As Australia’s construction and infrastructure sector navigates rising delivery risk, workforce shortages, decarbonisation targets and accelerating digital change, industry leaders are increasingly looking for forums that move beyond surface-level discussion.
Now entering its sixth year, the Future of Construction Summit (FCON26) has established itself as one of the industry’s most influential annual gatherings, a place where policy, project delivery, technology and sustainability intersect.
The 2026 summit will be held in Brisbane on 19–20 May, bringing together contractors, asset owners, government representatives, financiers and technology providers from across the country.
A National Forum for Industry-Led Discussion
Since its launch, FCON has positioned itself as a practical, industry-driven event, focused on the challenges facing construction today rather than theoretical futures. Its growing attendance reflects a sector seeking clarity and direction amid cost escalation, pipeline uncertainty and increasing delivery complexity.
This year’s program is the largest to date, featuring more than 120 speakers and an expected 800+ senior delegates. The agenda has been developed in collaboration with leaders from across the construction ecosystem, ensuring relevance across both public and private sector projects.
Three Tracks Reflecting Sector Priorities
Day 2 of FCON26 is structured around three dedicated conference streams, allowing delegates to engage deeply with the issues most relevant to their role and organisation.
Technology & Digital Delivery will examine how data, digital engineering, AI, robotics and automation are being applied across project lifecycles, and where implementation challenges remain.
Net Zero Construction & Renewable Projects focuses on decarbonisation, climate resilience and delivery of renewable and energy transition infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on practical pathways rather than aspirational targets.
Project Delivery Excellence addresses productivity, procurement, risk allocation and supply chain resilience — issues that continue to dominate boardroom discussions across the sector.
Alongside these streams, targeted spotlights will explore data centres, living sectors and modern methods of construction, reflecting areas of sustained investment and growth.
From Policy to Project Delivery
A defining feature of the summit is its emphasis on real-world case studies. Sessions draw on lessons from live projects and operating environments, offering insights into what is working, and what is not, under current market conditions.
Topics span major project delivery models, digital adoption, workforce capability, sustainability integration and the impact of regulatory and policy settings on project outcomes. Updates on 2032 Brisbane Olympics and defence infrastructure pipelines also form part of the program, providing forward-looking context for contractors and suppliers.
Innovation, Skills and the Changing Workforce
As automation and digital tools become increasingly embedded in construction workflows, FCON26 will also explore their implications for the workforce.
Discussions will consider how organisations are adapting skills frameworks, attracting new talent and responding to generational change, particularly as competition for skilled labour intensifies. Robotics, offsite construction and AI-enabled project management will feature prominently, not as concepts, but as applied solutions already reshaping delivery models.
Networking with Purpose
Beyond the formal program, FCON has built a reputation for facilitating meaningful industry connection. The 2026 summit includes a series of curated networking events, including pre-summit cocktail reception, a new Gala Dinner, private luncheons, breakfasts and curated match-making between attendees & exhibitors.
An exhibition featuring 80+ solution providers will run across both days, showcasing tools and services addressing productivity, safety, sustainability and delivery efficiency.
Event at a Glance
- 2-day conference featuring over 120 senior leaders from contractors, asset owners, government and the wider AEC sector
- 800+ top level attendees
- 80+ solution providers in Australia’s largest construction innovation exhibition
- Day One: Construction leaders, major & Olympic projects, plus focused spotlights on data centres, living sectors and MMC
- Day Two: Choose from three deep-dive streams:
- Technology & Digital Delivery
- Net Zero Construction & Renewable Projects
- Project Delivery Excellence
- New Gala Dinner + Ice-Breaker Networking Drinks
- Post-Summit AI Masterclass
- Hot sector spotlight sessions on Data Centres, Living Sectors, MMC, Defence & the 2032 Olympics
For more information and how to register, go to Future of Construction Summit.
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