Join us for the 45^th Annual Trade Expo & Conference!

Located at Marvel Stadium Melbourne, 1-3 October 2026

Join locksmithing professionals from across Australia and New Zealand for three action-packed days of learning, networking and industry updates at one of Melbourne's most iconic locations.

Register Here

What's On

Whether you’re a seasoned locksmith industry member or a newcomer looking to make connections, there’s something for everyone!

We explore the latest trends shaping our unique sector across Australasia, with opportunities to network and refresh high on this year's agenda.

Trade Expo & Learning Labs

See the latest tools, products, and innovations from leading suppliers and manufacturers. Chat with exhibitors, get hands-on, and discover what’s new in the locksmithing world.

Our Learning Labs, held within the expo, are run by exhibitors sharing product updates and demonstrations in focused, interactive sessions.

Click here to see our Exhibitors!

Conference & Training Sessions

Hear from industry experts and guest speakers on the latest in locksmithing, business, and technology. These sessions run on Friday and are included with Trade Expo & Conference Only tickets.

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and stay ahead in your field.

View the Conference program and list of speakers here.

Gala Dinner & Awards Night

Celebrate excellence, network with peers, and enjoy entertainment and awards at our Gala Dinner & Awards Night!

Held at Marvel Stadium on Sat 3 Oct from 6pm - 12am.

With entertainment and a live DJ, it’s set to be a fantastic evening of fun. Dance the night away, catch up with old friends and make new ones at our unmissable Gala Dinner.

We’ll be presenting awards for JAAOTY 2026, Shop of the Year (over 400sqm & under 400sqm), Van of the Year, and Ute of the Year.

Visit Melbourne

Come for the Conference, stay for a holiday!

Make your conference experience even more memorable by exploring one of the world’s most iconic cities.

From world‑class galleries and vibrant street‑art laneways to a renowned food and coffee scene, Melbourne is full of reasons to extend your stay.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find plenty to enjoy just moments from the conference venue.

Plan your visit - where to stay & what to do

Discover Melbourne

Why not make the most of your time in Melbourne and turn your conference trip into a bit of a getaway?

Whether you’re here on your own, with colleagues, or bringing the family along, there’s plenty to see, do and taste while you’re in town.

Here are a few easy ways to experience Melbourne like a local:

Get your bearings: Wander through Fed Square, pop into the NGV, or head up the Melbourne Skydeck if you want a proper look at the city.
Soak up the culture: Take a stroll through the laneways for street art and good coffee, check out Fitzroy for vintage shops and small bars, or catch a show at one of the theatres around Southbank.
Enjoy the outdoors: Walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens, follow the Yarra River trail, or jump on a tram to St Kilda for a beach stroll and maybe a sunset penguin sighting.
Eat and drink your way around: Melbourne’s basically built on coffee and great food – try a laneway café, explore the restaurants in the CBD or Southbank, or finish the day with a drink on a rooftop bar with a view.

With great neighbourhoods, easy transport, and plenty happening day and night, Melbourne’s the perfect place to mix business with a bit of downtime.

Need more ideas? Have a look at visitmelbourne.com for inspiration.

Extend Your Stay & Explore Beyond the City

If you can spare an extra day or two, Melbourne is the perfect base for exploring some of Victoria’s most iconic regions.

Great Ocean Road (approx. 1.5–2 hours drive to the coast):

One of Australia’s most famous road trips, the Great Ocean Road offers dramatic coastal scenery, surf beaches and unforgettable views. Don’t miss highlights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and seaside towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay — perfect for an overnight stay or two.

Mornington Peninsula (around 1.5 hours from Melbourne):

Ideal for a relaxed post‑conference escape, the Mornington Peninsula combines great food and wine with coastal landscapes and wellness experiences. Members can take advantage of exclusive benefits at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, making it an ideal place to unwind and recharge.

Accommodation

Stay close to the action in Melbourne

While accommodation isn’t available on-site at Marvel Stadium, the great news is that the stadium sits right in the heart of Docklands – one of Melbourne’s most connected precincts. Whether you prefer hotels, serviced apartments, or boutique stays, you’ll find plenty of excellent accommodation options just a short walk or tram ride from the venue.

Accommodation options near the venue:

Quest Docklands – Modern serviced apartments with kitchenettes; ideal for longer stays and groups.
Travelodge Melbourne Docklands – Reliable mid-range option, walkable to the stadium and transport.
Atlantis Hotel Melbourne – Budget-friendly hotel near Southern Cross and Marvel Stadium.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders – Stylish boutique hotel near the CBD and major tram routes.
Dorsett Melbourne – Contemporary four-star hotel with pool and fitness facilities in the CBD.
Pan Pacific Melbourne – Upscale waterfront hotel with spacious rooms and city or river views.
The Langham, Melbourne – Luxury riverside hotel with spa and premium dining.
Meriton Suites Melbourne – Apartment-style suites with full kitchens, ideal for groups.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins – Central four-star hotel with direct tram access to Docklands.
Quest NewQuay – Serviced apartments within easy walking distance of Marvel Stadium.

