The first APGA Networking Event of 2026 in Brisbane delivered more than an opportunity to catch up, it reinforced the strength, openness and collaborative spirit that defines the pipeline industry community.
Early-year connection plays an important role in shaping how the sector operates in the months ahead. These events create space for professionals across operators, contractors, service providers and regulators to reconnect beyond project boundaries, exchange perspectives and build relationships that ultimately support safer, more efficient and more innovative outcomes.
Held at Parliament House Brisbane, the event brought together a diverse cross-section of the industry with a shared purpose: to strengthen community and maintain momentum as the year begins. Conversations throughout the evening reflected the realities of the sector, complex projects, evolving expectations and a continued focus on safety and performance, but also highlighted the willingness of individuals and organisations to collaborate in addressing these challenges together.
This sense of community is not incidental. It is a critical enabler of industry progress. Strong relationships improve communication, foster trust and create informal pathways for knowledge sharing that often translate into practical improvements on projects and within organisations. The value of these interactions extends well beyond the event itself, influencing how people engage across the sector long after the evening concludes.
Importantly, events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors who invest in the industry’s collective growth. Their contribution goes beyond event facilitation, it actively enables connection, knowledge exchange and relationship-building that benefits the entire sector. By supporting opportunities for professionals to come together, sponsors play a meaningful role in strengthening community and supporting a culture of collaboration.
The Brisbane event followed the APGA Mini Seminar, which provided a shared learning experience and sparked meaningful discussion around safety leadership and sector improvement. For those interested in those insights, a separate blog explores the key themes and reflections from the session. More here on that
Above all, the event was a reminder that the pipeline industry’s greatest strength lies in its people. Positive, open and genuinely enjoyable, the evening reflected a community committed not only to delivering infrastructure but also to supporting one another in doing so safely and effectively.
APGA thanks the event sponsors, Denso and Tremco Pipeline Equipment, for their valued support, along with all attendees who contributed to the atmosphere and engagement that made the evening a success. With the national networking series continuing across other cities, the momentum built in Brisbane provides a strong foundation for connection and collaboration throughout 2026.