Construction Powerhouses to Gather at Melbourne Build Expo
Something big is about to unfold in Melbourne. On the 22nd and 23rd of October, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will transform into a bustling epicentre of construction innovation, industry networking, and design excellence. The inaugural Melbourne Build Expo is being billed as Victoria’s largest construction and design event — and for good reason.
Backed by the Premier of Victoria and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, this long-anticipated event is set to shake up the sector. With more than 10,000 professionals expected to attend, over 175 industry-leading exhibitors, and upwards of 300 speakers spread across six conference stages, it’s shaping up to be a must-attend fixture on the Australian construction calendar.
Top Industry Voices Take the Stage
The Melbourne Build Expo isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people, ideas, and forward-thinking dialogue. The first wave of high-profile speakers already announced is nothing short of impressive:
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Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece – City of Melbourne
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Benni Aroni, Chair – Hickory Group
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Anna Cronin, CEO & Commissioner – Victorian Building Authority
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Elizabeth Stonehouse, Head of Quality – Cox Architecture
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Megan Bourke-O’Neill, COO – Suburban Rail Loop Authority
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Henry Okraglik, Global Director Digital – WSP
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Blair Parkinson, Associate Principal – Woods Bagot
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Teeshal Bal, Head of Metro Tunnel Transition Office – Metro Trains Melbourne
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Nick Stylianou, Head of Projects – CBRE
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Abbey White, Director of Community, Sustainability and Social Impact – CPB Contractors
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Marc Colella, Global Buildings + Places Executive Director – AECOM Fellow
These names are more than just figureheads: they’re the movers and shakers defining the future of construction in Victoria and beyond.
What Attendees Can Expect
Over the course of two packed days, visitors will have access to an incredible breadth of content and activities. The show has something for everyone across the built environment spectrum:
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300+ speakers presenting across six dedicated stages and 12 thematic summits, covering hot-button topics including:
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Future of Housing in Victoria
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Offsite and Modular Construction
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Digital Transformation
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Sustainable Urban Development
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Infrastructure Investment
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Diversity and Inclusion in Construction
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CPD-certified workshops offering real value for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
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An Architect’s Hub showcasing real-world project models, concept designs and visualisations from leading firms.
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A dedicated Government Hub, highlighting upcoming planning initiatives, infrastructure projects, and public-sector procurement opportunities.
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A Festival of Construction vibe with live DJs, musicians, celebrity appearances, interactive competitions and entertainment to keep spirits high.
Industry Powerhouses Under One Roof
There’s a unique energy when heavyweights from all sectors come together. Melbourne Build Expo is pulling in top names from across the industry:
Contractors: Lendlease, Laing O’Rourke, CPB Contractors, Hickory, Hutchinson Builders, Built, Icon, ADCO Constructions, Downer, Kapitol Group, WT Partnerships and Crema Group.
Architects: Woods Bagot, Cox Architecture, Grimshaw, Bates Smart, Hayball, Architectus, ClarkeHopkinsClarke, Peddle Thorp, Gray Puksand, and GHD.
Developers & House Builders: Metricon, Stockland, Frasers Property, Mirvac, JLL, CBRE, Simonds Group, Salta Properties and ABN Group.
Civil Engineers: WSP, Arup, SMEC, Mott MacDonald, Hatch Australia, GHD, Robert Bird Group and Jacobs.
Public Sector Bodies: Parliament of Victoria, City of Melbourne, Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Inland Rail, Victorian Building Authority, Infrastructure Victoria and Melbourne Water.
These companies represent the beating heart of Australia’s construction ecosystem, and Melbourne Build Expo is the crossroads where they all converge.
Networking Without Limits
In an industry where relationships are gold, the Expo makes networking a front-and-centre priority. With 10 co-hosted networking events in partnership with the likes of:
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CIOB
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prefabAUS
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Master Builders Victoria
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NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
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Australian Smart Communities Association
And yes, there’s more. The show will host Australia’s largest diversity and inclusion events, with spotlight sessions dedicated to empowering Women in Construction and promoting equitable representation across all roles and sectors.
Why Melbourne, Why Now?
Melbourne is already a design-forward city undergoing massive transformation. From the Suburban Rail Loop to smart city initiatives, it’s clear the Victorian capital is staking its claim as Australia’s construction capital. The timing of the Expo couldn’t be better.
Anna Cronin put it simply: “Melbourne is at a pivotal moment. We’re building smarter, more sustainably and with greater purpose. The Expo is a platform for all of us to share, learn and accelerate that momentum.”
And it’s not just rhetoric. With escalating urban growth, infrastructure upgrades and net-zero policy targets, the built environment in Victoria is evolving rapidly. Melbourne Build Expo is where those plans take physical and collaborative form.
Get Involved
For businesses keen to connect with decision-makers, the Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity. Interested in showcasing your innovations, tools or services? Exhibitor packages are still available at: marketing@melbournebuildexpo.com
Alternatively, if you’re planning to attend, don’t miss out. Free registration is now open at: melbournebuildexpo.com/register-attend
Dates to remember:
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Wednesday 22nd October: 9:30am – 5:30pm
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Thursday 23rd October: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006
Building More Than Structures
The Melbourne Build Expo isn’t just another event; it’s a catalyst for what’s next. It promises to be a space where new ideas spark, connections flourish, and the future of Australia’s construction scene comes into sharper focus.
As Henry Okraglik of WSP puts it: “The industry is evolving faster than ever. Events like this are essential for staying relevant, connected, and future-ready.”
