With under two months to go, Hort Connections 2026 is shaping as a crucial gathering of the entire horticulture industry and supply chain, over four action-packed days of learning, networking and connection at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 1-4 June.

As the biggest horticulture event in the southern hemisphere, Hort Connections 2026 is co-hosted by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA ANZ).

Recent exciting additions to this year’s lineup of insightful speakers and demonstrations include:

• Sam Beaton, Joint CEO of Cobram Estate Olives will speak on the brand’s expansion into the USA.
• Introducing the Demonstration Lounge partnered by CHEP – a dedicated space on the trade show floor where you can see live product demos, technology in action and real-time solutions from across the horticulture supply chain.
• Kim McDonnell, founder and CEO of the award-winning tech start-up Saveful, will be speaking about how her work is helping families make mealtimes simpler, more sustainable and more cost-effective through smarter food choices.
• Renowned chefs Simon Toohey, Laura Sharrad, Michael Weldon, Sarah Pound and Callum Hann will take to the Cooking Activation. They’ll share insights and live demonstrations, showcasing how they champion sustainability while creating exceptional dishes using fresh Australian fruit and vegetables.

The event will also feature what is priming as a sold out Hort Connections Breakfast partnered by Nutrien Ag Solutions on the Wednesday morning, with more exciting details on speakers available on the Hort Connections website.

To enhance the experience for both delegates and exhibitors, Hort Connections 2026 will introduce a refreshed event format. The first day will feature tours of local farming and processing operations, followed by plenary speaker sessions on day two, alongside the official opening of the trade show and a welcome event at Adelaide Oval. The trade show will run across days three and four, complemented by a program of speaker sessions and activations. The event will conclude on Thursday evening with the Gala Dinner and Horticulture Awards for Excellence.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said:

“The Hort Connections 2026 speaker lineup and wider program is fast filling with a world-class array of insightful, informative and inspiring presentations, displays and demonstrations, ensuring delegates will see and learn about the latest developments and innovations in horticulture, and the key issues and themes in the industry. With many challenges currently being faced across the industry and in the wider world, it is crucial that the entire horticulture sector has opportunities to gather together, and Hort Connections 2026 is the perfect platform to do precisely that.”

IFPA ANZ Managing Director Belinda Wilson said:

“During these uncertain times it’s even more important that our industry comes together to celebrate innovation and new technology and showcase our essential service providing food security to our nations.

Hort Connections is uniquely placed to bring together Australia and New Zealand’s $24 million fresh produce and floral supply chain, providing important connections and creating partnerships to help all business across the supply chain grow and thrive.”