About the Show
Since launching as an evolution of the AIRAH show in the late 1990s, ARBS has grown into Australia’s cornerstone gathering for HVAC&R and building services professionals, run on a content-led model that pairs a large-scale exhibition with education and recognition programs. Its legacy includes a long-running seminar series that delivers best practice and technology updates across three days, and the ARBS Industry Awards, honouring standout people, products, projects and training initiatives, now a fixture that underscores ARBS’s role in lifting industry standards nationwide.
The 2026 edition builds on that platform with a refreshed multi-theatre program and an awards lineup reflecting current priorities such as electrification, heat pumps, digital innovation and the road to net zero, topics spotlighted in recent ARBS programs and industry communications. Visitors can expect a bi-annual “all-of-industry” showcase of local and global manufacturers, live tech demonstrations, and structured networking that connects contractors, consultants, engineers and facility managers with decision-makers and specifiers, all under one roof at Australia’s largest dedicated HVAC&R and building services event.
Key Features of the Show
Exhibition Floor & Product Showcase
ARBS 2026 will present a massive exhibition featuring over 300 local and international exhibitors displaying the latest in HVAC&R equipment, smart building technology, and sustainable systems. Visitors will get hands-on exposure to innovations ranging from high-efficiency chillers and heat pumps to control systems, automation, and energy-management tools.
Seminars & Educational Program
The event includes a robust seminar lineup, with keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions led by industry experts. Covering topics like electrification, net-zero targets, changing regulations, and climate action, these sessions are designed to deliver actionable insights for contractors, engineers, consultants, and facility managers.
Insight Tours & Technical Walkthroughs
One of the standout features of ARBS 2026 is the inclusion of curated insight tours and off-site technical walkthroughs, which enable attendees to see real-world applications of high-performance HVAC&R and building services systems. These tours help bridge the gap between theory and practice, showcasing how top projects implement advanced tech and sustainable design.
ARBS Industry Awards
The awards ceremony recognises excellence across the industry, shining a spotlight on standout products, people, projects, and companies that are pushing the boundaries of HVAC&R and building services. It’s a chance for exhibitors and professionals to celebrate innovation, leadership, and best practice at a high-profile industry event.
Networking & Decision-Maker Engagement
Beyond the exhibition itself, ARBS 2026 provides multiple premium networking events, mixers, and opportunities to meet senior buyers, specifiers, and key decision-makers. These connections are vital for forming partnerships, sourcing new supplies, and staying ahead in the industry.
Who Exhibits
- Manufacturers and suppliers of HVAC&R equipment and systems
- Smart building technology and automation providers
- Energy efficiency, sustainability, and net-zero solution companies
- Refrigeration, cooling, and heat pump system specialists
- Building services and facilities management solution providers
- Software, controls, and digital technology innovators
- Training, education, and certification organisations
- Industry associations and standards bodies
Who Attends
- HVAC&R contractors, installers, and service technicians
- Mechanical and building services engineers
- Facility and property managers
- Consultants, designers, and specifiers in building services
- Government and regulatory representatives
- Distributors, wholesalers, and procurement professionals
- Sustainability officers and energy managers
- Educators, students, and early-career professionals in HVAC&R
Why Should You Exhibit
- Connect with the Entire HVAC&R Supply Chain: ARBS is the only dedicated HVAC&R and building services exhibition in Australia, attracting contractors, consultants, engineers, and facility managers from across the sector. Exhibiting ensures your business is visible to the full spectrum of decision-makers in one place.
- Showcase Innovation to a Captive Audience: With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees, ARBS is the platform where new products and technologies are discovered. Launching or demonstrating solutions here positions your company as a leader in industry innovation.
- Build Relationships with Decision-Makers: The show is designed to foster face-to-face engagement with senior buyers, specifiers, and influencers. These direct conversations help strengthen brand trust, accelerate sales cycles, and open doors to long-term partnerships.
- Enhance Brand Authority and Visibility: Being part of Australia’s most respected HVAC&R and building services event raises your profile in a competitive market. Exhibiting aligns your organisation with the industry’s reputation for quality, expertise, and forward-looking solutions.
- Stay Aligned with Industry Trends: ARBS is where electrification, sustainability, and net-zero strategies take centre stage in seminars and award programs. Exhibitors benefit by aligning their brand with the conversations shaping the industry’s future.
Key Stats from the Last Show
- 9,000–10,000 attendees across three days (confirmed by post-event reports, slightly down from 2018’s 9,800 due to industry cycles)
- 300+ exhibitors showcasing HVAC&R, refrigeration, heating, cooling, and building services solutions
- 80+ seminar sessions in the speaker program covering electrification, net zero, smart buildings, and digital transformation
