AIFST26: The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s Annual Convention

The 2026 AIFST Convention (AIFST26) will bring together Australia’s agrifood science and technology community for two days of cutting-edge insights, industry connections, and professional growth.

With the theme Grow, Learn, Connect, and Champion, the convention will feature over 50 speakers from across the agrifood sector, covering key topics such as food safety, health and nutrition, consumer science, food security, advanced manufacturing, policy, regulation, innovation, and sustainability.

The organisation stated that benefits of attending include:

  • knowledge enhancement through the latest trends, research, and innovations
  • collaboration opportunities across academia, research, and business
  • insights into industry trends and evolving market demand
  • networking opportunities with industry leaders and like-minded professionals
  • continuing professional development (CPD) points for AIFST members.
AIFST26 will also be co-located with foodpro 2026, Australia’s leading trade exhibition for food manufacturing, processing and packaging. This dual-event format provides attendees with expanded access to the full food and beverage value chain — from scientific research and regulation through to large-scale manufacturing, technology and innovation. 
 

Registrations are opening soon. Further details, including program and speaker announcements, will be available via the AIFST Convention page.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

April

One of the Asia-Pacific region’s most influential food-industry events is returning to China for 2026, with the 12th edition of the Food and Beverage Innovation Forum to be held from 27-29 April at Hangzhou International Expo Center.

May

Food & Drink Business presents The Hive Awards, an annual celebration of innovation and excellence in the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Bringing together chefs, operators, buyers, suppliers, and innovators for three jam-packed days of action across industry trade shows, culinary competitions, free conference streams, awards, and the best hospitality party of the year.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 is taking place in Bangkok from 26-30 May at Impact Muang Thong Thani, scaling up to 140,000+ square metres with a new hall added for one of the region’s largest food and beverage trade shows.

Melbourne’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! Watch top chefs and your favourite food heroes live on stage as they cook up a storm and meet the makers to sip, sample and shop their produce.

June

Australian Food Science and Technology Week will take place from 1-7 June 2026, aiming to raise awareness of food science and technology and highlight the vital role food scientists and technologists play in shaping a safe, sustainable, and innovative agrifood future.

Sydney’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheese, the Margaret River to the Barossa, we scour the nation to find the most delicious and exciting products around and bring them all together in one place.

Rockwell Automation hosts three days of learning, networking, and innovation at ROKLive 2026 in Adelaide, featuring over 100 sessions including hands-on labs, technical deep dives, and presentations.

The Food Taipei Mega Show 2026 brings together five major exhibitions under one roof: Food Taipei, Foodtech Taipei, Bio/Pharmatech Taiwan, Taipei Pack, and Taiwan Horeca.

July

The Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) is celebrating 25 years of F&B trade connections in 2026, continuing to bridge the gap between international innovation and regional demand.