Australia’s trucking industry will come together on the Gold Coast this November for NatRoad Connect 26, with a focus on helping road transport operators strengthen their businesses in the face of an increasingly challenging operating environment.
Held on 5 and 6 November 2026 at The Star Gold Coast, the National Road Transport Association’s (NatRoad) annual conference will bring operators from around the country together to discuss what is really happening on the ground and share ideas and insights to help operators make better business decisions, manage risk and protect their business.
This year’s theme, High Stakes, Higher Standards, reflects the reality facing transport businesses after a tough year of fuel shocks, changing laws and rising costs.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said: “The stakes are high for transport businesses. Operators need to know what is changing around them and understand what it means for their business and what they can do about it.”
Over two days, NatRoad Connect 26 will discuss the issues affecting operators’ businesses, with sessions from strengthening commercial relationships to negotiate fair outcomes, managing cashflow and business finances, navigate changing compliance requirements, to tackling workforce planning and succession challenges.
Senator Glenn Sterle will deliver the keynote address, while seasoned operators and industry experts will share their experiences of the commercial and operational pressures facing transport businesses and approaches to addressing them.
The conference also offers a rare opportunity for operators from across the country to step away from the day-to-day demands of running a transport business and come together face-to-face.
“Running a transport business can be isolating, and there aren’t many opportunities for operators to get together with people who understand what they’re dealing with,” Mr Clark said.
“NatRoad Connect 26 is a chance to compare experiences, catch up with industry friends and colleagues, and take home ideas that can make a difference to your business” Registrations for NatRoad Connect 26 are now open. Further details, including the program and registration information, are available at: natroad.com.au/connect26
