Driving Forward: Inside the 2026 National Conference

Amid challenging market conditions and rapid industry change, the 2026 Caravan Industry National Conference showcased the resilience, adaptability and collaborative spirit driving Australia’s caravan and camping sector forward.

A record 1,100 industry professionals gathered at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 13–15 May for this year’s event, taking in expert insights, networking with industry peers and participating in future-focused discussions shaping the industry’s next chapter.

Bringing together every corner of the sector, an expanded trade exhibition featured more than 140 industry-aligned businesses showcasing everything from ice creams to washing machines, while more than 50 keynote and expert speakers delivered a dynamic mix of strategic insights, practical business advice and inspiring personal stories.

Across both the exhibition floor and speaker program, pressing industry issues dominated conversations, including rising operating costs, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer and traveller behaviour, technological advancements, workforce challenges and the transition to more sustainable business practices.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said the event highlighted the importance of a united industry working together to build a resilient and sustainable future.

“The beauty of the National Conference is that it provides an unparalleled opportunity to come together, exchange ideas and have important discussions about the industry’s future, all in one place,” Lamont explained.

“To have record attendance numbers at such a pivotal time for industry businesses demonstrates a genuine commitment to collaboration, innovation and long-term growth.

“The passion and ingenuity shown over the past three days proves our industry won’t just meet these challenges – it will turn them into opportunities for growth.”

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Day One: Setting the tone

The conference opened with a packed program of professional development and masterclass sessions, covering topics from media management and leadership to revenue discipline and emerging manufacturing technologies.

Delegates also explored the expanded trade exhibition, which buzzed with activity from the moment doors opened on Wednesday afternoon. The exhibition featured the latest products, technologies and services shaping the future of the industry, while the centrally located Manufacturing Hub showcased innovations in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, laser cutting and engraving.

The Main Stage program opened with a welcome from Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chair Donna Cocking, who encouraged delegates to view the industry’s current challenges as opportunities to adapt, innovate and emerge stronger – as the sector has done for decades. She also acknowledged the people and businesses whose dedication and resilience have helped shape the industry, with their contributions celebrated through the event’s striking ‘Avenue of Heroes‘ display.

Big-wave surfer Mark Mathews delivered a powerful keynote on gratitude, resilience and sustaining high performance under pressure, while finalists for the thl Industry Leadership Award (Under 40) explored the topics of sustainability, technology, customer experience and the industry’s evolving identity in an engaging panel discussion.

The opening day wrapped up with a gourmet spread of food and drinks at the conference’s official Welcome Function, followed by a crowd-pleasing session of ‘Rockaoke’.

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Day Two: Insights from macro to micro

Thursday began with the highly anticipated Research Breakfast, sponsored by BIG4 Holiday Parks. Dr Peter Clay from Caravan Industry Association of Australia shared encouraging insights into the sector’s outlook, highlighting continued demand for caravan and camping experiences. Drawing on findings from the eleventh edition of the State of the Industry Report, launched at the breakfast, Clay noted that travellers are increasingly seeking value through shorter, closer-to-home holidays. RV ownership also continues to grow in Australia, reinforcing the need for continued investment and advancement in industry infrastructure, services and visitor experiences.

The Main Stage program featured an inspiring address from rugby legend Sir John Kirwan, who emphasised the importance of mental health and well-being in moving from “surviving to thriving” in both business and personal life.

Internationally recognised change leadership expert Ciara Lancaster delivered a high-energy presentation encouraging delegates to embrace change with confidence, clarity and optimism, while leading social scientist Simon Jackman unpacked the geopolitical and economic forces reshaping the global landscape. Jackman reinforced the industry’s resilience, noting that when international travel becomes too expensive or uncertain, Australians often turn to domestic travel alternatives – with caravan and camping holidays offering an affordable and flexible option.

“There’s a lot changing in the industry at the moment, so attending the National Conference is a good way to stay relevant. I’ve come here to learn a bit more about AI, pricing tools and new products in the market to get some new ideas for running our park.”

