Program
Day 1 - Wednesday 21 October
MC | Pip Courtney
Opening Remarks | Tony Perrett - Minister for Primary Industries of Queensland
Plenary Session 1
The Truth of Today and Choices for Tomorrow
A strategic overview of where the Australian macadamia industry stands today and the opportunities and challenges that will
shape its future. This opening session will explore global trends, industry priorities and the practical changes needed across the supply chain to strengthen Australia's competitive position and challenge the status quo.
Speaker: Coming soon
Plenary Session 2
Natural Capital. Are Natural Economies Hype or Hope?
Discover what natural capital markets mean for macadamia growers and whether they present genuine business opportunities. This
session explores emerging environmental markets, why Australian tree crops are well placed, and the practical steps growers can take to position their businesses for the future.
Speaker: Coming soon
Plenary Session 3
Artificial Intelligence in Practice. Implementing Technology in Your Business
Discover how AI is already helping growers and businesses save time, improve forecasting and increase productivity. Through practical examples from across agriculture, this session cuts through the hype to show what is possible today and how new technology can challenge
conventional ways of working.
Speaker: Coming soon
Plenary Session 4
Ideas in Action. Innovative Solutions for Industry Challenges
Hear from innovators developing practical solutions to some of the industry's biggest challenges. From new technologies to smarter management tools, these presentations showcase ideas that have the potential to improve productivity, resilience and decision-making.
Speaker: Coming soon
Plenary Session 5
How to Use the Free Tools at Your Fingertips to Make Big Gains
Learn how to make the most of MacAlert, industry mapping, the new AMS website and other free industry resources that can improve decision-making, save time and support more profitable orchard management
Speakers
Leoni Kojetin, Australian Macadamia Society
Emily Grieve, Australian Macadamia Society
Plenary Session 6
What I Would Do Differently? Real Lessons from Real Orchards
Successful growers and processors share the decisions they would make differently if they had their time again. Expect
honest conversations, practical lessons and real experiences that could save you time, money and frustration while challenging long-held assumptions about orchard management.
Speaker: Coming soon
Day 2 - Thursday 22 October
Plenary Session 7
Market Intelligence That Matters
Explore the market intelligence shaping the future of Australian macadamias. Learn how consumer trends, global demand and product innovation are influencing marketing priorities and what it means for growers and the wider supply chain.
Speaker
Laura Davies, Australian Macadamia Society
Workshop 1
Stepping Outside Your Orchard and Into Your Business
Growing great macadamias is only part of the equation. This workshop focuses on the business side of farming, covering financial planning, risk management, succession and long-term business resilience to help growers build stronger, more profitable enterprises.
Speaker: Coming Soon
Workshop 2
Rethinking Nutrition. Moving Beyond Habits to Evidence
Challenge traditional nutrition programs and explore an evidence-based approach to improving orchard performance. Learn how
testing, timing and smarter nutrient management can improve tree health, productivity and profitability.
Speaker
Theunis Smit, OmenAg
Workshop 3
Knowing Your Varieties. Update on New and Existing Industry Cultivars
Learn what we know about Australia's macadamia varieties and how better variety selection and management can improve
productivity, kernel quality and long-term profitability. Whether you're refining existing orchards or considering replanting, this workshop will help inform future decisions.
Speakers
Max Cowan, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
Shane Mulo, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
Grant Bignell, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
Workshop 4
Making Macadamias the Ingredient of Choice
Discover how the new Application Solutions Guides are helping food manufacturers unlock more opportunities for Australian
macadamias. Learn what product developers look for and how formulation, functionality and consumer demand influence ingredient selection.
Speaker: Coming Soon
Workshop 5
Turning Insight Into Innovation
Understand the consumer insights driving successful new product development. Explore the trends shaping food innovation and how the macadamia industry can use market intelligence to create stronger opportunities for future growth.
Speaker: Coming Soon
Plenary Session 8
What the World is Telling Us. How Australia Stays the Preferred Macadamia Supplier
A forward-looking panel exploring how Australia can maintain its position as the world's preferred macadamia supplier. Hear perspectives from across the supply chain on quality, innovation, sustainability and the actions needed to remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Speaker: Coming Soon
Featured Areas
Outdoor Machinery Expo & Big Breakfast
Start Day 2 with Australia's biggest display of macadamia machinery and technology. Explore the latest harvesters, sprayers, tractors, orchard equipment and precision ag tools, plus live demonstrations of robotics and autonomous technologies. Meet suppliers, compare equipment, ask questions and enjoy a big macadamia breakfast while discovering practical innovations that could transform your orchard.
Research Hub
See the future of the Australian macadamia industry in one place. The Research Hub brings together the latest levy-funded research through interactive poster displays, short presentations and opportunities to speak directly with researchers. Discover practical innovations, ask questions and learn how current research can benefit your business.
Indoor Trade Expo
Connect with the businesses shaping the future of the macadamia industry. The Indoor Trade Expo showcases the latest products, services, technology and innovations from leading suppliers, providing plenty of opportunities to explore new ideas, compare solutions and build valuable industry connections. Includes a large machinery hub.
Grower Services Hub
The Grower Services Hub is your one-stop destination for practical business support. Meet experts in finance, benchmarking, succession planning, training, workforce, safety, health and government services, all in one convenient location. Whether you're looking for advice, new opportunities or trusted support, you'll find it here.
