qualified Industry Leads
The event is highly targeted, allowing suppliers to meet professionals actively involved in airport procurement, planning, operations, technology and infrastructure investment.
Maximise Delegate Contact
Catering breaks, coffee service and major networking activities are positioned inside the Industry Expo, helping increase dwell time and repeated interaction with exhibitors.
Align with the AAA
The Australian Airports Association represents more than 340 airports and aerodromes and over 150 organisations supplying services to the airport sector, giving exhibitors access to an established national aviation network.
Key Event Statistics
- 800+ Expected conference delegates
- 250+ Expected Women in Airports delegates
- Australia, New Zealand, Asia-Pacific & International audience
- 340+ airports and aerodromes AAA airport representation
