BULK 2026 will bring Australia’s bulk materials sector together to showcase innovation, strengthen safety and build partnerships from 16 to 17 September 2026.
Bulk materials underpin much of Australia’s food, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Grain, powders, fertiliser, cement and ingredients move through ports, silos and processing plants every day, forming the backbone of supply chains that feed domestic markets and support exports.
To recognise and elevate the bulk industry, the Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo (Bulk Expo) will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event will bring together engineers, operators, manufacturers and suppliers from across sectors including food and beverage, agriculture, mining and ports. It is positioned as a practical forum where technical challenges can be discussed alongside commercial realities.
Practical solutions in focus
Running alongside the exhibition, the technical conference will present sessions from industry professionals, consultants and academics. Topics will include bulk material behaviour, hopper and bin design, conveying systems and wear management.
For food and beverage manufacturers, where bulk handling systems play a role in product quality, hygiene and efficiency, these discussions are relevant. Improvements in ingredient handling can support consistency, reduce waste and improve throughput.
This year, the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH) was announced as an official association partner for the event, overseeing the development of the technical conference program. By bringing industry expertise and specialist insight to the agenda, the program is set to deliver practical, relevant content that reflects real-world challenges, emerging technologies and best-practice solutions across the bulk solids sector.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Bulk Expo again to shape the technical program,” ASBSH director Mark Jones said. “This collaboration brings fresh research, practical insights, and innovations from industry and academia to Australia’s bulk-handling professionals, showcasing real-world solutions and fostering idea exchange.”
According to him, some of the key conference themes include material-handling challenges, storage and handling, conveying, environmental considerations, transportation, modelling and simulation as well as dust monitoring and control.
“Partnering with ASBSH allows Bulk Expo to deliver a conference program that is truly relevant and valuable to the industry,” said general manager – Events at Prime Creative Media Siobhan Rocks.
“The association’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities within bulk storage and handling will ensure delegates walk away with actionable insights and strategies to improve operations, efficiency, and safety.”
Focus on safety
Safety in the bulk handling sector must not be overlooked. The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) Australia has also joined the event as an official industry partner to catalyse positive change and boost resilience for the sector.
“ICHCA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to improving cargo safety handling and movement worldwide, and we’re thrilled to be joining BULK2026 as an industry partner,” said ICHCA chair Scott McKay.
As part of the global ICHCA International network – a long-standing authority on cargo handling safety and standards – this partnership reinforces Bulk Expo’s commitment to driving safer, efficient, and future-focused outcomes across the bulk solids handling sector.
“BULK2026 is all about bringing together the organisations and specialists shaping the future of bulk handling,” said Rocks. “Having ICHCA Australia join us strengthens that mission.”
“ICHCA’s presence builds even more value for exhibitors and delegates looking to stay ahead of safety expectations, operational challenges and global trends. It enhances our ability to connect innovation with practical, real-world application across the entire bulk handling ecosystem.”
ICHCA represents the nation’s interests at ICHCA International and other global forums, ensuring Australian perspectives contribute to worldwide improvements in cargo safety and logistics performance. By bringing additional depth around safe operations and evolving regulations, it aims to raise safety benchmarks and strengthen industry capability.
“The event brings the entire bulk handling community together, creating space for conversations that strengthen cargo safety across the sector,” added McKay.
“We’re proud to support an initiative that encourages collaboration and practical innovation.”
Building relationships
Networking remains a core part of the BULK2026 program. Alongside technical sessions and the exhibition, structured networking opportunities will bring together operators, suppliers and decision makers.
Building on the 2024 event, where close to 70 per cent of attendees held purchasing authority, BULK2026 is designed to serve both technical and decision-making audiences.
With this in mind, conveyor belt optimisation specialist Belt Wise was announced as a Gold Sponsor. With expertise in safeguarding conveyor systems across heavy industrial operations, Belt Wise delivers safe and efficient solutions that protect critical assets.
As a Gold Sponsor, Belt Wise will be present across the exhibition floor, providing opportunities to engage directly with operators, engineers and decision makers seeking smarter ways to protect assets, improve uptime and enhance workplace safety.
“Bulk Expo is an important platform for bringing together the people, technology and ideas that drive improvement across bulk solids handling,” said Belt Wise managing director Beau Weiss.
“At Belt Wise, we’re focused on optimising conveyor performance through engineering-led design, quality execution and innovation, and we look forward to contributing to industry conversations around safety, reliability and operational efficiency.”
For many attendees, the value lies not only in the technology on display, but in the conversations that help shape future projects.
In the food and beverage industry
Bulk handling is a critical part of food and beverage manufacturing.
For food and beverage operations, clean and controlled bulk systems are essential not only for compliance, but also for maintaining food safety and protecting brand reputation. Advances in grain, feed and ingredient handling also have flow-on benefits for agricultural supply chains and export capability.
Environmental performance continues to shape investment decisions across the sector. As standards tighten and national emissions targets approach, bulk handlers are under pressure to reduce energy use, manage dust and improve site safety.
The 2026 event will highlight technologies such as automation and digital systems designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across processing and transport operations. Visitors will be able to explore developments in robotics, smart conveyors and Industrial Internet of Things platforms.
Get involved
The bulk handling sector remains central to Australia’s economy, supporting everything from food production to export logistics. As demand grows and expectations evolve, the industry will need to continue adapting its systems and practices.
Events such as BULK2026 play a role in that transition, providing a platform to share knowledge, showcase solutions and strengthen industry relationships.
The exhibition floor will feature suppliers across conveying, storage, automation and environmental management. For many attendees, the opportunity to engage directly with equipment providers and service specialists remains one of the event’s strongest drawcards.
Find out more at https://bulkhandlingexpo.com.au/