APAL Industry Forum 2022

The APAL Industry Forum is back!

After a two-year hiatus, this is finally a chance to reconnect in-person, share insights, and reshape the future of our industry, together.

Hosted May 29 – 30, the Forum will return to an in-person format, hosted here in Melbourne.

Key topics and speakers:

• Demographer, trend-spotter and business columnist, Bernard Salt AM, headlines this year’s line-up, leading a discussion on the mega trends impacting consumers and retailers in our new ‘post-pandemic’ normal.

• Retail advisor, Tristan Kitchener, and Retail Ready Podcast host and Sourcing Innovation Manager for Scalzo Foods, Ben Whyatt, will share learnings and case studies for successful marketing in a competitive category, and explore what these trends mean for the future of apple and pear varieties.

• Justin Smith, APAL Industry Services Manager, will provide an update on the consumer quality testing project and expose some of the myths around sustainable packaging.

• Grower Susan Finger leads a discussion on the labour challenges that continue to hamper Industry and drive up the cost of production and how to make the Pacific Australia Mobility Scheme (PALM) work for your business.

• President of the NFF, Fiona Simpson, provides a post-election wrap up and what the new Government means for Horticulture.

• APAL’s Head of Trade, Jenny Van de Meeberg, will share updates on work to grow export opportunities and provide the latest on the recent Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (AI-CECA).

• Short track speed skater and ‘Last Man Standing’ Steven Bradbury is joining the Forum to share his surprising and unlikely journey to becoming Australia’s first winter Olympic gold medal winner. Considered one of the ‘most memorable moments in the history of sport’, Steven’s win was not as lucky as many would believe. His victory was a reward not for one race, but a decade of hard slog and Steven will share lessons in passion, persistence and planning.

Join us in person (Federation Square, Melbourne) for an exciting mix of presentations, panels and interviews.

We look forward to connecting with friends old and new…

Please note: The APAL R&D event will be hosted separately in 2022 on Monday August 8, with an orchard tour to follow on Tuesday 9 August. Full details to come soon.

Event Snapshot

Sunday 29 May 2022

Welcome drinks and BBQ - 5.00pm – 8.30pm, Beer DeLuxe, Hop Bar, Federation Square, Melbourne CBD.

Monday 30 May 2022

APAL Industry Forum - 9.00am – 5.00pm, Zinc at Federation Square, Cnr Princes Walk &, Russell St Ext, Melbourne CBD

We are grateful to our sponsors, Unitec and Adama, for their continued support to deliver this important in-person opportunity for the Australian apple and pear industry.

More Information

Accomodation:

APAL has arranged a special rate for accommodation near Federation Square. Details will be provided upon registration.

Refund policy:

In the event that the Forum is unable to go ahead in person due to COVID restrictions, APAL will refund the cost of the ticket (less booking fees and charges).

Full refund up to 1 day before event.

Contact details:

If you require further assistance or to take advantage of our concierge booking please email apalevents@apal.org.au or phone (03) 9329 3511.

Why attend?

Connect

Meet and catch up in-person with growers, packhouse managers, exporters, marketers, agronomists and researchers at long last!

Engage

A high-calibre agenda is planned. Our line-up of speakers will challenge your thinking on how we can operate, deliver quality produce, and drive the industry forward.

Network

Expect plenty of networking, and celebration alongside all the learning. See your fellow industry members face-to-face again with the welcome drinks on Sunday night along with the all-day Forum on Monday.

Stay up to date

Plenty of news you can use: Our agenda will equip you with the technical, commercial, and leadership skills necessary to respond to emerging industry trends.