The AIMS National Conference returned to Sydney from 9–11 September, bringing together mine surveyors, industry professionals, technology providers and educators for three days of learning, networking and professional development at the Hilton Hotel.
AIMS National Conference 2026 – A Record-Breaking Three Days in Sydney
Building on the success of recent national conferences in Perth in 2024 and the Sunshine Coast in 2025, the 2026 conference continued the momentum with another record attendance, highlighting the strength and continued growth of the Australian mine surveying community.
Wednesday – Workshops, Sponsors and a Magic Start
The conference program got underway on Wednesday with a full day of workshops hosted by AIMS Platinum, Diamond and Gold sponsors. The workshops and sponsors exhibitions provided delegates with an opportunity to explore new technologies, products and approaches while engaging directly with some of the industry's leading suppliers.
Wednesday evening saw delegates come together for the Welcome Dinner at Zeta Bar. The BBQ provided a relaxed setting to catch up with old colleagues, meet new faces and set the scene for the conference ahead.
Adding a touch of magic to the evening was entertainer Jackson Aces, whose roving performance provided plenty of laughs, surprises and conversation throughout the night.
Thursday – A Full Day of Learning and Laughs
Thursday marked the official opening of the main conference, once again expertly MC'd by Chrissy Morrissy.
The conference featured an extensive program of presentations covering many of the technologies, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mine surveying.
The keynote address was delivered by Thomas Grinter, NSW Surveyor General, providing delegates with an insight into the broader surveying profession and the important role surveyors continue to play across NSW and Australia.
Another highly anticipated session came from former hacker Bastien Treptel, who returned following last year's presentation. Bastien delivered a one-hour presentation and workshop exploring the dangers and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
With AI rapidly becoming part of everyday professional and business environments, the session provided an important opportunity for delegates to consider not only the potential benefits of the technology, but also the security risks, vulnerabilities and responsibilities that come with its use.
The broader program covered an impressive range of topics including GNSS and positioning technologies, drones and aerial surveying, subsidence monitoring, mapping technology for underground emergency response, tunnelling and surveying careers. The diversity of presentations reflected the increasingly broad role of the modern mine surveyor and the rapid development of technology across the industry.
Thursday evening provided delegates with the chance to step away from the technical discussions and enjoy the social side of the conference at the Gala Dinner.
Bringing together delegates, sponsors and industry colleagues in a relaxed setting, the event highlighted the importance of the relationships that underpin the profession and provided a chance to connect and celebrate together.
The formalities featured a career insight from Zoot Ngui, followed by a performance from renowned comedian Jimeoin, who kept the room entertained and provided a memorable highlight of the conference’s social program.
Friday – Looking Beyond the Boundary
Friday’s program continued with a keynote address from UNSW surveying graduate and former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor AO.
Drawing on his career in elite sport, Mark shared insights into leadership, teamwork and high performance, giving delegates plenty to reflect on as they considered the parallels between sporting success and high-performing professional teams. He also entertained the room with some amusing stories from his, albeit limited, surveying career, providing a light-hearted connection back to the profession.
The final day continued the strong technical program, with presentations addressing mining tenure boundaries, surveying education, emerging technologies, professional development and the future direction of mine surveying.
A Conference That Continues to Grow
From the sponsor workshops on Wednesday through to the final presentations on Friday, the 2026 AIMS National Conference demonstrated the value of bringing the mine surveying community together.
The record attendance, broad technical program and strong support from sponsors and exhibitors once again highlighted the importance of the conference as an opportunity to share knowledge, discover new technology, develop professional connections and celebrate the people who make up the industry.
AIMS would like to thank all delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors who contributed to making the 2026 National Conference such a success.
We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2027 AIMS National Conference at the Crown in Perth.
Be sure to bookmark our dedicated AIMS Conference website to be first with updates as they become available.
Prepared by Joel Wooby, AIMS 2026 Conference Coordinator
CONFERENCE RESOURCES
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MORE RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS AVAILABLE IN THE MEMBER LIBRARY
Thank you to our valued 2026 Sponsors:
