Held at Sydney’s spectacular International Convention Centre, the national conference opened on Wednesday, October 14, with HBT CEO Greg Benstead addressing members for the first time since Stealth Group became the parent company of Hardware & Building Traders in November 2025. (Further details of Greg’s address will be detailed in next week’s edition.)
The conference set the stage for two days of industry insights, business opportunities and connections, with speakers challenging members to think differently about the future of their businesses.
Housing challenges bring new opportunities
During the business sessions, Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive of Industry and Policy, provided members with an outlook on Australia’s housing industry, highlighting the challenges facing residential construction and the opportunities emerging for timber and hardware businesses.
The industry faces an estimated shortage of 83,000 tradespeople across 12 key housing trades, alongside constraints on serviced land and rising regulatory costs.
Croft also highlighted the impact of government fees and regulatory imposts, which account for an estimated 49 per cent of a $1.3 million house-and-land package in a NSW growth corridor before construction begins.
However, the outlook also revealed opportunities for businesses prepared to respond to changing customer needs.
Australia’s renovation and alterations market has grown towards $60 billion, while increasing interest in granny flats, energy-efficient homes and prefabricated construction is creating opportunities across the sector.
Gus Balbontin challenges members to keep evolving
High-energy keynote speaker Gus Balbontin also delivered a powerful message about adaptability, urging HBT members to step outside their comfort zones, challenge the status quo and never stop evolving.
A former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer at Lonely Planet, Gus encouraged business owners to keep questioning, experimenting and looking for new ways to do things — even when business is going well.
Delivered with energy, humour and straight-talking insight, his presentation left members with a timely reminder not to wait for change to force their hand.
Trade show puts products and opportunities in the spotlight
The conference trade show opened on Wednesday afternoon with a dedicated Power Hour, giving members an early opportunity to explore exhibitor stands, discover products and connect with suppliers over afternoon drinks.
Throughout Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, members browsed a wide range of exhibitors showcasing new and innovative products, special conference offers and products exclusive to HBT members.
The event also provided an opportunity for the National Timber and Hardware Association (NTHA) to connect directly with members.
NTHA Member WHS/HR Manager Vicki Stableford and Communications and Marketing Manager Christine Bannister manned the NTHA stand, highlighting membership benefits, including training discounts and support with apprenticeships and traineeships.
NTHA’s special conference offer also gave HBT members 50 per cent off a WHS site hazard review or WHS system management review.
Sydney Town Hall sets the stage for a spectacular gala
Thursday night brought the conference to a memorable close with the HBT Gala Dinner and Awards Night at Sydney Town Hall, where guests embraced a masquerade ball theme.
The spectacular venue provided an impressive backdrop for an evening celebrating the achievements of HBT members and suppliers.
Guests enjoyed the sounds of the venue’s grand organ, built in 1890 and featuring 9,000 pipes, alongside a surprise a cappella performance featuring a soprano vocalist. In a flash-mob-style moment, waiters joined the performance, adding to the evening’s entertainment.
The night also recognised outstanding contributions across the HBT network, with member recognition awards and supplier awards presented across multiple categories.
Celebrating the 2026 award winners
The 2026 Member Recognition Awards honoured businesses across six states:
- NSW: Timberfix
- Queensland: Wamuran Produce & Hardware
- Victoria: Bayside Timber & Truss
- Western Australia: B & B Hardware
- Tasmania: Beaconsfield H Hardware
- South Australia: Buildlogix
The 2026 Supplier of the Year awards recognised excellence across HBT’s supplier categories:
- Timber: Woodhouse Timber Co.
- General Hardware: Mocare Australia
- Industrial: Soudal
- Industrial: Klingspor Australia
- Building: Assa Abloy Australia
- Home Improvement & Rural: Norma Pacific
The major supplier honour, 2026 Overall HBT Supplier of the Year, went to Cement Australia.
Looking ahead to the Gold Coast
With keynote presentations, industry insights, supplier showcases, networking opportunities and a gala awards celebration, the 2026 HBT National Conference brought members and suppliers together to share ideas, strengthen connections and recognise achievement across the network.
The focus now turns to the 2027 HBT National Conference, which is scheduled to take place on the Gold Coast in October next year.