Held at The Star Gold Coast, the 2025 RIA Restoration Conference and Trade Show brought together the sharpest minds and busiest hands in the restoration industry for two full days of learning, connection and critical conversation. 

As climate events grow more extreme and insurance pressures mount, this year’s conference couldn’t have arrived at a more pivotal moment. From water damage and mould remediation to navigating complex claims and building trust with clients, the program tackled the sector’s biggest challenges head-on. Industry leaders, restoration technicians, suppliers and insurers gathered to share insights that will shape the future of a fast-evolving field. 

“There’s lots of positive things going on in our industry,” RIA president Brodie West said. “We hope that everyone gets behind them and everyone can see the momentum we’re building and wants to be a part of it.” 

And get behind it, they did! From the official commencement of the trade show on Wednesday 18 June, the atmosphere buzzed with urgency and optimism as stall-holders set up their products, spread lollies and cookies across their tables and prepared for a bustling crowd of curious comrades of the trade. That evening, after welcome drinks, nibbles and some initial networking, guests and stallholders made their way upstairs to The Star’s Isoletto Deck and Patio to watch the Maroons hold off the Blues in the exciting State of Origin match.

Strategy and strength on day one

Thursday morning started with an advocacy and education update from RIA Inc. management committee members Russell Dickson and Sam Ruff, who informed a full conference room on what the advocacy and education teams are doing, why they’re doing it and how.

“From the beginning, we knew we had to do certain things,” Dickson said. “We had to get strategic partners, we needed to educate and get a seat at the table. We also needed to get out there and listen to our members to understand the state of the industry.”

Dickson said the biggest change the insurance industry is having at the moment is that insurers are now in collaborative discussions with government to ensure there are minimum Australian standards for homeowners at “both ends of the street”.

Ruff explained that the lack of awareness of the restoration industry and what they do in the community was one of the catalysts behind the development of the Code of Practice and the push for nationally recognised training to help elevate the industry.

Next up was a riveting discussion with keynote speaker, professional Australian surfer and entrepreneur, Mick Fanning. Fanning shared his powerful story of resilience, adaptability and mental strength – from fending off a hungry shark to rallying the Currumbin and Gold Coast community to help Northern Rivers flood victims. 

“The flood rescue came about by accident,” Fanning admitted. “I was living in the area and my house was flooded as well. I got a text from a mate who said people need help. Within two minutes, we had ten jet skis and several boats ready to go. We left the boat ramp in the dark and didn’t even know where we were going.”

Fanning recounted how his team sprang into action, rescuing people stranded on rooftops, delivering food and rallying support from the wider assistance and restoration communities. Their efforts, he said, echoed the selfless, boots-on-the-ground work restoration professionals carry out every day.

His message left a lasting impact, urging restoration professionals to face change head-on and rise together through every challenge.

The remainder of the day included deep dives into mould remediation and moisture control, legal updates on insurance claims and a compelling panel on managing complex restoration projects. Attendees explored the latest equipment and innovations on the trade show floor, while breakout workshops offered hands-on learning Brodie West presented the association’s performance, strategy and future direction, as well as the new management committee. 

Final day, lasting message

The final day of the 2025 RIA Restoration Conference closed out the program with renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose. Friday’s sessions commenced with The Women in Restoration breakfast, which collected a vibrant community of industry professionals to share stories, insights and encouragement. In a warm, supportive setting, attendees reflected on challenges, celebrated wins and built connections that will continue to uplift and empower long after the conference came to a close.

The day’s sessions delved deeper into the technical and operational complexities facing restoration professionals, with presentations on fire investigation and vulnerability following disaster. A standout session unpacked the variability in Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) assessment and verification practices, highlighting to delegates the impact this has on restoration projects and the need for consensus within the IEP industry. It was a stimulating panel discussion comprising Bryan Jepsen, Claire Bird, Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp and Jeremy Stamkos.

Finally, to lighten the mood, Zeher Khalil, aka the TikTok inspector, shared how his desire to expose shortcomings in building inspection led to an international social media phenomenon. The inspector’s Instagram video clips show the shortcuts tradespeople sometimes resort to when building or renovating properties.

On the trade show floor, attendees took full advantage of their last chance to explore the latest innovations in drying systems, detection tools and restoration products. Exhibitors reported strong engagement, with many visitors keen to discuss real-world applications and training opportunities.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony that saw Elements Group director Owen Boak take home the RIA Lifetime Achievement Award. Boak has been a driving force in the restoration industry for decades – a true pioneer, mentor and advocate whose legacy will be felt for generations to come. His passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to lifting standards and supporting others make him a most deserving recipient of this honour.

Another notable winner was John Hickey, the recipient of this year’s Industry Service Award. John has been a driving force in the restoration industry for decades, perpetually leading with integrity, passion and a fierce commitment to raising standards across the board. His contribution has shaped our industry for the better, and we’re honoured to recognise his outstanding service.

The conference concluded with a powerful closing address that tied together key conference themes – adaptability, collaboration and professionalism – reinforcing the importance of elevating standards across the sector. 

For many, the event was more than a professional update, it was a reset. From technicians to business owners, attendees left with fresh ideas, stronger networks and a deeper commitment to the essential work of restoring not just buildings, but lives. As the crowd dispersed, the collective sentiment was clear: the future of restoration looks stronger than ever. On to the gala dinner!

With packed sessions, hands-on demos and candid discussions, the event proved why the RIA’s presence in Australasia is more vital than ever, and why the industry’s most dedicated professionals continue to show up.