The AUSVEG National Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence, to be held at Jupiters Gold Coast from 30 May – 1 June, is now six weeks away and the speaker program is nearing finalisation.

As the biggest event in horticulture, the AUSVEG National Convention celebrates the achievements of the last 12 months and brings vegetable and potato growers from around the country together to experience new technologies, ideas and business skills, making it a must for every horticultural producer.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

“This year’s speakers are promising to be the biggest hit with growers, ever,” said AUSVEG National Marketing Manager, Simon Coburn.

“The 2013 National Convention speakers have been split into four main categories to bring the best value to growers. This year, speakers will be categorised under Sales and Marketing, Research and Development (R&D), Business and Innovation and Future Technologies,” said Mr Coburn.

I’ll have an economic martini – shaken, not stirred.

One of this year’s most anticipated attractions will be a presentation from the charismatic Chief Economist of the Financial Services Council, Mr James Bond. Speaking on the “Changing Global and Australian Economies”, Mr Bond’s experience will give you a Golden Gun to navigate the current economic environment.

“We are thrilled to have James speak at the AUSVEG Convention, particularly given the industry’s resolve to remain export competitive, and understanding Australia’s economic position in the global marketplace is key to doing so,” said Mr Coburn.

Mate, we need to talk…

…is probably one of the worst ways an employer could approach dismissing a staff member. However, with horticulture being the second largest employer in the agriculture sector, it’s a conversation that sometimes needs to happen. Mr Tass Angelopoulos, Special Counsel for DLA Piper Australia, will speak at this year’s Convention on the pitfalls and processes surrounding unfair dismissals to help growers deal with employment issues.

“Releasing staff can be a complicated issue in any business, not just in horticulture. Fortunately, Tass’ presentation will be sure to aid growers everywhere,” said Mr Coburn.

I’m back!

Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics at the University of Sydney, Salah Sukkarieh, created a giant buzz when he displayed his automated horticultural robots at last year’s AUSVEG Future Technologies Seminar. A buzz so great, in fact, AUSVEG knew that it had to find him a bigger stage.

“This was one of the most well-received speeches from the 2012 AUSVEG Convention and the technology is a reality for something every producer has only ever dreamed about – having a fully automated farm. These are all incredible ideas that look like they will pay off,” said Mr Coburn.

For more information on the AUSVEG National Convention, or to register online, please visit www.ausveg.com.au/convention.

Images of speakers are available through the media contact below on request.

MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill – Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG. Mob: 0411 166 748 Ph: (03) 9822 0388 Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au