Queensland has won the bid to host Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held outside of Sydney or Melbourne.
Queensland’s Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher announced the successful bid in collaboration with the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL).
The event will take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, attracting thousands of delegates and over 150 exhibitors.
This week-long celebration will allow local manufacturers to showcase their capabilities and highlight Queensland’s reputation as a manufacturing hub in Australia.
Minister Butcher expressed excitement over the win: “If we can make it here in Queensland, we should, and we are. Queensland manufacturers regularly exhibit at this event, so it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase Queensland’s thriving manufacturing sector.”
The announcement reinforces the Queensland Government’s ongoing support for manufacturers through successful grant programs such as the Made in Queensland and Manufacturing Hubs Grant programs.
“The Queensland Government has a track record of not just attracting events to this state, but also providing unrivalled support to their success, and the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Week will be no exception,” Butcher added.
AMW is known for bringing together industry innovators and technology specialists from around the globe, serving as a vital networking and professional development opportunity for sector professionals.
Lorraine Maxwell, CEO of AMTIL, shared her enthusiasm: “We’re incredibly pleased to be bringing Australian Manufacturing Week to Brisbane in 2026, in collaboration with the Queensland Government.”
She added, “AMTIL is dedicated to supporting Australia’s manufacturing industry and manufacturers, and events like Australian Manufacturing Week keep our industry connected, competitive, and growing.”
Minister Butcher highlighted the significant impact of manufacturing on Queensland’s economy: “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 making their living in the industry.”
“From food and beverages to medication and aircraft components, we make it all here in Queensland, in every corner of our state,” he noted.
Maxwell acknowledged Queensland’s consistent participation in AMW: “Queensland manufacturers have been regular visitors and exhibitors at Australian Manufacturing Week since its inception, so it’s absolutely time for us to bring this flagship event to the state of sunshine, innovation, and world-class manufacturers.”
Minister Butcher also emphasised the government’s commitment to the manufacturing sector: “There’s no doubt we’re the envy of other states, and manufacturers are moving to Queensland because we’ve created an environment to set them up for success.”
For more information about the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Week, visit the AMTIL website.
