PKN+Food & Drink Business LIVE

LIVE returns to Melbourne in October

The Food & Drink Business + PKN LIVE breakfast forum returns to Melbourne on 11 October. With experts from the food, beverage and packaging industries taking the stage, expect insights and revelations about what it takes to be a truly brave brand. We’ll explore emerging opportunities that enable brands to connect more deeply with their tribe in both the digital and real world realms. We have also planned a ‘surprise and delight’ reveal for the day.

Speakers, panellists and delegates will include Teresa Cutter (The Healthy Chef), Natalie Moubarak (+Hemp), Nicole Ohm (Brownes Dairy), Michael McNulty (Blue Diamond Growers/Almond Breeze) and Cameron Prowse (Alternative Meat Co).

Our keynote speaker is Nikki Moeschinger, managing director of Brand Opus. She will provide a framework to create brands capable of affecting consumer behaviour, as well as explore how the pressure to deliver short-term results is leading to damaging, unsustainable, price-driven promotional activity that’s eroding the only defence we have against the rise of private label in the Australian retail landscape.

Also speaking is Matthew Hurle, co-founder of brand activation start-up Brandcrush. Hurle will give insight into what’s driving the brand activation phenomenon and demonstrate how Brandcrush works with brands and activation partners/hosts to facilitate product sampling and experiential marketing with a difference.

Chris Gray, managing director of The Daylight Agency, will reveal the key factors that make a brand brave in the eyes of consumers, while shining a spotlight on specific brands that have done just this.

The event, which includes a full sit-down breakfast, will take place at the Arts Centre, Melbourne CBD, from 7.30am – 11.00am on 11 October.

Tickets are available from www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/live.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

January

One of the industries largest food and beverage sourcing and innovation shows is kicking off the year. Gulfood 2026 is taking place in Dubai, UAE at Expo City Dubai – with country partner, India, supporting the event.

February

ISM 2026, organised by Koelnmesse, is returning in 2026 – scheduled in Cologne 1-4 February. The trade fair brings together companies across the entire value chain of the confectionery and snacks sector, with attendees from 71 countries already confirmed for 2026.

March

AAHAR is India’s largest and oldest food and beverage trade show, with 2026 marking the 40th edition of the event. It will feature over 1700 exhibitors across the food and beverage sectors, including an Australia pavilion, hosted by Austrade.

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

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.

July

Welcome to Australia’s favourite destination for food and wine experiences. The Good Food & Wine Show returns to Perth for 2026, taking place at PCEC from 17-19 July. Are you ready for the ultimate foodie day out?