The Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) Leadership Series has unveiled its full speaker line-up, as anticipation builds for the event at the Mackay Showgrounds from 21–23 July 2026.
QME has cemented its position as one of Australia’s premier regional mining events and a cornerstone gathering for the resources sector for more than three decades. The 2026 edition will unite the full strength of Queensland’s mining industry, bringing together operators, suppliers and innovators under one roof to shape the future of the sector.
A major feature of the event is the QME Leadership Series, which will once again deliver a high-calibre program of speakers representing mining operations, engineering, research, government, sustainability and industry advocacy.
Across a high-impact program, sessions will dive into operational excellence, safety leadership, innovation, sustainability, and workforce development, sparking the conversations that will shape the future of the sector.
QME 2026 SPEAKER LINE UP:
- Bryson Head MP – Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals
- Dan Iliffe – Regional General Manager QLD, Whitehaven Coal
- Janette Hewson – CEO, Queensland Resources Council
- Neil MacDonald – CEO, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)
- Stuart Bocking – CEO, Coal Australia
- Tania Constable – CEO, Minerals Council of Australia
The QME Leadership Series is a free-to-attend program bringing together leading industry voices to explore the issues shaping the sector today, including ESG and sustainability in mining operations, commodity outlooks for coal and critical minerals, digital transformation through AI and automation, workforce development and skills, mine safety and wellbeing, and pathways to investment and regional growth.
Rebecca Todesco, Relationship Manager – Mining Events, Prime Creative Media, said QME continues to play an important role in connecting the resources sector and providing a platform where critical industry issues can be meaningfully addressed.
“There’s fantastic momentum building for this year, and we are so keen to welcome everyone to what is shaping up to be a brilliant event,” Todesco said.
“Bringing the community together like this creates an invaluable space for collaboration, and we can’t wait to see the ideas and insights that will be shared.”
Alongside the Leadership Series, the exhibition floor and live demonstration areas are bigger and better than ever, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions driving productivity, efficiency, and the transformation of the resources sector, from automation and autonomous equipment to digital monitoring, safety technologies, solutions, and advanced workforce training tools.
With more than 350 exhibitors, alongside leading industry figures, policymakers and technical experts, QME 2026 will showcase the latest advancements in mining equipment, technology, safety and operational performance. The event will also tackle the industry’s most pressing priorities, including workforce capability, productivity uplift and the ongoing development of critical minerals.
With thousands already registered and thousands more expected, get ahead of the curve and secure your tickets today.
Time is running out, don’t be left behind!
Get your free ticket here.
