As the housing industry’s premier annual event, the HIA National Conference is your opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, draw inspiration from industry experts, learn about the issues that are impacting your business, and help celebrate our collective achievements.

Today’s industry is in a state of flux, thanks to broader external stressors such as rapidly evolving technologies, workforce pressures, and home buyers’ changing attitudes. At this year’s conference, we’ll be deep-diving into these topics and exploring strategies you can use to overcome these market challenges and propel your business to the next level.

This year, HIA has scheduled the conference to coincide with several states’ school holidays – so why not bring the kids and turn it into a tax-deductible family holiday? It’s the perfect opportunity to combine work with a well-earned break. Whether your family loves to chase waves, thrills or five-star meals, the Gold Coast has it all!
Places are limited, so register now to secure your tickets and take advantage of special earlybird pricing.

Broaden your expertise

Three building business sessions are scheduled sequentially across the morning of Day One, so delegates can attend every talk. Our keynote speakers will be sharing high-impact and thought-provoking content – expect to walk away with renewed focus and fresh ideas, ready to explore new possibilities and ways of working.

After a leisurely networking lunch, the afternoon program features three 90-minute workshops. These interactive, hands-on sessions are facilitated by industry experts. Whether you need to deepen your knowledge in technology, technical issues or customer relations, you can choose the workshop that meets your interests and knowledge gaps.

When the sun goes down, we’ll dial up the fun. Celebrate like a star at our networking party, held at Warner Bros Movie World. On Day Two, you can choose your own adventure – the sparkling beaches, restaurants and theme parks of the Gold Coast await. Then party the night away at the lavish HIA Australian Housing Awards, hosted by MC Dr Chris Brown, the renowned veterinarian and TV presenter.

Three unmissable building business sessions

How the ChatGPT revolution is changing work and business forever

Presented by Adam Spencer, AI expert

Have you put ChatGPT in the too-hard basket? Adam will demystify it for you. Starting with the absolute basics of how ChatGPT works, through to the latest product and platform releases, Adam will bring you up to speed with AI technology. He’ll also share ways to harness AI in your business, and provide tips for keeping up if you feel overwhelmed by the pace of change. 

James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2026

Presented by Jenny Li, WGSM

Get a sneak peek into up-and-coming trends from the latest James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast. Delivering practical, researched-backed inspiration, the Modern Homes Forecast translates global design signals and local consumer data into a forward-looking perspective on Australian housing. To provide context for real-world application into your future projects, Jenny will identify the key Lifestyle Themes and Modern Looks that are shaping contemporary home design.

Understanding future cities and communities: The emerging priorities of tomorrow’s homeowners

Presented by Ashley Fell, McCrindle

As a social researcher and futurist, Ashley uses the latest Census results to give an engaging snapshot of the current changes, trends, challenges and opportunities within the housing industry. Find out how lifestyle and technological shifts are shaping the next generation’s housing decisions, and what Gen Z and Generation Alpha –your future clients – will value as they move into the property market.

Choose your workshop

Your AI apprentice

Facilitated by Therese Tarlinton, author, speaker and professional trainer

Do you find yourself drowning in paperwork, quoting, chasing suppliers and client follow-ups? In this workshop, which follows on from Adam Spencer’s presentation on ChatGPT, Therese will show you how to turn AI into your own ‘admin apprentice’. You’ll learn how to train AI to draft documents and messages the way you’d write them. You’ll leave this practical workshop with simple, repeatable workflows that will save you around five hours of admin a week, straight away.

Influential conversations

Facilitated by Arabella Macpherson, communications expert

The home building process is often fraught with conflict and uncertainty – between builder and client and even between builders and contractors. Arabella will give you strategies to successfully handle the conversations that matter most – from quote to completion. Gain the confidence to pitch for new business; learn how to build rapport with subcontractors; and understand how to communicate clearly and resolve conflict to keep projects moving forward.

Silica safety

Facilitated by Zoran Durdev, HIA National Safety Manager

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. RCS is generated when cutting, grinding or polishing common products such as stone, brick and concrete, making it a significant occupational risk for housing industry workers. Recent regulatory changes require builders to manage and control exposure on site. In this practical workshop, Zoran will explain how to stay compliant and ensure your teams stay safe when working with materials that contain silica. 

Take your place among the industry’s best

Join Australia’s leading builders for two full days of business intelligence, collaboration and connection, finishing with a celebration of excellence at the HIA Australian Housing Awards. Reserve your spot now!

First published on 20 February 2026