2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo Program Announced
26th February 2026
By FTMA News
The full program for the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo has now been confirmed, and it reflects exactly where our industry stands today, at the crossroads.
This year’s theme, At the Crossroads: Reframing for Growth, is not just a slogan. It recognises the very real decisions facing frame and truss manufacturers as housing demand shifts, competition increases and governments push harder into offsite, modular and prefabricated construction.
The day opens with Tim Woods from IndustryEdge setting the scene in Housing at the Crossroads. After years of stagnation, the Australian housing market is moving again, but approvals, supply and confidence remain fragile. Tim will unpack the current position, the outlook for the next eighteen months and what it really means for manufacturers. It will be data driven, direct and highly relevant to every business planning capacity, staffing and investment.
From there, we turn to the future of our own sector. In Building the Future of Lightweight Timber Framing, FTMA’s National Research & Technical Manager, Rhianna Robinson, will host a panel featuring AFWI CEO, Joseph Lawrence; Associate Professor, Louise Wallis; FWPA Head of Built Environment Programs, Kevin Peachey; and Timber Development Association NSW CEO, Andrew Dunn, to explore how AFWI funded R&D is shaping new standards for lightweight timber framing.
Never before has our industry seen this level of coordinated investment in research. The work underway is helping streamline manufacturing requirements, lift compliance confidence and underpin the development of our own Lightweight Timber Framing Standard. This is about setting our sector up properly for the future.
We will also officially Launch the Timber Systems Designer Online Training program, a new national online pathway designed to attract, train and grow the next generation of timber systems designers. For years, attracting and developing design talent has been a challenge for our industry. This program represents a practical step forward in building the skills pipeline we need.
After morning tea, the focus shifts squarely to business performance.
George Prothero from Chrisdar Consulting will deliver The True Cost of Running a Manufacturing Business, addressing one of the most important but often misunderstood aspects of any operation. Understanding real costs is fundamental to profitability, performance and long-term business value. In a consolidating industry, clarity around margins and cost structure has never been more important.
Damien Lacey from OE Partners follows with Optimise Before You Automate: Lean Lessons from High-Performance Manufacturers. Automation is a hot topic across our sector, but as Damien will demonstrate, technology alone does not fix broken processes. Drawing on real world manufacturing examples, he will show how high performing businesses focus first on Lean fundamentals, identifying constraints, reducing waste and stabilising workflows before making targeted automation investments. For manufacturers questioning return on investment, this session will provide practical guidance on how to make smarter decisions.
Julia Hall from Twenty Nine Ideas will then tackle a topic many manufacturers still debate, How to Reframe for Growth that Actually Works. Her practical workshop will cut through the noise and examine what genuinely drives sales growth in a manufacturing business, and what does not. As markets shift and competition increases, how we position and present our businesses is becoming more important.
Over lunch, the afternoon begins with nearly three hours dedicated to the first ever Trade Expo, giving delegates structured time to engage with suppliers, technology providers and service partners in a focused environment.
Our keynote speaker, Michael McQueen, sponsored by MiTek, will then take the stage with Preparing Now for What’s Beyond the Crossroads. In a fast paced and research rich session, Michael will explore how leaders in the offsite prefabrication and frame and truss industry can remain relevant and resilient as the landscape shifts.
With new modular and volumetric competitors entering the market, greater government backing of prefab construction and demand moving toward mid-rise and multi-res, the question is not whether change is coming, it is who will adapt early enough to benefit. Michael will examine the technological forces transforming construction, including AI, automation and digitisation, the expectations of younger generations and a practical blueprint for staying competitive. Delegates will leave with a clear game plan to navigate disruption and strengthen their competitive edge.
The day concludes with Tim Woods returning to the stage for What the Market Is Telling Us. Building on Michael’s keynote and the past three Frame and Truss Sector Outlook feedback, Tim will workshop the issues raised by builders, certifiers, timber companies and nail plate suppliers. This session will focus on practical improvements our industry can make to streamline processes and strengthen the supply chain. It is designed to be candid, solutions focused and collaborative.
At The Crossroads: Reframing for Growth is about more than discussion. It is about equipping manufacturers with the insight, tools and direction needed to make informed decisions in a changing market.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Sunshine Coast on Monday 18 May 2026 to kick off Red Activities Day before the main event on 19 May for what promises to be the most focused and forward looking FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo yet.
