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.”
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’.
