On 16-17 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the bulk handling sector will come together for the industry’s only dedicated exhibition and conference, the Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo (BULK2026).
Despite being a bulk handling event, other relevant industries like the quarrying sector are being advised to attend.
Prime Creative Media general manager of events Siobhan Rocks said that BULK2026 is an invaluable opportunity for those in the quarrying industry to network and to learn more about the latest and greatest innovations that are driving relevant sectors forward.
“Although it’s centred around bulk handling, BULK2026 is absolutely relevant to other associations such as grain and quarry, because we know that Victoria is a central location for grain experts and construction, quarry, and aggregates,” she said.
BULK2026 brings together Australia’s bulk handling and quarrying industries, offering a unique platform to connect with a wide audience, meet new clients, and explore the latest technologies in the sector. The event also highlights critical industry topics, including sustainability, workforce safety, and supply chain resilience.
Rocks said that after a successful event in 2024, the show will now feature a dedicated technical conference.
“When we ran BULK in 2024, it was mainly an exhibition, so we had a lot of great exhibitors demonstrating their products,” she said.
“But in 2026, we are getting back to what we think is the most important thing for a bulk handling event, which is to focus on the technical conference. BULK2026 is really about the content first, supported by the exhibition.
“We are being guided by Australian Society of Bulk Solids Handling and TUNRA, who will curate the program.”
The exhibition still remains a core component of the event and several leading companies have been locked in as exhibitors, including Hark Measurement Systems. The company’s product manager of fibre optics Mathew Cook said he is looking forward to building upon a strong outing at the previous expo.
“We were very successful at BULK2024, and we are looking forward to another positive exhibition,” he said.
“A couple of things went really well at BULK2024, and we want to expand upon these moments to deliver a great exhibition for customers and clients. I knew that I was in the right place when I saw a customer who bought Hawk’s first solution, without knowing that they would be attending.”
Established in 1988, Hawk has won several awards for their breakthrough technologies. Cook said the company has its own research and development team, and an internationally distributed network.
But what HAWK really wants to demonstrate at the show is its ability to make product for a market that is tried and tested.
“At BULK2026, we really want to push our conveyor health monitoring system, which is the fibre optics that we place on the conveyor belt,” he said.
“Our focus is going to be primarily on conveyor belts and end user experience.”
BULK2026 will be collocated with MEGATRANS, Australia’s largest integrated conference and exhibition dedicated to the logistics and supply chain industry.
“Despite being different events, we know that supply chain logistics and the bulk handling communities are really interconnected,” Rocks said.
“We are also excited to change what we’re doing from a networking perspective. For the first time ever, we are going to have a dedicated network evening.”
Experts and industry figures will have the opportunity to explore the latest in research, practical case studies, and innovations that are shaping the future of bulk materials handling. Attendees will be provided with an invaluable technical conference, central to the event, and a chance to meet people to grow and expand operations.
“At BULK2026, exhibitors can expect real leads and projects, engaging directly with professionals who are actively seeking bulk handling solutions,” Rocks said.
“The event offers unmatched exposure, giving your brand the chance to shine in front of one of Australia’s largest industrial audiences.”
