Hort Connections 2019 Recap
Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar
The 2019 Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) was an event for Australian vegetable growers that provided a platform for world-leading experts to discuss the latest research and technological advances in the global horticulture industry.
Bayer Networking Event
Bayer hosted a networking event on the first day of Hort Connections, sharing their company vision and support for the horticulture industry. Bayer brought together industry experts, key stakeholder and major growers to discuss the industry and some of the challenges and successes they have experienced together.
Welcome Reception
The Hort Connections Welcome Reception was declared open by the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes, AUSVEG Chair, Bill Bulmer and PMA A-NZ Chair, Michael Franks. The reception welcomed thousands of horticulture stakeholders through the doors of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This was the opening of the buzzing Hort Connections Trade Show, where growers and food processors bonded with old and new industry connections and explored some of the amazing products and services on offer.
Syngenta Networking Event
On Monday evening, Syngenta hosted a Networking Event for horticulture growers and key stakeholders. Gerard Sippel and General Manager, Paul Luxton addressed their guests, thanking them for coming and for supporting Syngenta. The event included drinks and canapes, and celebrated the Syngenta Grower of the Year finalists.
Perfection Fresh Breakfast
Perfection Fresh, the official sponsor of the Tuesday Perfection Fresh Breakfast, produced an outstanding breakfast for Hort Connections delegates on Tuesday 25th June. Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey presented on Growing our food – securing the future together, while participants enjoyed their breakfast, sponsored by Perfection Fresh.
Tuesday Plenary Sessions
The Tuesday Plenary Sessions, sponsored by Hort Innovation spanned a little under three hours. Leading business and life coaches presented on the food industry, overcoming adversity, and the future of the horticulture industry. The Plenary Sessions provided a vision for horticulture, and demonstrated how industry leaders are succeeding in an ever-changing landscape.
Tuesday Trade Show
The Tuesday Trade Show, sponsored by FMA-CMAA was the first full day of exhibition visiting and display. Delegates visited 12,000m2 of horticulture product and service leaders who were offering innovative, new-age practices of producing horticulture for our growing Australian and Global population. Throughout the day, the Trade Show also featured many presentations including a presentation from the University of Queensland, Melbourne Market Authority, and much more…
AUSVEG Stream
The AUSVEG Stream, sponsored by Boomaroo featured many industry leading speakers and panels, discussing the protection, cultivation and productivity of fresh produce across Australia and New Zealand.
Trade Show Happy Hour
The Tuesday Trade Show Happy Hour, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience was a conference highlight! Trade Show attendees got down after the Tuesday Concurrent Sessions and indulged in the Trade Show Happy Hour, networking over beer, wine and food.
Syngenta Breakfast
The Wednesday Breakfast, sponsored by Syngenta started off day 3 with a touching presentation from Sam Bailey – Farmer, Pilot and Author, left the audience applauding out of their seats.
Concurrent Speaker Sessions
Following the Syngenta breakfast, delegates split up to attend the Wednesday Concurrent Speaker Sessions – Growing & Farming, Supply-Chain and Consumers, and Over the Horizon – Sponsored by iTradeNetwork.
Wednesday Trade Show
The Wednesday Trade Show, sponsored by FMA-CMAA, had delegates exploring the Trade Show to listen to presentations, view finalist ceremonies, and convene with industry stakeholders.
Women in Horticulture
Women in Horticulture, sponsored by Boomaroo Nurseries, was a perfect way to conclude the conference after the Trade Show. There were two presentations at the event, Tammie Matson (Australian Zoologist), and Josie Thomson (Wise Advocate Enterprises), who left the crowd engaged and empowered.
Hort Connections Gala Dinner
The Hort Connections Gala Dinner is the highlight for many attendees, who look forward to celebrating the year with many industry connections and old friends. The National Awards for Excellence are presented in the Hort Connections Gala Dinner, which recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and companies to the industry.
