Two of the heaviest hitters in Australian horticulture are set to unite, with confirmation that AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) will host a joint National Horticulture Convention on the Gold Coast in 2015.

The historic agreement will bring the most significant players in Australian horticulture together in the one location, and build on the tremendous success of previous AUSVEG National Conventions and APAL Conferences.

“AUSVEG is delighted to announce that the 2015 National Horticulture Convention will be a joint venture with fellow horticultural body APAL,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.


AUSVEG is the industry body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers. APAL is the industry body representing Australia’s more than 600 commercial apple and pear growers.


“This partnership will ensure that an even wider spectrum of commodities are represented, as we stage what will be the most celebrated and internationally acclaimed event in Australian horticulture,” said APAL CEO John Dollisson.


The AUSVEG and APAL hosted 2015 National Horticulture Convention will run from 25-27 June at Jupiters Gold Coast, and is already generating high levels of domestic and international interest. Already trade show booths are over 60 per cent sold, and businesses are encouraged to act now and secure their spot.


This announcement follows from the success of the 2014 AUSVEG National Convention in Cairns, which hosted over 1,100 domestic and international delegates.


AUSVEG and APAL are planning to up the ante this year, with the 2015 National Horticulture Convention promising to be a major success.

“We are planning to feature a number of esteemed international presenters and dignitaries, including a Reverse Trade Mission of over 40 buyers from Asian nations, and a massive trade show of almost 100 exhibitors,” said Mr Dollisson.

Previous AUSVEG Conventions have injected millions of dollars into their host city’s economy, and it is expected that the Gold Coast will reap even greater economic benefits from the AUSVEG and APAL hosted 2015 National Horticulture Convention.

“AUSVEG and APAL are extremely excited to join forces for the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence. Whether you grow vegetables, potatoes, apples or pears, the 2015 National Horticulture Convention will give attendees the chance to forge business networks, listen to leading industry experts and gain priceless industry insights,” said Mr Mulcahy.


ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Winterbottom, Manager – Events & Marketing, AUSVEG, Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0439 386 049 E-mail: lauren.winterbottom@ausveg.com.au

MEDIA CONTACT: John Dollisson, Chief Executive Officer, APAL, Phone: (03) 9329 3511 Mobile: 0413 111 123 E-mail: ceo@apal.org.au