FTMA 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo a Record-Breaking Success

FTMA CEO Kersten Gentle opening the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo, with FTMA Staff.

 

The FTMA 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo has officially become the biggest and most successful event in FTMA history, attracting 264 delegates and 43 exhibitors from across the country. The event delivered an outstanding mix of industry insight, networking, education and entertainment, highlighting the strength and future opportunities within Australia’s frame and truss industry. 

Industry Insights Set the Tone

The conference program opened with industry favourite Tim Woods, Managing Director of IndustryEdge, who once again captured the attention of delegates with his analysis of changing housing markets and future opportunities for manufacturers. Tim discussed the gradual decline in detached housing construction and the increasing growth of mid-rise and multi-residential markets. His message was clear; these sectors present enormous opportunities for manufacturers willing to adapt and support builders transitioning into larger-scale projects with the help of their nail plate companies. 

 

Tim Woods, Managing Director of IndustryEdge, presenting a powerful morning session at the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo.

One of the most engaging sessions of the conference followed with the Australian Forest Wood Innovations (AFWI) panel discussion, expertly led by FTMA Research & Technical Manager Rhianna Robinson. Panel members Kevin Peachey (FWPA), Patrick Mitchell (AFWI), Louise Wallis (UTAS/AFWI) and Andrew Dunn (TDA NSW) shared updates on the development of the new Lightweight Timber Framing Standard and the broader Future Framing Initiative. Delegates were highly engaged throughout the discussion, reflecting the strong industry interest in research, innovation and future standards development. 

 

Associate Professor Louise Wallis, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania; Dr Patrick Mitchell, Deputy Director of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI); Andrew Dunn, CEO of the Timber Development Association; Kevin Peachey Head of Built Environment programmes and Wood Solutions, Forest and Wood Products Association (FWPA); Rhianna Robinson, FTMA National Research and Technical Manager. 2026 FTMA National Conference panel.

The session concluded with the exciting announcement of the new online Timber Systems Design training program, an initiative designed to create stronger career pathways for students entering the industry. Alongside the short course, FTMA has also developed a promotional video resource that members can share with local schools to help attract future talent into the sector.  See story in today’s newsletter!

Practical Advice for Stronger Businesses

The second conference session focused on practical business improvement and leadership.
Former Alpine Truss owner and 2024 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award recipient George Prothero joined FTMA’s Kersten Gentle for an insightful interview discussing his career journey, key business decisions and lessons learned throughout decades in the industry. George spoke openly about the importance of understanding business costs, building strong supply chain relationships and maintaining a long-term vision for success. 

 

George Prothero and FTMA CEO Kersten Gentle on stage at the 2026 FTMA National Conference.

Damien Lacey from OE Partners followed with an engaging presentation on the importance of optimising business processes before implementing automation. His session on identifying bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency resonated strongly with delegates, with immediate interest shown in his LEAN Webinar Series. 

 

Damien Lacey of OE Partners presenting at the 2026 FTMA National Conference.

Before lunch, marketing and growth specialist Julia Hall from Twenty Nine Ideas delivered an energetic presentation focused on creating growth strategies that actually work. Julia emphasised the importance of aligning business goals, communicating clearly with teams and suppliers, and ensuring staff are part of the growth journey. 

 

Twenty Nine Ideas Founder, Julia Hall, and intern, Cesar, at the Trade Expo

Expo Delivers Outstanding Networking

Following the morning sessions, delegates moved into nearly three hours of expo and networking time. The exhibition floor was buzzing throughout the afternoon, with exhibitors, manufacturers and suppliers enjoying valuable face-to-face conversations and industry discussions. 

FTMA trialled a new “Town Hall” presentation area amongst the exhibition booths featuring presentations from Principal Partners. While the concept faced challenges due to venue noise levels, the networking atmosphere throughout the expo remained a standout feature of the event. 

 

FTMA's Marketing & Communications Manager, Kat Welsh, presenting on the Members Portal, at the Town Hall at the Trade Expo.

Two coffee stations, along with gin and beer tasting stations positioned around the venue, encouraged delegates to circulate throughout the expo and engage with exhibitors and fellow members. Feedback on the length of expo time has been mixed, however one consistent message has emerged, the networking opportunities were exceptional. 

Keynote Speaker Captivates Delegates

The final conference session delivered the perfect finish to an already outstanding day.
Sponsored by MiTek, keynote speaker Michael McQueen brought incredible energy and insight to the stage. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading futurists and business speakers, Michael had delegates fully engaged as he discussed trends shaping business, leadership and future thinking. His presentation was highly relevant, practical and entertaining, proving to be one of the highlights of the conference. 

 

Keynote Speaker, of the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo, Michael McQueen.

Tim Woods then returned to close the conference program, presenting insights gathered through the 2025–26 FATSO series. Using feedback collected from builders, certifiers, timber companies and nail plate manufacturers, Tim facilitated discussions around where the industry can make meaningful changes to create a stronger future. Delegate feedback from these workshops will contribute to the fourth edition of the FATSO report. 

Red Activities Day Brings the Fun

FTMA events are known for combining education with strong networking and memorable experiences, and the Red Activities Day once again delivered exactly that.
Supported by Pryda, Meyer Timber and Vekta Automation, delegates participated in golf, a bushtucker cruise and gel ball activities across the Sunshine Coast. Despite wet Queensland weather throughout the day, the enthusiasm of participants never slowed. Golfers embraced the drizzle, bushtucker cruise attendees improvised with Bunnings bags to stay dry (sorry we really did think they were ponchos!), and the gel ball event created plenty of laughs and unforgettable moments. 

 

Conference Delegates at the Red Activity Gel Ball event.

Conference Dinner Highlights Industry Spirit

The FTMA National Conference Dinner was another major highlight, bringing delegates together for an evening celebrating the people and personalities that make the industry so special.
The dinner theme; “Your Childhood Icon/Idol” tied in with the presentation of the inaugural Industry Icon Award, and delegates embraced the challenge with plenty of creativity and humour. 

 

Who Was Your Idol? Delegates at the 2026 FTMA National Conference Dinner.

The evening also showcased the generosity of the FTMA community, with delegates and partners donating items to the silent auction supporting SunnyKids (Home - Sunny Kids), a Sunshine Coast charity dedicated to helping women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, close to $10,000 was raised for the charity. 

Awards were also presented throughout the evening, recognising outstanding contributions and achievements across the industry. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

 

FTMA would like to sincerely thank all sponsors and partners whose support helped make the 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo such a tremendous success.

A special thank you to our Principal Partners; MiTek, Multinail and Pryda, along with our Strategic Partners: AB Phillips, AKD, Meyer Timber, Porta, SmartFrame by Tilling, Timberlink, Vekta, Vida and Wespine.

We also acknowledge our Supporting Partners: A Grade, Baumann Sideloaders, BEA Group, Bliss & Reels, Cadwork, Choice Energy, CombiLift, EzeQuote, First Super, Hundegger, Hyne Timber, McCormacks Australia, OFO, Programmed Timber, Roadpod, StoraEnso, VTW and Weinig.

Finally, thank you to our Conference Sponsors; AFWI, Crane Aid, FWPA, HR Central, Muve Logistics, NTHA, Palfinger, Radaro, Safework Health, Synthetic Papers, Twenty-Nine Ideas and Willdoo IT, all of whom exhibited and supported the industry throughout the event.

Thank You

FTMA extends its thanks to all delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and partners for helping make the 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo our best event ever.
A special thank you also goes to the FTMA team, who organised and delivered the event in-house while continuing to provide daily support to members across the country.