Looking back at the success of the 2026 National Transport Conference

The 2026 National Transport Conference concluded, leaving behind three exceptional days of learning, connection, debate, innovation and collaboration. Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8-11 September under the theme "Shaping the Future, Moving the Now", the conference brought together transport professionals from across Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Canada and beyond to tackle some of the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

This year's event was the largest in the conference's history marking it as a sell - out, attracting more than 650 registered delegates of which were 150 speakers and panellists, representatives from all levels of government, industry, academia and consultancy, and a record level of engagement across networking events and technical sessions.

This year the Conference started early, with a number of exciting ConferencePlus+ Sessions across greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where delegates got to experience significant transport and planning initiatives firsthand, including behind-the-scenes visits to Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail, exploration of Springfield’s award-winning heart-healthy community design, and an examination of how the Gold Coast is leveraging light rail, active transport and public realm investment to transform one of Australia’s most iconic coastal corridors.

Together, these experiences provided valuable real-world insights into major project delivery, integrated land use and transport planning, public transport operations, active mobility, community wellbeing and the future of urban development.

Day One | Setting the Scene for the future

The conference opened with energy and optimism as delegates gathered in Brisbane to explore the future of transport in an increasingly complex world.
Conversations throughout the day focused on how our profession can respond to growing pressures including congestion, climate change, changing demographics, accessibility, affordability and rapid technological change. The exhibition hall quickly became a hub of activity, with over 24 Partners and exhibitors connecting with attendees throughout the day.

Opening presentations included a welcome to country by Refiti Tovi from Turrbal Dippil, updates from Kirsty Kelly, CEO, Transport Professionals Association, John Reid, Managing Director Austraffic, and our Major Government Partner, the Queensland Government and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with Director-General Sally Stannard helping officially welcome delegates and set the tone for the days ahead.

Internationally renowned urbanist Gil Peñalosa from 8 80 Cities, challenged delegates to think beyond moving vehicles and focus instead on creating healthier, happier and more connected communities. Drawing on examples from cities around the world, he highlighted the importance of walkability, cycling, public transport, urban greening and designing places that work for everyone, from an eight-year-old child to an eighty-year-old adult. His keynote encouraged the profession to use the opportunity of Brisbane 2032 to create a lasting legacy of people-focused transport and more liveable cities.

Across multiple streams, presenters challenged traditional thinking and explored innovative solutions to contemporary transport issues. Delegates heard from experts working at the forefront of transport planning, traffic management, infrastructure delivery, active transport, policy development and emerging technologies. Sessions highlighted the importance of balancing long-term vision with immediate action, reinforcing the conference theme that while we must plan for the future, we must also act decisively today.

The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote from Theresa Wells, GHD who explored how artificial intelligence is set to transform the transport sector. Drawing on global examples and emerging practice, Theresa challenged delegates to think beyond technology alone, highlighting the critical role of data governance, trust, collaboration and organisational readiness in unlocking AI’s potential to help solve some of transport’s most complex challenges.

Day One concluded with enthusiastic discussions continuing during Welcome Drinks hosted by Matrix Traffic and Transport Data.

Day Two | Tackling Big Challenges and Celebrating Together

As the most popular day of the conference program, Day Two delivered one of the most diverse and thought-provoking programs of the conference with a  major focus on the role of local government in addressing growth, infrastructure delivery and community expectations.

The  popular opening plenary session  - Leading Local Government Through Growth brought together a number of South-East Queensland Mayors and leaders to discuss the realities of managing rapid population growth, transport investment priorities and preparing for major future opportunities such as the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They discussed funding pressures, freight challenges, network resilience, travel demand management, housing and land use integration, public transport, active travel and the importance of making better use of existing infrastructure.

Throughout the day delegates explored topics including:

• Transport economics and investment priorities
• Aligning transport and land-use planning
• Future mobility and technological disruption
• Building more sustainable and resilient communities
• Active transport and mode shift
• Local government innovation
• Managing growth in rapidly expanding urban areas
• Creating transport networks that deliver better community outcomes

These discussions reinforced a common theme that solving transport challenges requires stronger collaboration across industries, disciplines and levels of government.

Conference Dinner

One of the most anticipated events on the Conference Program each year is the National Transport Conference Dinner, this year proudly supported by Veitch Lister Consulting.

Held at the spectacular Rivershed at Howard Smith Wharves, the dinner brought together close to 370 guests for an evening of celebration, networking and reflection. The venue buzzed with conversation  lead by MC's Xanthia Dubler and Erin Thomas, as delegates connected while enjoying Brisbane's iconic riverfront setting.

The evening provided a welcome opportunity to step away from technical discussions and strengthen the relationships that underpin the transport profession. For many attendees, the conference dinner was a highlight of the week, demonstrating the value of coming together as a national community of transport professionals, including celebrating our Fellows, a tribute to long-standing TPA member Lindsay Oxlad, recognition for our hard- working Conference Committee, and a cheers to 60 years of history at TPA (formerly AITPM).

Day Three | Leadership, Debate and Looking Ahead

The final day of the conference maintained the momentum established throughout the week and challenged delegates to think critically about the future role of transport professionals. This year's debate explored Queensland's highly discussed 50-cent public transport fares, combining humour, evidence and spirited discussion to examine a complex transport policy issue from multiple perspectives. The session demonstrated both the depth of expertise within the profession and the confidence of emerging leaders who will help shape transport's future. The Day kicked off with a keynote presentation by Kenn Beer, Safe System Solutions on the Top 10 Road Designs that Kill Our Community.

Friday was also a day dedicated to our Emerging Professionals and featured networking opportunities, the new Rapid Research Showcase and the Emerging Professionals verses Experts Debate, highlighting TPA's ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of transport leaders.
Delegates heard from senior leaders and thought-provoking speakers who explored how leadership, adaptability and collaboration will shape the future of our industry. Discussions focused on building capacity within the profession, supporting future leaders and ensuring transport systems remain responsive to changing community needs.

The three days wrapped up with closing drinks proudly supported by Point8 and provided a final opportunity to reflect on the week, celebrate achievements and continue conversations before heading home.

We would like to thank all delegates, partners and exhibitors, including the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Austraffic, Veitch Lister Consulting, Brisbane City Council, Jacobs, Arup, Stantec, Matrix Traffic and Transport Data,  PSA Consulting, SMEC, Point8, RACQ, City of Moreton Bay, URPS, Realtime Traffic, Safe System Solutions, Urbsol and Tom Tom, Omni Grip Direct, Transoft Solutions, Viva City, PTV/CLARITY and Bentley for their support of the Conference this year.