10 things I like about ARBS

Australia’s largest international HVAC&R and building services exhibition is slated for Sydney this May. Here are some random observations, evaluations, and deliberations around the industry’s bi-annual happening. 

1. Fresh and familiar faces

It’s a charm of finches, a parliament of owls and a choir of angels. Could the collective noun for HVAC&R’s people be “an ARBS”?

Held every two years, ARBS is a jamboree of industry professionals and technicians delivered across three days. It’s a chance to catch up with familiar faces, but also to make new contacts.

And ARBS 2024 is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 300 exhibitors from Australia and abroad, along with an anticipated 9,000 visitors across its three days.

“ARBS is where the entire industry gathers to share innovations, expertise and the latest trends,” says ARBS CEO Amanda Searle.

“It’s an exceptional platform for professionals to connect and engage with the best in our industry, offering opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones.”

2. Harbouring ambitions

For the first time since 2018, ARBS 2024 to the Harbour City’s International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney) this year.

Located in the Darling Harbour waterfront precinct, and not far from the CBD, ICC Sydney boasting a total exhibition space of 35,000m². In short, it caters for big events, and ARBS 2024 is indeed one of those.

3. Women of AIRAH Breakfast

On May 29, AIRAH will host the Women of AIRAH Breakfast. 

As well as supporting AIRAH’s Women of AIRAH Special Technical Group, attendees will hear from inspiring speakers promoting the place and opportunities for women in our industry while enjoying the company of others over a fine breakfast. 

Guest speaker at the breakfast will be ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins.

4. Lending eyes and ears

Running alongside the exhibition, the ARBS 2024 seminar program offers a raft of knowledge from our industry’s thought leaders. 

Sessions cater to a welter of interests, covering critical topics. Alongside some broad-based discussions on topics such as decarbonisation and the impact of AI on the industry, there will also be plenty of nuts-and-bolts content tailored to HVAC&R technicians and others working at the industry’s coalface.

5. Peer revue

The ARBS 2024 Industry Awards and Gala Dinner will again recognise excellence from across the HVAC&R and building services industries, as well as honouring and rewarding the talent within the Australian industry. 

A new inductee will also be entered into the prestigious ARBS Hall of Fame. 

To be hosted by acclaimed Australian actor and Logie Award winner Rob Carlton, this year’s ARBS Industry Awards Gala Dinner will be held at the ICC Sydney Ballroom on Wednesday May 29. See breakout for more details.

6. Meeting you

You can’t miss the AIRAH stand (stand 596/597). In addition to copies of our publications and technical manuals, you can discover all the ways to engage with the Institute of Repute.  

AIRAH will also be showcasing its educational offerings, including technical resources, courses, programs and opportunities for professional development, as well as conferences and events. 

So, visit us, find out about our new look, and learn how AIRAH membership can provide you with even greater connection to your industry. 

In case you’re wondering, AIRAH is pronounced so that it rhymes with “fairer” (not “ARIA”, AIR-HAH, or IRA – all of which we regularly hear). 

7. Skills that thrill

WorldSkills Australia will again present the best and brightest young air conditioning and refrigeration trade talent on the ARBS exhibition floor. Regional competitors will showcase their talents in front of the industry, vying for the chance to compete on the world stage.

8. Achieving Ecolibrium 

In case you’re wondering, Ecolibrium will have a presence at ARBS. Swing on by to the AIRAH stand, and we’d be happy to discuss your story ideas, design suggestions, or general feedback. Pick up an extra copy of this – the biggest edition of Eco AIRAH has published – or our publications stablemate, HVAC&R News journal.

9. It’s touchy-feely

Attendees will have the chance to speak with manufacturers and distributors, see innovative products and applications, and delve into industry-leading design and innovation, from Australia and across the globe.

10. Insight tour and leadership forum

On May 30, this exclusive event offers a rare behind‑the-scenes look at the ICC Sydney’s plant rooms and Sydney Place’s Salesforce Tower, showcasing the inner workings of cutting-edge HVAC&R technology, offering unparalleled insights into the engineering marvels that power our buildings. The forum transitions into a thought-provoking panel discussion over lunch with industry experts David Blanch (Bitpool), Mikaila Ganado (AIRAH Board member), Mark Mitchell (AMCA Australia Board member), and Jennifer Elias (CIBSE Board member) delving into the crucial topics shaping the industry.