A.G. Coombs Group showcases innovation and expertise at FM Connect 26

August 6, 2026

A.G. Coombs Group was proud to play a significant role in FM Connect 26, the Facility Management Association of Australia’s (FMA) premier national conference and exhibition, held in Brisbane from 3 to 5 August 2026.

The event brought together facilities management professionals from across Australia to explore industry challenges and opportunities including technology, sustainability, net zero buildings and future workforce capability.

As a long-time member and major contributor to FMA initiatives, this year A.G. Coombs was a keynote sponsor, presenter and exhibitor, with the Group well represented throughout the conference program and exhibition hall, sharing its collective expertise across digital transformation, sustainability, building performance and fire protection.

Walker Fire Protection expands presence in Queensland

FM Connect 26 in Brisbane marked an important milestone for Walker Fire Protection, with the business exhibiting at the event for the first time.

Supported by the broader capabilities of the A.G. Coombs Group, the Walker Fire Protection team showcased its complete suite of fire management solutions, including inspection, testing, compliance, engineering, design, installation and lifecycle maintenance services – highlighting specialist service offerings designed to help facility owners and managers improve safety, compliance and operational performance, including:

These solutions generated strong interest from attendees seeking practical ways to manage risk, improve compliance and prepare their facilities for emerging challenges.

VBIS explores the future of digital transformation

Virtual Buildings Information System (VBIS) Executive Manager Nathan Semos delivered a well-attended masterclass, Digital Transformation for Facility Operations – examining how organisations can use data more effectively to drive innovation, sustainability and resilience across the facility lifecycle.

Nathan challenged the industry to move beyond simply collecting data and instead focus on creating purposeful, connected information that supports better decision-making.

His presentation demonstrated how VBIS can act as a strategic intelligence connector, helping facilities managers transition from reactive asset management to proactive optimisation through consistent, whole-of-life building information management.

Practical guidance for heat pump retrofit projects

Andrew Nagarajah, Sustainability Leader – Group Engineering, A.G. Coombs Group, and John Bourne, Leader – Sustainability, A.G. Coombs Advisory, presented Navigating Heat Pump Retrofits: A Guide for Facility Managers.

With building owners and occupiers increasingly pursuing net-zero targets, their presentation provided facility managers with practical guidance for planning and delivering electrification projects while minimising disruption to building operations.

The session explored key technical, operational and strategic considerations involved in heat pump retrofit projects, helping attendees better understand how to approach the transition to lower-emissions building services.

Supporting industry leadership on healthy buildings

As keynote sponsor, A.G. Coombs was also proud to support Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska’s keynote presentation, Clean Air Forward: Rethinking the Future of Our Built Environment.

Professor Morawska is recognised globally for her research into air quality, airborne transmission and healthy buildings. Her presentation highlighted the critical role that indoor environmental quality and clean air will play in shaping the future performance, resilience and sustainability of Australia’s built environment.

Strengthening industry connections

FM Connect 26 provided an excellent opportunity for A.G. Coombs Group companies to engage with facility managers, asset owners and industry partners from across Australia.

Through thought leadership, practical technical expertise and meaningful industry engagement, A.G. Coombs Group demonstrated its ongoing commitment to helping clients create safer, smarter and more sustainable buildings.

To learn more about A.G. Coombs Group’s capabilities in facility operations, sustainability, digital asset information management and fire protection, please contact our team.

Loading ratings...