Program

Thursday, 1 Oct 2026

Time	Topic
13:00 - 17:00	Trade Show operational times
17:00 - 19:00	Welcome Drinks at Marvel Stadium

Friday, 2 Oct 2026

Time	Topic	Speaker
08:30 - 17:00	Trade Show operational times
10:00 - 10:30	President’s year in review and Master Locksmiths activities that will contribute to “Unlocking Pathways"	Martin Coote – President, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia
10:30 - 11:00	Keynote Session: Unlocking the Locksmith Industry	Ann-Marie Hermans – State Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Victorian Parliament
11:30 - 12:00	HR and your Business	Lisa Oakley – Director and Lead Consultant, People Associates
12:00 - 12:30	HR Panel Session	Facilitated by: Martin Coote Panellists: Lisa Oakley Nicola Hunt Kris Oates Vince Ransom John Papadimitriou John Mannering Craig Farrell
14:30 - 15:00	Reducing operational spend without reducing capability	Robert Visentini – Co-Founder, Head of Operations, Compra Buying Group
15:00 - 15:30	Speed Dating - Open discussion about your business with other like minded business people	Martin Coote – President, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia
16:00 - 16:30	Locksmith industry Challenges & Risk Management - Insurance	Andre Jacobs – Director, MJJ Risk
16:30 - 17:00	Insurance Panel Session	Facilitated by: Martin Coote Panellists: Andre Jacobs Nicola Hunt Kris Oates Vince Ransom John Papadimitriou John Mannering Craig Farrell
17:00 - 19:00	Attendee Drinks & Canapes

Saturday, 3 Oct 2026

Time	Topic
08:30 - 15:00	Trade Show operational times
09:00 - 10:00	Annual General Meeting
18:00 - 24:00	Gala Dinner & Awards Night

Speakers

Our speakers are industry leaders, ready to share valuable insights and strategies.
Don't miss the chance to learn from the best!

Benjamin Wash

CEO, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia

Benjamin is a qualified CPA with nearly 30 years of experience across finance, accounting, public policy and advocacy. After nearly 15 years in various local, state and federal government roles, found his passion for advocacy and member services as senior executive in trade associations. He has distinguished himself in roles with Master Electricians Australia and Taxi Council Queensland before attaining his CPA Public Practice Certificate and consulting extensively in the not-for-profit sector.

Master of Ceremonies

Martin Coote

President, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia

Martin Coote is the second-generation operator of his family’s locksmith businesses based in Sydney. He joined the board of Master Locksmiths in 2022 as NSW/ACT Regional Director. Martin was elected President in October 2023 and in that time he has overseen the recruitment of a new Chief Executive and fronted a national media campaign against scammers. Martin’s previous directorships include three years as Chair of St Marys Town Centre and Director of the Self Storage Association of Australasia, where he remains a member of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee.

Session: Fri, 2 Oct | 10:30 - 10:30
President’s year in review and Master Locksmiths activities that will contribute to “Unlocking Pathways"

Ann-Marie Hermans

Keynote Speaker
State Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Victorian Parliament

Ann-Marie Hermans is the Liberal State Member of Parliament for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region, known for her commitment to integrity, community, and hard work. Elected in 2022 with strong support, she has since held roles across Education, Emergency Services, WorkCover, and TAC. She currently holds the position of Shadow Assistant Minister for Community Safety and has been advocating in Parliament for legislative changes to strengthen the locksmith industry. Recently, she tabled a petition in the Legislative Council to reduce scam locksmith operators and advocate for a safer Victoria. Ann-Marie is a dedicated voice for her community, focused on practical change and a stronger future.

Keynote Session: Fri, 2 Oct | 10:30 - 11:00
Unlocking the Locksmith Industry

Lisa Oakley

Director and Lead Consultant, People Associates

With over 20 years of HR experience across various industries, Lisa Oakley is the driving force behind People Associates. Recognised on the 2025 HRD New Zealand and Australia Hot List, and featured in the latest issue of the M2woman magazine, she’s the person you call when you need employment advice. Lisa’s deep understanding of HR strategy, employment relations, leadership development, and change management, allows her to guide businesses through even the most complex challenges with ease.

Session: Fri, 2 Oct | 11:30 - 12:00
HR and your Business

Robert Visentini

Founder, Head of Operations, Compra Buying Group

Robert spent the past 25 years building a tech‑based business he founded into a global leader. He sold this technology, which automated incentive and rebate management, to a US corporation in 2024.

Robert is founder, former CEO and currently sits on the board of Profectus Group. He grew Profectus from a start-up to a global market leader, providing audit recovery services of hundreds of millions for ASX100 companies. While CEO of Profectus Group, Robert developed enterprise grade technologies for top tier organisations including Coles, BP and Chemist Warehouse. This tech enabled the accuracy and compliance of billions of dollars of indirect spend. Rob brings deep board-level experience in both technology and data companies. With a proven track record of bringing new products to market, he has repeatedly taken ideas from concept to commercial success-delivering real-world outcomes and exit value.

Session: Fri, 2 Oct | 14:30 - 15:00
Reducing operational spend without reducing capability

Andre Jacobs

Director, MJJ Risk

Andre Jacobs is a Director at MJJ Risk, specialising in delivering tailored insurance and risk solutions for complex commercial clients. With strong expertise across underwriting and broking, he brings a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to evolving risk challenges. Andre works closely alongside fellow directors and founders Darrin Madgwick, Joey Jiang, and Trudy Price-Madgwick to drive MJJ Risk’s strategic vision, ensuring consistent advice, innovative thinking, and long-term value for clients across Australia and New Zealand.

Session: Fri, 2 Oct | 16:00 - 16:30
Locksmith industry Challenges & Risk Management - Insurance