Geoff Illich – Manager, Brisbane Holiday Village

Dedicated breakout sessions for parks and trade businesses provided practical, operational insights tailored to different sectors of the industry.

For park operators, discussions focused on evolving guest expectations, employee engagement and opportunities to create value through wellness tourism and authentic First Nations experiences.

Trade delegates heard from an international panel featuring Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the RV Industry Association (USA), Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of Germany’s CIVD, and John-David Pozzi, Chairman of the Pan European Suppliers Group at the European Caravan Federation. The panel explored changing consumer demographics across global RV markets, with European representatives noting that consumers in their part of the world remain passionate about caravanning and outdoor lifestyles but are becoming more cautious with discretionary spending. In North America, Kirby said the RV customer base is becoming younger and more diverse, while consumers are also using their RVs more frequently than in previous years.

Delegates also heard from vehicle manufacturer BYD, which outlined the growing opportunities surrounding vehicle electrification and its future implications for caravan travel in Australia.

After a full day of learning and networking, attendees unwound at nearby Warner Bros. Movie World, enjoying an evening of entertainment, outback-inspired hospitality and Hollywood-style fun, sponsored by Iveco.

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Day Three: Practical strategies for future success

The annual Investment Breakfast opened proceedings on the final day, where Australian Retirement Trust Chief Economist Brian Parker provided delegates with a global economic update and insights into the broader financial outlook.

Morning breakout sessions for park operators focused on business management, emerging technologies and evolving customer engagement strategies. Tanya Bowes shared an update on Tourism Australia’s Green is our Gold campaign, highlighting growing demand for tourism experiences with positive social and environmental impact, while PayPal Australia’s Ian Cheah and James Cowlishaw explored emerging tourism payment trends and how parks can capitalise on evolving consumer behaviours to boost bookings and revenue. Sessions also examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping tourism interactions, improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer service and unlocking new revenue opportunities for caravan holiday parks.

Trade-focused sessions concentrated on compliance, emerging technologies and the increasingly complex regulatory environment facing manufacturers and retailers. A lively retail and aftermarket discussion included insights from Adelaide RV’s Jeb Grose, who highlighted the need for dealerships to adapt to a more informed and research-driven Australian RV consumer.

“I find it one of the best opportunities of the year to network, not only with industry associations but suppliers, other manufacturers and retailers. It’s also fundamentally important for us to visit every year because it’s one of our only interactions with the parks sector.”

Andrew Crank – CEO, Snowy River Caravans

The conference’s final Main Stage session brought together Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus OAM, award-winning marketer Brent Smart and BDO Forensic Services lead Stan Gallo. In a fireside chat sponsored by What’s Up Downunder, Titmus shared candid reflections on the realities of elite sport and the mindset required to perform under pressure. Smart encouraged delegates to think creatively and act boldly to drive business growth, while Gallo offered practical guidance on strengthening business resilience and incident response capabilities.

The final day also featured the presentation of the Best Trade Stand Awards, with ISCS, Redarc and ParkPlay – Zoo Creative recognised across their respective categories.

In support of the National Conference’s official charity partner, Pankind – Pancreatic Cancer Australia, Lamont took part in a cold plunge challenge, helping secure an additional $5,000 for the cause. In total, more than $15,000 was raised for Pankind throughout the conference.

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Gala Dinner celebrates industry excellence

The conference concluded with a glamorous Gala Dinner, celebrating connection, achievement and industry excellence under a masquerade ball theme.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious 2026 Caravan Industry Awards. The industry’s highest honour, the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, was bestowed upon the team at BDO South Australia in recognition of more than 15 years of outstanding leadership, expertise and contribution to the caravan industry. CLICK HERE for a wrap up of the night’s award winners.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia thanks all delegates, speakers and event partners for contributing to another successful National Conference, with special thanks to Principal Sponsors Bookeasy and Leisure-Tec.

We look forward to welcoming everyone again in 2027.