Delegate registrations are now open for Hort Connections 2018, which will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 18-20 June 2018. Next year’s event will build on the success of Hort Connections 2017, which resulted in nearly 2,500 members of the local and international supply chain coming together for the biggest and most comprehensive event in the history of Australian and New Zealand horticulture.

Hort Connections is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ), and will be co-hosted alongside a range of horticulture industry bodies including Australian Organic, Onions Australia, the Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association, Growcom and Apple and Pear Australia Limited, which is returning for 2018. Additional co-hosts are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Hort Connections 2018 will build on the success of previous events held by AUSVEG and PMA A-NZ, incorporating world-class speakers, an expansive Trade Show sponsored by Fresh Markets Australia in partnership with the Central Markets Association of Australia, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Hort Connections 2017 was one of the most successful events on the industry calendar, and included:

  • Just under 2,500 delegates from the local and international horticulture industry (including visitors from over 15 countries).
  • Over 1,200 attendees at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner – the biggest in Australian horticulture.
  • Trade Show showcasing 148 local and global supply chain companies.
  • Over 80 world class speaker sessions, research presentations and panel discussions.

Already, strong enquiry from new exhibitors means that Hort Connections 2018 will be even bigger again, and is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for industry to come together in one central location, network with peers from many areas of the horticulture supply chain and learn about the latest developments taking place in their industry over three informative days of speaker sessions, research presentations and panel discussions.

For more information on the program or to register, please visit hortconnections.com.au.

Quotes attributable to AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside:

“Hort Connections 2017 was the first event of its kind to bring together such a broad spectrum of the Australian and New Zealand horticulture industry under the one roof. The feedback was that it was the most worthwhile event in recent memory for our industry, so we are very excited to bring it to Brisbane in June 2018 for what is set to be the most comprehensive horticultural event in the country.”

“Growers and whole-of-supply-chain members are encouraged to take advantage of the significant early bird savings that are available to attend Hort Connections 2018 while they last.”

Quotes attributable to PMA A-NZ CEO Darren Keating:

“Last year’s speaker sessions offered content that was relevant to every sector of the supply chain – and this year’s event will be no different. These sessions will run in conjunction with the Trade Show, where delegates will be able to visit more exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and service offerings under the one roof than anywhere else in the fresh produce and horticulture industry.”

“The event will also include a range of networking events that will ensure Hort Connections is once again the most influential event for networking, education and business for the entire Australasian fresh produce industry.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:
Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications, 0405 977 789, shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au
Renee Harrison, PMA A-NZ Head of Marketing and Member Engagement, 0404 160 908, r.harrison@pma-anz.com