Planning is in full swing for the next Australian Banana Industry Congress (ABIC) to be held in Tropical Far North Queensland from May 12-14, 2021.
The ABIC Management Committee is closely monitoring the unfolding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, however the committee remains hopeful of being able to host another exciting Congress by 2021.
The two-day plenary program and tradeshow will be hosted at the Cairns Convention Centre, while the nearby Pullman Cairns International Hotel will host the Banana Bar, Welcome Reception and Banana Ball and Awards night.
The Program Committee has already begun formulating an engaging and thought-provoking plenary program, including not-to-be missed presentations covering topics such as;
• Motivation, growing your business and chemistry of success
• Improving efficiencies on farm
• Innovation
• Succession Planning
• Mental Health
• Overcoming disease/biosecurity challenges
• Global banana research advances
• Commercialisation of new varieties
• Robotics and automation
The speaker program will also include a grower innovation panel, where delegates will hear from banana growers using/trialing innovative farming practices.
Kicking off the Congress plenary program with the keynote address will be one of Australia’s most notable motivational speakers, Matt Church, whose presentation will explore the chemistry of success, how to create positive change and a healthy balanced life.
Mental wellbeing will also take centre stage, with passionate agriculture advocate Mary O’Brien included in our 2021 program.
Ms O’Brien, who founded the ‘Are you bogged mate?’ program in 2018, travels the country breaking the stigma of mental health and
depression among rural men, while also connecting them with vital resources and support.
Andrew Bate, co-founder of SwarmFarm Robotics, will bring delegates up-to-date with the company’s latest innovative agricultural robot technology, creating new farming techniques and improved efficiencies for growers across the country.
As well as providing an opportunity to learn, share ideas, network and discuss the future of the industry, Congress is a great social occasion and the perfect excuse for growers to take a few days away from their farms.
Keep an eye out for the latest in Congress news in ABGC e-bulletins and up-coming issues of the magazine. You can also keep up-to-date with all things Congress – including registration details and program information – at the Congress website www.bananacongress.org.au which will be updated in coming weeks.
We hope to see you all in the tropics in 2021!
For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please email danny.perry@mci-group.com or phone Danny Perry on 02 9213 4015
For general information on Congress please call Sonia Campbell on 0428 038 330.