Nominations are now open for the ARBS Awards 2026, Australia’s biennial event recognising achievement and innovation in HVACR, building services, and technology.
The 2026 edition introduces a new two-stream format, featuring the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards and the ARBS Future Leader Awards. According to ARBS CEO Amanda Searle, the updated structure reflects the expanding depth and diversity of the sector.
“Every two years, the ARBS Awards shine a light on the best and brightest driving Australia’s HVACR, building services and technology industry forward. The new format for 2026 allows us to celebrate the excellence from across all areas of our industry,” Searle said.
The ARBS Industry Excellence Awards include categories such as Major and Minor Project Excellence, IBTech Project and Product Excellence, HVAC and Refrigeration Product Excellence, Education & Training Excellence, and the Hall of Fame.
The ARBS Future Leader Awards will highlight emerging professionals across three categories: HVACR Tradesperson Award (two recipients), Young Achiever Award for professionals aged 30 or under, and Outstanding Female in Industry Award.
ARBS Foundation executive officer David Eynon announced that each Future Leader Award recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support education, training, or research.
“This funding is designed to help emerging professionals take the next step in their careers through further education, training or research initiatives,” Eynon said.
Winners of the Future Leader Awards will be announced at the ARBS Future Leaders Forum on 7 May 2026, while Industry Excellence Award winners will be recognised during the gala dinner on 6 May 2026 at ARBS in Melbourne.
Entries opened on 13 November 2025 and will close at 5pm on 30 January 2026. Further information and nomination forms are available at www.arbs.com.au/awards.