Bulk Expo 2026 reveals practical conference themes, with discounted tickets driving industry engagement.
There’s no shortage of theory in bulk solids handling, but straight talk about what actually works when things get messy on site is much harder to come by.
That’s where Bulk Expo is aiming its conference this year. The program, curated by the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), is built around the issues operators keep running into, from stubborn dust to conveyors that don’t behave the way they should.
“We didn’t want a program that just talks at people,” Molly Hancock, Head of Marketing – Events at Prime Creative Media says.
“We wanted to put together a conference that gets into the detail of what’s actually going wrong on site and what’s working to fix it.”
The newly announced conference themes reflect that approach, with each session shaped by real operational pressure points.
Conveyors, Mechanical Handling & System Performance
Looking at belt and mechanical conveying from the inside out, this theme covers fire safety, fibre optic monitoring, wear resistance testing and the redesign of long-distance systems. It also digs into mechanical conveying through bucket elevator engineering and low-breakage transport, alongside real-world learnings from revisiting a 13 km overland conveyor with modern technology.
Dust, Fire & Operational Risk
Dust remains one of the most persistent and dangerous challenges in bulk handling. This theme focuses on explosion protection in terminals, proactive conveyor belt fire safety and practical fixes that reduce dust leakage, including how small component changes can shift operations from downtime to uptime.
Storage, Stockpiles & Material Behaviour
From unpredictable loads during discharge to the stability of iron ore stockpiles, this theme gets into how bulk materials actually behave. It includes advanced storage systems, new approaches to bulk tonnage assessment and methods for tracking and maintaining material quality across the stockyard.
Monitoring, Measurement & Wear
This theme centres on visibility. Topics include live wear monitoring of wall liners, dynamic weighing in industrial bagging and systems that give operators a clearer read on performance, condition and accuracy across the entire handling chain.
Simulation, Design & Emerging Technologies
Focusing on what’s next, this theme explores fast coupled solid-fluid simulation tools, new deep mining concepts and the design of complex systems where modelling and engineering decisions carry major operational weight.
Together, these themes form a program grounded in real-world challenges and shaped by the people solving them. Bulk Expo’s conference will bring engineers, operators and suppliers into the same room, focusing on what actually works when the system is under pressure.
Early Bird tickets are now available for Bulk Expo 2026, offering discounted access to Australia’s leading bulk solids handling conference and exhibition. For a limited time, attendees can secure a full Conference Pass for $155 AUD, representing a discount of more than 60 per cent.
Taking place on 16–17 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Bulk Expo brings together professionals from across the bulk handling ecosystem for two days of technical insights, networking opportunities and technology showcases. Engineers, operators, equipment suppliers and decision-makers will converge to explore the latest developments shaping the sector.
The event serves as a meeting point for industries that depend on the safe and efficient movement of bulk materials, including mining, cement, grain, ports, agriculture, manufacturing and bulk logistics. As these sectors face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, manage environmental impacts and strengthen operational resilience, the event provides a platform to share knowledge and explore practical solutions.
The Conference Pass includes access to the Bulk Handling Technical Conference, curated by ASBSH, as well as entry to the exhibition floor across both days. Attendees will also gain access to the Day One Networking Event, sponsored by SRO Technology, designed to connect professionals across different parts of the supply chain.
“We know budgets are always front of mind,” Molly says. “This deal is designed to give people maximum access to Bulk Expo without the usual barriers, so more of the industry can be involved.
“Between the conference, the expo, the networking events and the awards, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant couple of days for the industry.”
The networking session will provide an informal setting for attendees to connect with peers, suppliers and industry leaders, encouraging cross-sector conversations and new business relationships beyond the exhibition floor.
Alongside networking, the conference program remains a central drawcard. Sessions will explore flow properties, storage design, conveying technologies, dust mitigation, wear management and system optimisation, alongside case studies demonstrating real-world improvements in safety, reliability and efficiency.
Bulk Expo continues to attract strong backing from across the industry. The 2026 edition is supported by organisations including the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling and the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association of Australia. Conveyor optimisation specialist Belt Wise has also joined as a Gold Sponsor.
Molly says interest is continuing to build as organisations look to stay informed on emerging technologies and operational approaches.
“If you’ve been thinking about coming along, this is the perfect time to jump in,” she says.
“Demand is expected to be high, making now the best time to lock in a spot at this can’t-miss event.”
