Growers and members of the fruit, nut, and floral industries are encouraged to register early for Hort Connections 2023, the biggest business and networking destination for the Australian and New Zealand horticulture industry.

Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 5–7 June 2023, the event will explore the theme of ‘Knowledge for Growth’ to ensure the industry is primed to take advantage of the next generation of research, technology and business innovation to grow the production and value of the horticulture industry.

Hort Connections is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ).

AUSVEG national marketing manager Nathan McIntyre said these annual events have rapidly become a central fixture in the Australian and New Zealand horticulture calendar, with over 3000 delegates from all sectors of the horticulture industry attending Hort Connections 2022. More than 200 commercial and not-for-profit businesses, government departments and industry organisations partner in the event.

So far, Hort Connections 2023 is being supported by Hort Innovation – Principal Convention Partner – as well as Business Events Adelaide, Coles, Syngenta, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which have come on-board as sponsors of the event.

“The Hort Connections 2023 conference will incorporate unparalleled networking opportunities for everyone in the horticulture supply chain; a trade show showcasing leading local and global businesses; and world-class speakers,” Mr McIntyre said.

“We’re proud that Hort Connections has continued to become such a huge event for the horticulture industry, thanks to support from growers and other delegates who are returning year after year to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

“The Hort Connections team has worked hard behind-the-scenes to improve the experience for those who want to attend the event by refreshing the conference website to make registering for the event as seamless as possible and making it easier to find information about the event’s program and speakers when they become available shortly.

“Delegates at Hort Connections 2022 saw the return of networking opportunities that were impacted by COVID-19, including the Welcome Reception; a revamped Trade Show that will allow for greater networking; and the return of the popular Diversity and Inclusion Session and Women in Horticulture Session, sponsored by Boomaroo Nurseries. These were well-received by delegates, and will return bigger and better in 2023.

“It is fantastic to see such strong support for the event from all of our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees to-date.

“We already have 90 per cent of the trade show floor snapped up by exhibitors, which is the strongest demand we’ve seen for the trade show this early on in the year. It’s set to be the largest horticulture business and networking space we’ve ever had in the region.

“Anyone thinking about attending Hort Connections 2023 should take advantage of the early bird rates on offer and register for what’s shaping up to be an industry-leading event.”

The Hort Connections team is continually working with people on-the-ground at the Adelaide Convention Centre and in the wider Adelaide community to ensure the experience for delegates is safe and enjoyable.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit hortconnections.com.au