Experts head compelling line-up for 49th Annual AIFST Convention
A panel of Australia’s leaders in food will address the industry in Brisbane next month for the 49th Annual AIFST Convention.
The Convention, which will be held from 27-28 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, has attracted an esteemed program of speakers, set to debate the challenges and opportunities the industry faces this election year.
Among them will be the Chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, and Managing Director of Simplot, Terry O’Brien; Chair of Meat and Livestock Australia, Dr Michele Allan; CEO of Preshafruit, Alastair McLachlan; Head of Nutrition of multinational Archer Daniels Midland, Janice Rueda; CSIRO’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr Andre Teixeira; and CEO of Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise and Food Leaders Australia, Ben Lyons. These eminent speakers will take part in the Directors in Conversation Industry Roundtable.
With the Australian Government last year naming food and agribusiness as one of the five key areas of growth for the Australian economy, the Convention program emphasises the role of the food sector in delivering against the Government’s innovation agenda.
Futurist and Founder of IBISWorld, Phil Ruthven is another who will share his big ideas for the industry. Drawing on major social and demographic trends that influence the industry, Mr Ruthven will set out his bold ideas for the future success of Australian food and offer solutions to ongoing issues including environmental management and food security in the face of Australia’s volatile weather patterns.
Dr Stefan Hajkowicz – one of Australia’s most in-demand speakers on future trends and decision making and who currently leads the Data61 Strategic Foresight Team – will give insight into digital disruption and its implications on the food markets.
In light of the recent regulatory changes across the industry, those in the know including Deputy CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council Geoffrey Annison, General Manager of FSANZ, Glen Neal: and Chair of the Health Star Rating Advisory Committee, Dr Kevin Buckett will discuss what these changes mean for both individuals and companies across the industry.
“We’ve assembled an impressive program of speakers for this year’s AIFST Convention and we’re excited to have the industry gather in one place to discuss the exciting opportunities that exist in Australian food,” said AIFST CEO, Georgie Aley.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the food industry, one of the most integral industries in Australia’s economy, and we are proud to support the industry’s growth.”
The Convention will this year be co-located with Foodtech QLD, a major trade event for Queensland food manufacturers.
To register for the 49th Annual AIFST Convention, visit http://bit.ly/1pbPPJj
