Registrations are open for the 2019 Australian Banana Industry Congress to be held at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from May 22-24 – with big savings for those who book early!
Log on to the Congress website at www.bananacongress.org.au to take advantage of great ‘early bird’ rates, offering 13 per cent discounts for those who register before March 15.
Don’t miss out on securing fantastic on-site accommodation at the award-winning Royal Pines, which will be transformed into ‘Banana Central’ for the industry’s premier biennial event.
Program of events
Excitement is definitely building for Congress 2019, with a jam-packed program already taking shape and promising an event not to be missed!
Congress is always a great chance for growers and other industry representatives to network, socialise and get off farm to celebrate the industry and its future.
More than 12 months of planning has gone into developing a comprehensive two-day program that focusses on grower interaction and plenary sessions that are informative, motivational and will allow growers to take valuable learnings back home to their farms.
Congress Committee Chair Paul Inderbitzin said the program “covered all bases” catering to all growers, from singles and couples, to those bringing along the whole family.
“I’m really looking forward to a revised program. It’s going to be a little bit shorter, there’s no more Saturday, so everyone will enjoy a condensed version and still be able to have a little bit of a holiday at the same time,” Mr Inderbitzen said.
An incredible line-up of speakers has been assembled to bring a diverse range of expertise, insight and inspiration. A snapshot of the program is included to the right (Page 25) and will be constantly updated on our Congress website as planning is finalised over coming weeks.
Welcome Reception
Join us poolside at Royal Pines Resort to kick off Congress in style on Wednesday, May 22.
The welcome reception is the perfect chance to catch-up with friends, network with industry stakeholders, enjoy a beverage and relax before the dynamic 2019 event begins in earnest.
Live music and canapés will add to the atmosphere – and bonus points if you come dressed in a banana theme!
Exhibition Evening
This is your chance to mingle with fellow growers and get some one-on-one time with the wide-range of industry stakeholders and exhibitors taking part in Congress.
You’ll get a chance to explore banana research, the latest industry-relevant products and programs that can help you farm better. Drinks and canapés included.
Banana Ball
A highlight of every Congress, the 2019 Banana Ball will not disappoint.
Be part of the celebration, as we recognise some of our industry’s best and enjoy live entertainment in a stunning setting. Special guest Georgina Lewis (Channel 10) will join us to present awards, alongside our MC for the night, ABGC director and Congress Committee Chair Paul Inderbitzin. A three-course meal and drinks will be included. And, as always, the dance floor will be ready and waiting.
Hear from four fellow banana growers trialing innovative farming practices during an Innovation Discussion Panel on Day 2 of the Congress program.
This innovation panel includes;
• Peter Inderbitzin (Lakeland) bunch cableway system/composting
• Rob Zahra (Innisfail) High efficiency sediment basin
• Mark Nucifora (Innisfail) track bagging machine
• Matt Abbott (Innisfail) pivoting head slasher
OFF SITE TOURS
Two optional off-site tours have been included on the Congress program, to be held on the morning on Wednesday, May 22, prior to the official Congress opening that evening.
The two tours will be restricted in numbers, so it will be first in best dressed! They can be booked while registering for Congress online.
The two options are;
Tour 1 – Duranbah Trial Site – Tropical Fruit World – Husk Gin Distillery
Tour 2 – Visy pack house, Riviera boat factory, Rocky Point Mulching.
More details on each of the tour sites is available on the Congress website.
