The trade show at Hort Connections 2026 is sold out, with a record number of booths confirmed for the event, which takes place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 June. Due to high demand, organisers have activated a waitlist for prospective exhibitors.
The conference is co-hosted by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA ANZ) and is described as the largest horticulture event in the southern hemisphere.
Last year’s event in Brisbane saw 3,900 delegates attend, and early registrations indicate strong attendance again in Adelaide.
The speaker programme continues to expand, with a lineup including Ben Crowe, Jakara Anthony OAM and Sam Beaton.
Ben Crowe, a mindset and leadership coach, will deliver the Hort Connections Breakfast address on Wednesday 3 June, in partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions. In conversation with a guest, he will speak about resilience, leadership, and balancing achievement with fulfilment and performance with wellbeing.
Jakara Anthony OAM, a dual Olympic gold medallist, will headline the Women in Horticulture lunch on Wednesday 3 June, alongside MC and Olympian Giaan Rooney. The session will focus on mindset, resilience and breaking barriers in male-dominated environments.
Sam Beaton, joint chief executive officer of Cobram Estate Olives Limited, will also speak, drawing on experience in business strategy, financial modelling and capital management.
The event will open with farm and processing site tours on day one. Day two will include plenary sessions, the official opening of the trade show and a welcome event at Adelaide Oval. The trade show will run across days three and four, alongside additional speaker sessions and demonstrations. The programme will conclude on Thursday evening with the Gala Dinner and Horticulture Awards for Excellence.
AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote said, “The lineup of exhibitors and speakers for Hort Connections 2026 is continuing to evolve, along with anticipation for what is shaping as a hugely important event for the horticulture industry. Over four days in Adelaide, Hort Connections 2026 will bring our industry together as we consider the current key themes, challenges and opportunities facing the sector, while keeping up with the latest technology and innovations in Australian and international horticulture.”
IFPA ANZ managing director Belinda Wilson said, “Hort Connections brings together the entire horticulture industry and supply chain, from growers right through to retailers. This is about showcasing fresh produce and our essential role building a future where food is healthy, accessible and sustainably produced for generations to come. The innovation, ag-tech and opportunities for new connections are not-to-be-missed.”
