As MC of the 2026 Mobility Exchange Summit, Jane Riley brought fresh insights from the European Relocation Association (EuRA) Conference in Malta just days before joining delegates in regional Victoria. In this first article from our Summit Insights Series, Jane reflects on the global conversations shaping the future of mobility and how they connect with the themes explored throughout the Summit.
Guest post by Jane Riley, Director Transformation & Strategic Growth, Set4Life Global
Having recently attended a number of major industry events, including the EuRA Conference in Malta and the TEMi Mobility Exchange Summit in Melbourne, I have I found myself reflecting on a common thread that ran through many of the presentations, workshops and conversations – how growth looks different today.
Our industry is navigating a period of significant change – and organisations are increasingly asking not only how to grow, but how to remain relevant, resilient and valuable in an evolving global landscape.
Having attended industry events for many years, one noticeable shift this year was the openness with which leaders discussed both challenges and opportunities. Conversations were refreshingly honest. Topics such as profitability, consolidation, AI adoption, evolving client expectations and workforce trends were tackled directly, reflecting an industry focused not simply on growth, but on long-term sustainability.
What struck me most was that the conversation is growing away from the tactics such as mobility policies, tax implications, compliance and relocating people. It is increasingly about further helping organisations, supporting their challenges and individuals successfully navigate constant change.
Growth Looks Different Today
A recurring message is that growth is not driven by traditional relocation services or traditional approaches to global mobility. Organisations are exploring new ways to create value through:
- Immigration and compliance services
- Workforce and talent mobility solutions
- Technology-enabled services
- Strategic partnerships and alliances
- Broader advisory and consulting capabilities
Diversification is no longer simply a growth strategy. It is becoming a resilience strategy.
Organisations that are willing to evolve beyond their traditional service offerings are positioning themselves to respond more effectively to changing client needs and market conditions.
Why Is Australia so Challenging? Spiders, Snakes and Strong Local Expertise!
While overseas, a theme that resonated with me was the importance of local expertise and industry associations. Interestingly, I heard several speakers and panellists reference Australia as a “unique destination” for relocating employees and their families.
I must say, I found this a little surprising, but they went on to highlight that Australia’s vast geography, complex immigration framework, housing challenges, cost of living pressures and distance from many global headquarters can create a relocation experience unlike almost anywhere else in the world. While many countries face individual challenges, Australia often presents them simultaneously. Fascinating, right?
Oh, and did you know? The number 2 reason for declined assignments to Australia is the fear of spiders, snakes, sharks and other scary things they think they may encounter! True story.
So, while global networks provide scale and reach, local knowledge remains essential. Whether navigating immigration requirements, understanding cultural nuances or supporting employees on the ground, local expertise continues to play a crucial role in successful mobility outcomes.
This reinforces that growth is not always about becoming bigger. Sometimes it is about becoming more connected, more collaborative and more deeply embedded within the communities we serve.
Collaboration Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
One of the most engaging discussions I participated in centred on collaboration, a topic that was also explored in a panel session I had the privilege of moderating.
Across the industry, there is growing recognition that no single provider can be everything to everyone. The organisations delivering the strongest outcomes are increasingly those that build trusted partnerships, share expertise and focus on collective success.
In a highly connected global environment, collaboration is becoming a genuine competitive advantage, with trust, transparency, honest communication and a long-term mindset the top priorities.
Technology Continues to Accelerate Change
No surprise, Artificial Intelligence remains a hot topic, with discussions exploring where the industry sits today and what opportunities lie ahead.
There was considerable excitement around the potential for AI to improve efficiency, streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
However, the overwhelming view was balanced and pragmatic.
Technology will undoubtedly change how we work, but it will not replace the human relationships that sit at the heart of Global Mobility. Relocation, immigration and workforce mobility remain deeply personal experiences requiring empathy, cultural understanding and trusted guidance.
The future is not AI versus people.
It is AI supporting people to deliver greater value. Cultural intelligence still matters.
As mobility and global service professionals, we often focus on the pragmatic elements such as; logistics, compliance and process. Yet successful assignments and relocations as we now, are ultimately human experiences.
As workforces become increasingly global, cultural intelligence remains a critical capability for organisations, leaders and service providers alike.
Technology may be transforming our industry, but human connection continues to matter.
Looking Ahead
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from these events was the spirit of optimism.
The willingness of leaders to share ideas, challenge assumptions and learn from one another demonstrated the strength of our global mobility community.
If there is one lesson I can share from both events, it is this:
The future belongs to organisations that remain curious, embrace change and continue to put people at the centre of decision-making.
Our industry is evolving rapidly, but the fundamentals remain unchanged. Strong relationships, trusted partnerships and a commitment to supporting people through change will always matter.
The organisations that thrive will be those that combine these strengths with innovation, agility and a willingness to explore new possibilities.
