Brisbane to Host AMW 2026, Forging Australia's Tech-Driven Industrial Future

BRISBANE, Australia – May 08, 2026 – The future of Australian manufacturing will be on full display as Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) 2026 makes its Queensland debut at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from May 12-14. Organized by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), the premier event is set to gather the nation's industrial leaders, engineers, and innovators under the theme Manufacturing the Future Through Tech Innovation.

Following a record-breaking event in Melbourne in 2025 that drew over 16,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors, AMW 2026 aims to build on that momentum. With more than 230 exhibitors already confirmed, the Brisbane event will provide a critical platform for an industry navigating profound challenges, from persistent skills shortages and supply chain vulnerabilities to the urgent need for digital transformation.

Forging the Future with Live Technology

A defining feature of Australian Manufacturing Week is its unwavering focus on tangible, operational technology. The exhibition floor will transform into a dynamic showcase of live machinery, moving beyond static displays and sales brochures to provide practical, real-time insights into the tools shaping modern industry. Attendees will witness everything from advanced robotics and automation to additive manufacturing and precision machine tools operating live.

This hands-on approach is designed to demystify complex technologies and empower decision-makers. "AMW is where manufacturing technology moves from theory to application," said AMTIL CEO Lorraine Maxwell. "By bringing hundreds of solutions together under one roof, and showing them operating live, the event enables manufacturers to compare options, ask informed questions and make confident decisions that support their future growth."

The event will cover a comprehensive spectrum of manufacturing capabilities. Key technology zones, similar to those at previous successful shows, are expected to feature advanced CNC machinery, state-of-the-art metrology, and sophisticated manufacturing software. The Robotics & Automation zone will likely highlight the increasing role of collaborative robots (cobots) and AI-driven systems in boosting productivity. Meanwhile, the Additive Manufacturing section will showcase innovations in 3D printing, particularly in metals, a technology revolutionizing prototyping and low-volume production across the aerospace, medical, and defence sectors.

A Blueprint for Resilience and Growth

Beyond the hardware, AMW 2026 serves as a strategic forum for tackling the systemic issues confronting the sector. The Australian manufacturing industry currently faces significant headwinds, including a decade-long productivity stall, rising energy costs, and critical skills shortages in roles like electricians, CNC machinists, and automation specialists. The event is positioned as a direct response to these pressures, offering not just tools but also strategies for building resilience and competitiveness.

Central to this mission is the Future Solutions Speaker Program, a free and content-rich series of presentations and panels. The program is designed to equip industry leaders with the knowledge to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. Sessions will explore critical themes including digital transformation, the practical application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, strategies for building workforce capability, implementing sustainable practices, and enhancing global competitiveness, particularly in high-value sectors like defence and advanced materials.

"Manufacturers are being asked to adapt faster than ever before," Maxwell noted. "The Future Solutions Speaker Program is designed to help industry cut through complexity, understand what matters now, and make informed decisions about the technologies and strategies that will define the next generation of Australian manufacturing."

This focus on strategic insight provides a vital complement to the technology on display, helping businesses understand not only what is possible today but also how to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Brisbane's Industrial Renaissance

The selection of Brisbane as the host city for AMW's first-ever Queensland event underscores the state's growing stature as a manufacturing powerhouse. Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Queensland economy, contributing $29 billion annually and supporting approximately 175,000 jobs, nearly half of which are located in regional areas. The state has demonstrated remarkable resilience, increasing its share of the national manufacturing workforce to 20%.

Hosting AMW 2026 aligns perfectly with government strategies like the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies and build resilient local supply chains. The event provides a powerful platform to showcase Queensland's diverse capabilities—from food processing and metal fabrication to burgeoning sectors like biomedical technology, aerospace, and critical minerals processing.

Bringing a major national industry event to Brisbane is also a strategic move in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the city and state work to attract investment and bolster their reputation as a hub for business and innovation. The influx of industry professionals from across Australia and internationally is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy.

With its unique combination of live technology, forward-looking strategic discussions, and national scale, AMW 2026 is poised to be an indispensable event. It offers a crucial opportunity for Australia's manufacturing community to connect, learn, and collaborate on building a more productive, innovative, and resilient industrial future. Attendance is free for all industry personnel, though pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure seamless entry.