The HVACR and building services industry gathered at Zinc Federation Square for the ARBS 2026 Industry Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. Seven awards were presented, recognizing achievement across product innovation, project delivery and education, alongside the induction of six individuals into the ARBS Hall of Fame.
The ARBS Industry Excellence Awards recognized achievement across Australia’s air conditioning, refrigeration and building services industry. The awards celebrated people and businesses involved in progress, innovation and excellence in the sector.
The Education and Training Excellence Award went to Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways (PAAP) by Precise Air Group. The HVAC Product Excellence Award went to the ECU45DV Dual-Voltage Environmental Control Unit by Cold Logic. The IBTech Product Excellence Award went to Refrigerant Leak Detection Solution by Bueno Analytics, while the IBTech Project Excellence Award went to 123 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD, by VAE Group.
The Major Project Excellence Award, for projects over $5 million [approx. USD 3.3 million], went to Sydney Metro Martin Place, NSW, by A.G. Coombs Group. The Minor Project Excellence Award, for projects under $5 million [approx. USD 3.3 million], went to Eastland Shopping Centre, Chiller Upgrade, VIC, by Airmaster. The Refrigeration Product Excellence Award went to Panasonic Transcritical CO2 Technology (TCO2) Outdoor Condensing Unit by Hussmann Australia.
Six individuals were inducted into the ARBS Hall of Fame after being nominated by their respective industry associations. The 2026 inductees were Bryon Price, nominated by AIRAH; Robert Beggs, nominated by AREMA; Paul Campbell, nominated by ARWA; Steve Hennessy, nominated by CIBSE; Paul Wright, nominated by RACCA; and David Eynon, nominated by AMCA.
“From innovative products that are changing what’s possible, to projects that demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication, and individuals who have shaped this industry for decades. On behalf of the entire ARBS team, I offer our warmest congratulations to every winner and Hall of Fame inductee,” said Amanda Searle, CEO of ARBS. The awards formed part of ARBS 2026, Australia’s HVACR and building services exhibition, which was held from 5–7 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
ARBS — the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Building Services Exhibition — was Australia’s largest and most significant trade event for the HVAC&R and building services industry. Held every two years, alternating between Melbourne and Sydney, it brought together the entire industry under one roof to source, share and connect.
First held in 1998, ARBS grew into an essential gathering for manufacturers, engineers, contractors, consultants, specifiers, facility managers and executives. It was the only event in Australia dedicated exclusively to this sector — and the one event the industry built its calendar around.
ARBS 2026 took place from 5–7 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
ARBS 2026 attracted 10,200 attendees, making it the largest event in the exhibition’s history. The three-day event featured more than 300 exhibitors across a 19,000 m² (approx. 204,500 ft²) show floor, showcasing products, technologies and innovations for the air conditioning, refrigeration and building services sectors.
The exhibition was officially opened by Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and attended by federal minister for training and skills Andrew Giles. The education program included more than 100 seminars and product demonstrations, with 7,000 session registrations and more than 140 speakers. Sessions covered refrigerant transitions, heat pump technology, smart buildings, decarbonisation and workforce development.
The event brought together professionals from HVACR, mechanical services, building automation and allied sectors, with visitors from Australia and overseas. “The energy across the three days was high, from the show floor to the seminar rooms to the networking events and the record attendance speaks to just how strong and connected this industry is,” said Amanda Searle, CEO of ARBS.
