22 February 2022 – Growers and members of the vegetable, fruit, nut, and floral industries are encouraged to register early for Hort Connections 2022, the biggest business and networking destination for the Australian horticulture industry, to take advantage of special early-bird rates for a limited time.

This not-to-be-missed event which will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 6-8 June 2022, will explore the theme of “Growing Together”, which highlights the importance of every sector of the horticulture industry uniting to build a stronger more resilient food system to feed local and international consumers.

Hort Connections is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand (IFPA ANZ; formerly PMA Australia-New Zealand Limited).

These annual events have rapidly become a central fixture in the Australian and New Zealand horticulture calendar, with over 2,200 delegates attending Hort Connections 2021 despite the disruptions from COVID-19, and over 3,500 delegates walking through the doors of the 2019 conference.

Hort Connections 2022 is being supported by Hort Innovation – Principal Convention Partner – as well as the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Syngenta, which have come on-board as sponsors of the event.

“The Hort Connections 2022 conference will incorporate unparalleled networking opportunities for everyone in the horticulture supply chain, a trade show showcasing leading local and global businesses, and world-class speakers,” said AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre.

“We’re proud that Hort Connections has become such a huge event for the horticulture industry, thanks to support from growers and other delegates who are returning year after year to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

“The Hort Connections team has worked hard behind-the-scenes to improve the experience for those who want to attend the event by refreshing the conference website to make the experience of registering for the event as seamless as possible and making it easier to find information about the event’s program and speakers when they become available shortly.

“This year’s event will also see the return of more networking opportunities following the COVID-19 interrupted event in 2021, including the Welcome Reception, a revamped Trade Show that will allow for greater networking, and the return of the popular Diversity and Inclusion Session and Women in Horticulture Session.

“It is fantastic to see such strong support for the event from the industry, including Hort Innovation as the Principal Convention Partner, as well as the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries now that the event returns to the Sunshine State, and Syngenta.

“We’ve already seen around over 70 per cent of the trade show floor snapped up by exhibitors, so we’re excited to offer what’s turning into a massive business and networking space.

“Anyone thinking about attending Hort Connections 2022 should take advantage of the early bird rates on offer and register for what’s shaping up to be an industry-leading event.”

The Hort Connections team is continually working with people on-the-ground at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and in the wider Brisbane community to ensure the experience for delegates is safe and enjoyable. For more information or to register for the event, please visit hortconnections.com.au.

Media material from Hort Connections 2021:

• PHOTO: Agriculture Minister David Littleproud opening the Hort Connections Plenary Sessions
• PHOTO: 2021 Grower of the Year Andrew Moon and Paul Luxton (Syngenta Australia – New Zealand Managing Director
• PHOTO: Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets stand at Hort Connections Trade Show
• PHOTO: Crowds listening to speakers during Trade Show

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:  Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications
Phone: 03 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au