Australia’s energy sector stands at a critical juncture. While oil and gas continues to underpin the nation’s energy security and export economy, unprecedented activity in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, offshore wind, and decommissioning signals a sector in transformation.
Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) 2026 brings this complete ecosystem together under the event’s expanded format for a second-year running – connecting operators, suppliers, technology providers, and policymakers across the full spectrum of upstream energy.
From AOG to EXA: Evolution, Not Reinvention
For 43 years, the Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition (AOG) served as the industry’s primary meeting place. EXA represents the natural evolution of that legacy – broadening scope while maintaining the commercial focus and quality connections that defined its predecessor.
“EXA isn’t abandoning oil and gas at all – it’s recognising what the industry has already become,” says Brandon Ward, Event Director. “The same companies, the same expertise, and the same relationships that built AOG give EXA its credibility. The future of energy doesn’t exist without that foundation.”
The rebrand reflects accuracy rather than abandonment. Oil and gas operators are simultaneously driving decarbonisation initiatives. Offshore expertise translates directly to wind farm installation. Subsea engineering capabilities enable CCS projects. EXA captures this reality – diverse energy solutions converging under one roof.
What’s Happening at EXA 2026
The three-day event delivers practical outcomes across a dynamic exhibition floor, comprehensive conference program, and targeted networking opportunities.
Exhibition Floor
Over 200 exhibitors will showcase solutions spanning the energy value from across the world. The exhibitor mix will expand out to carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and offshore wind alongside traditional upstream oil and gas sectors.
Conference Program
The conference features 150 speakers addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in energy transition. Keynote speakers include:
- The Honourable Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, delivering the opening keynote on the state’s energy strategy
- Samantha Buchanan, VP Commercial Australia, Shell, on strategic energy direction
- Breyden Lonnie, Acting Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia, Woodside Energy, sharing operational insights
- Peter Metcalfe, Woodside Energy, discussing climate and sustainability policy
Session streams cover gas in a lower-carbon future, engineering breakthroughs, CCS deployment, hydrogen infrastructure, offshore wind development, and decommissioning execution. The program balances strategic vision with technical detail – designed for busy professionals seeking actionable intelligence.
Networking and Connections
EXA brings the entire upstream energy supply chain together – operators, suppliers, technology providers, and policymakers – creating unmatched networking opportunities across three days.
The event’s highly sought-after networking program includes the Subsea Welcome Drinks sponsored by SKADI Offshore, Delmar Opening Party, and Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast Briefing. These aren’t casual mingles, they’re structured opportunities where the right conversations happen between decision-makers and solution providers.
EXA creates the environment where genuine business relationships are built.
Strong Market Momentum
Pre-registration data suggests significant industry appetite. “We’re tracking approximately 30% ahead of where we were this time last year,” Ward notes. “We’re projecting over 5,500 qualified visitors – operators, engineers, project managers, and procurement professionals walking through those doors in March.”
Government engagement reflects the event’s elevated profile. Beyond Premier Cook’s keynote, major sponsors include the Government of Western Australia, Woodside, Chevron, the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), City of Perth, and Business Events Perth.
Why It Matters Now
Oil and gas remains the foundation – Australia’s energy security and a multi-billion dollar export industry aren’t going anywhere. EXA 2026 continues to serve the upstream sector with the drilling, engineering, subsea, and asset integrity solutions that have always defined the event.
But the same companies delivering today’s energy projects are also driving tomorrow’s opportunities. Several factors converge to make EXA 2026 particularly timely:
Decommissioning pipeline: With over 65 platforms and 3,000 wells approaching end of life, Australia faces a $60+ billion opportunity over the coming decades – work that requires the same offshore and subsea expertise the industry has spent decades building.
CCS acceleration: Major emitters actively seek scalable carbon capture solutions to meet emissions targets. The infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and project execution skills from oil and gas translate directly to CCS deployment.
Western Australia’s hydrogen ambitions: The state government is investing billions in hydrogen hubs and export infrastructure. From production facilities to transport solutions, the supply chain expertise already exists – it’s being redirected, not reinvented.
Offshore wind momentum: Multiple offshore wind zones declared across Victoria, NSW, and WA drive demand for installation services, subsea engineering, and operations expertise – capabilities the offshore oil and gas sector has mastered.
These aren’t separate industries replacing oil and gas. They’re extensions of existing expertise, creating commercial opportunities for companies already positioned to deliver. EXA brings those companies face-to-face with the organisations making investment decisions across the complete energy mix.
A Meeting Place for Real Outcomes
“Success at EXA isn’t just about showing up,” Ward says. “It’s about engagement and making genuine connections. The audience will be there, we’re confident of that. Our job is to create the environment where meaningful business happens.”
For industry professionals navigating complex market dynamics, managing existing assets while evaluating new opportunities, EXA delivers curated access to technologies, expertise, and partnerships across the complete energy ecosystem. It’s where deals start, projects take shape, and the practical work of energy transition happens.
Registration and Information
Energy Exchange Australia 2026 takes place March 10-12 at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre. Visitor registration, exhibitor information, and the full conference program are available at exaexpo.com.au
The event represents Australia’s most comprehensive platform for upstream energy collaboration, where established know-how meets emerging innovation, and where the practical work of energy transition happens.