From Survivor to Superstars – The Themes of the 2026 FTMA Conference Social Events

 

Every great conference needs two things: great conversations and a little bit of fun. The 2026 FTMA Australia National Conference will deliver both, with two themed social events designed to help delegates connect, laugh and maybe reveal a hidden competitive streak or two.

 

Ice-Breaker: FTMA Survivor – Twin Waters Edition

The conference kicks off with our traditional Ice-Breaker event (Monday 18th evening), this year hosted at the fantastic Xperiences site at Twin Waters. And in true FTMA fashion, we’re adding a twist — a light-hearted “Survivor” themed challenge.

Upon arrival, delegates will be divided into tribes and issued their bandanas to proudly wear for the evening:

• Red Tribe – Pryda staff and their manufacturers
• Green Tribe – Multinail staff and their manufacturers
• Blue Tribe – MiTek staff and their manufacturers
• Purple Tribe – Everyone else joining the adventure

Don’t worry — there’s no risk of being voted off the island. But there will be plenty of opportunities to test your skills and enjoy the great outdoors.

The evening will feature archery, paintball target shooting and axe throwing, along with firepits, great food, cold beverages and plenty of time to reconnect with industry colleagues and friends.

Because we’ll be outside, we encourage delegates to dress comfortably and bring warm clothing so you can enjoy the evening around the fires while cheering on your tribe.

Think of it less as survival… and more as a slightly competitive campfire gathering with better catering.

 

Conference Dinner: Celebrating the Icons

After a day of industry discussions and learning, the 2026 FTMA Conference Dinner on Tuesday 19 May at the Sunshine Convention Centre will take things in a slightly more glamorous direction.

To celebrate the introduction of the brand-new FTMA Industry Icon Award, we’re inviting delegates to dress as an icon — someone you admire, someone who inspired you growing up, or simply someone you’ve always wanted to be.

Your icon could be:

• A sporting legend
• A movie star
• A musician
• A historical figure
• A superhero
• Or even an industry icon

Whether you arrive as Elvis, Steve Irwin, Taylor Swift, Maverick from Top Gun, or your favourite childhood hero, the goal is simple: have fun and embrace the theme.

The dinner will be a highlight of the conference program, bringing the industry together to celebrate achievements, recognise award winners and enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

Between the tribal challenges of the Ice-Breaker and the icons of the Conference Dinner, the 2026 FTMA Conference promises plenty of opportunities for delegates to relax, laugh and strengthen the relationships that make our industry so unique.

We look forward to seeing which tribe claims bragging rights… and which icons appear on the red carpet.

 

Awards Now Open for Nominations

The National Conference Dinner plays host to the 2026 FTMA Awards, where we celebrate our great innovative and resilient industry. There are a number of awards presented throughout the night

• The Clive Martella Service to Industry Award
• The FTMA Community Award
• The Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award
• The Recognition of Service Awards
• And the new Industry Icon Award, honouring someone who has left a lasting mark on Australia’s timber frame and truss industry.  

For all the information on how to nominate in each category - please visit The Awards 2026

Please help us celebrate this phenomenal sector, and celebrate our achievements.

 

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