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.

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February

EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) will present an exclusive EtherCAT Seminar Series, geared toward automation professionals, device manufacturers, system integrators, product managers, decisions makers, and students.

March

Foodex Japan is the premier food and beverage exhibition in Japan, attracting more than 3000 exhibiting brands and visitors from over 80 countries.

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.

Entering its 19th year, the festival is a local favourite showcasing an impressive array of craft brews, ciders and spirits in a festive outdoor atmosphere at the Mercure Canberra in Braddon. The exciting street-style event will showcase more than 40 local and interstate drinks exhibitors

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.