Wire & Gas 2026: VASA and The Automotive Technician join forces for landmark industry event

VASA and The Automotive Technician (TaT) are pleased to announce a landmark partnership to co-host Wire & Gas 2026, Australasia’s premier automotive air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management industry event.

Wire & Gas 2026 will take place from 31 July – 2 August 2026, returning to The Westin Brisbane.

Following the success of Wire & Gas 2024 in Brisbane bringing the event back to Queensland’s capital was a no-brainer – this time with TaT as a co-hosting partner alongside VASA, combining the strengths of both organisations to deliver an even more potent program of networking, technical training and industry insights.

Better Together

For 2026, Wire & Gas embraces the theme “Better Together”, reflecting not only the new TaT-VASA partnership but also the broader spirit of collaboration that is more vital than ever against a backdrop of rapidly advancing technology, regulatory and economic challenges, and lingering skills shortages.

VASA President Brett Meads said the partnership was a natural fit.

“TaT and VASA have a long history of collaboration and share a common goal: supporting automotive technicians and workshop owners to build their skills and grow their businesses,” Mr Meads said.

“By combining our networks and expertise, we can deliver a bigger, better Wire & Gas with high-quality training, new topics and more opportunities for technicians to connect with their peers and industry partners.

“This is what ‘Better Together’ is all about.”

TaT co-founder Jeff Smit said his organisation was excited to be a co-host of Wire & Gas for the first time.

“Wire & Gas has established itself as the must-attend event for the auto electrical and air-conditioning trades, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with VASA to take it to the next level,” Mr Smit said.

“TaT will be bringing our training expertise, presenter network and broad membership base to the table, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on sessions that attendees can take straight back to the workshop.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both VASA and TaT members, and the broader industry, to Brisbane in July.”

Exciting program

Wire & Gas 2026 will retain the familiar three-day program, this year focusing on deeper dives into key topics while packing in as much as possible:

• Friday 31 July: Networking event and industry panel discussion
• Saturday 1 August: In-depth technical training sessions covering key topics including air-conditioning, electrified off-roaders, security systems and diesel diagnosis
• Sunday 2 August: Half-day program featuring business training and industry updates.

Confirmed presenters (full line-up and topics TBC)

• Brendan Sorensen – Technical Director at The Automotive Technician (TaT), Brendan Sorensen has 20 years of workshop experience and is an internationally recognised trainer specialising in scan tool diagnostics and EV and hybrid technology. He received the AAAA Young Achiever Award in 2022 and keeps every topic grounded in everyday workshop realities.
• Clinton Brett – Founder of Diesel Help Australia and one of the country’s foremost diesel diagnostics trainers. A heavy vehicle mechanic and diesel fuel injection specialist with more than 30 years’ experience, Clinton is the inaugural recipient of the AAAA Automotive Education Excellence Award and a regular contributor to industry publications including VASA’s SightGlass journal and the TaT magazine.
• Lesley Yates – Director of Government Relations and Advocacy at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). A leading voice on industry policy, skills shortages and right-to-repair reform, Lesley was recently appointed to the national Automotive Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel (SWAP) and serves on the Australian Repair Network Steering Committee.
• Jeff Smit – Co-founder and Technical Editor of TaT who in 2024 was both inducted to the AAAA Hall of Fame and received the prestigious VASA Pioneer Award. A workshop owner with decades of hands-on experience, Jeff is a passionate advocate for technician training and has been at the forefront of EV and hybrid education across Australia and New Zealand.

Session details and additional presenters will be announced in the coming months.

Member benefits

When tickets to Wire & Gas 2026 go on sale in February, discounts will be available for VASA members and TaT members.. Non-members will have the option to purchase discounted VASA or TaT membership when registering, unlocking member pricing and ongoing benefits.

Exhibitors, sponsors and partners urged to secure their spot

Due to the additional reach of the combined VASA and TaT networks, space for Wire & Gas sponsors, exhibitors and partners will fill quickly. Organisations keen to connect with the high calibre of automotive repair professionals the event is renowned for attracting are urged to act now by contacting Jill Johnson via email on jj@jkjmedia.com.au or phone at 0409 217 624.