Manufacturing showcase heads north for first time

Australian Manufacturing Week Sydney. | Newsreel
Brisbane has lured Australian Manufacturing Week away from Sydney and Melbourne in 2026. | Photo: Australian Manufacturing Week

Queensland has lured the nation’s largest manufacturing event away from southern capitals.

Brisbane will host Australian Manufacturing Week in 2026, the first time the event will be held outside Sydney or Melbourne.

A joint bid from the Queensland Government and the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) secured the event, which showcases the capabilities of the nation’s manufacturers.

State Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said thousands of delegates and more than 150 exhibitors were expected to attend the week-long event to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Minister Butcher said Australian Manufacturing Week brought together industry innovators and technology specialists from around the world, with the event also serving as a vital networking and professional development opportunity for those in the sector.

“Manufacturing is the backbone of the Queensland economy, contributing $20 billion a year and supporting local regional communities through jobs and business growth with nearly 180,000 Queenslanders make their living in the industry.”

AMTIL CEO Lorraine Maxwell said events like Australian Manufacturing Week kept the industry connected, competitive and growing.

“Queensland manufacturers have been regular visitors and exhibitors at Australian Manufacturing Week since its inception and so it’s absolutely time for us to bring this flagship event to the state of sunshine, innovation and world-class manufacturers,” Ms Maxwell said.