2015 National Horticulture Convention

• AUSVEG, the industry representative body for vegetable and potato growers teamed up with Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) to host the biggest and most successful Convention in Australian horticultural history
• The Convention received extensive media coverage of its program that covered emerging trends and technology impacting the industry
• Featured the largest ever tradeshow with over 70 leading agricultural companies

ABOUT THE CONGRESS 
A successful partnership between horticultural groups resulted in record attendance for the National Horticulture Convention held on the Gold Coast from 25 – 27 June.

AUSVEG, the industry representative body for vegetable and potato growers teamed up with Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) to host the biggest and most successful Convention in Australian horticultural history. The Convention attracted over 1400 growers and industry members to Jupiters Gold Coast and incorporated a technical program, trade show and Awards for Excellence.

International and national delegates in attendance were predominately vegetable, potato, apple and pear growers and also included industry researchers, members of the supply chain and government agencies. The Convention program covered the emerging trends and technology impacting on the industry and technical sessions received extensive media coverage, with broadcast and print media covering most of the speaker sessions and the National Awards for Excellence.

The Convention also featured its largest ever tradeshow with over 70 leading agricultural companies exhibiting.

With an event of this magnitude, there are usually plenty of highlights, and the Convention well and truly delivered when it came to memorable events. The program featured the annual Great Debate, which focused on the benefits of organic versus conventional produce, and the DuPont Mexican Fiesta, which provided a fantastic opportunity for delegates to have some fun and network with colleagues. The grand finale, the National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner received rave reviews from the over 800 industry members who came together to celebrate the achievements of the Australian horticultural sector.

OUTCOMES
Manager, Events and Marketing, Lauren Winterbottom said in the wrap up of the 2015 Convention that the feedback from delegates about the event itself, as well as the Gold Coast as a location, was overwhelmingly positive, suggesting the Gold Coast remains the desired destination to host the event.

“The Gold Coast offers a holiday opportunity for our delegates who do not get a great deal of time to leave their farms throughout the year,” she said.

“The weather in June is very mild, providing the perfect winter getaway. With increased flights, the Gold Coast is also easily accessible from all parts of Australia, which is a major consideration for us when planning this event,” according to Lauren.

“This year was the first year that AUSVEG partnered with another industry, Apple and Pear Australia Limited. This partnership was well received by delegates as we sought to provide increased value to the horticulture industry,” she said.

In summing up her experience as an event manager for a conference on the Gold Coast, Lauren gave the city a big tick. 

“The Gold Coast provides a unique opportunity for all events regardless of industry. Accommodation is readily available for delegates and the culture on the Gold Coast is one that ties in well with the social programs of any event,” she said.

THE STUDY WAS SUPPLIED BY