Australian Melon Conference and Field Day 2026

Join us this October in Townsville for our 2026 Australian Melon Conference, with a field day in Ayr. This year’s conference will be hosted across two iconic venues — The Ville Resort-Casino and the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre — providing the perfect setting for industry networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration. The 3 day event will allow attendees to combine valuable conference sessions on research, innovation, marketing, and trends with practical, hands-on experiences such as variety trials and farm demonstrations in Ayr. Your opportunity to have a say on the future priorities and activities of the industry! Why Attend? ✔ Hear the latest melon industry research and development outcomes ✔ Explore new technologies, products and services at the industry trade show ✔ Gain practical insights from field demonstrations and variety trials ✔ Connect with growers, researchers and industry leaders from across Australia ✔ Stay informed on market trends, exports, marketing, innovation and future opportunities ✔ Build valuable industry relationships through networking events and the Gala Dinner Who Should Attend? The conference is designed for: • Melon growers and farm managers • Agronomists and crop consultants • Researchers and extension personnel • Seed companies and industry suppliers • Retail, marketing and supply chain representatives • Government agencies and industry organisations • Students and emerging industry professionals What's Included? Full Conference Ticket Includes: • Welcome Event including canapes and refreshments • Research & Development Workshop • Access to the two-day Trade Show • Gala Dinner • Conference Program • Coffee, morning tea, lunch and refreshments during conference sessions • Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers Ayr Field Day Ticket Includes: • Bus from Townsville to and from the Ayr DPI research station • Coffee, morning tea, lunch and refreshments during field day Accommodation The Ville Resort-Casino, Townsville Ardo, Townsville Exclusive accommodation rates have been secured for conference delegates. Our three-day event will include: 7th October, Ayr Research Station 7:30am - 4.30pm 7:30am 🚌 Coach departs The Ville, Townsville From 9:00am ☕ Coffee and morning tea available Proudly supported by Bayer 9:30am 🎤 Official welcome and opening 9:40am Partner welcome from Nutrien Ag Solutions Ayr 10:00am Research update: Melon quality project 10:40am 🚁 Live Technology Showcase Experience the latest innovations, including drone demonstrations, autonomous equipment and precision farming technologies. 11:15am Product showcase – Teramax 11:30am – 1:30pm 🍽️ Lunch and networking Enjoy lunch while exploring the exhibition displays and seed company trial sites. 12:30pm Industry panel discussion 1:00pm Research update: Soil Wealth Program 1:20pm Product showcase – BioAgri 1:35pm Product showcase – Netafim 2:00pm 🚜 Live Technology Showcase A second opportunity to see the latest technology demonstrations in action. From 2:00pm 🚌 Coach departures to Home Hill High School 3:00pm – 3:30pm 🚌 Return coaches depart Ayr 7th October, The Lawn - The Ville, Townsville 6:30pm - 9:30pm Welcome Event Proudly supported by Sunstate Packaging 8th October, The Convention Centre, Townsville 8:00am – 8:30am Registration & Welcome Coffee Proudly supported by BASF / Nunhems Arrive, collect your name badge, enjoy a coffee and connect with fellow delegates before the day's program begins. 8:45am Welcome & Official Opening Kick off the conference with welcome addresses from industry leaders and invited government representatives. 10:15am Industry Update Hear from Hort Innovation on current initiatives, industry investment and future opportunities. 10:30am Waste Reduction & Value Adding Discover new approaches to reducing waste, improving sustainability and creating additional value across the melon supply chain. 11:15am Melon Marketing & Consumer Engagement Get practical tips on how to use social media to grow your brand, plus so much more. 12:30pm – 1:30pm 🍽️ Lunch & Exhibition Enjoy lunch while networking with delegates and exploring exhibitor displays, demonstrations and the latest industry innovations. 1:30pm Strategic Workshop Work collaboratively with growers and industry representatives to identify priorities and help shape the future direction of the Australian melon industry. 1:30pm – 2:30pm Marketing & Consumer Engagement Discover new opportunities to strengthen consumer awareness, increase demand and promote Australian melons. 2:30pm – 3:20pm Export Development Gain insights into market opportunities, export readiness and strategies for growing Australia's international melon markets. 3:20pm – 4:00pm ☕ Afternoon Tea Proudly supported by BASF Nunhems Australia Pty Ltd. 4:00pm – 4:40pm Levy Status & Reform Objectives An update on levy investment, current priorities and proposed reform objectives for the Australian melon industry. 4:40pm – 5:00pm Closing Remarks A recap of the day's key discussions and next steps. 8th October, The Pavillion - The Ville Gala Dinner 9th October 9:30am - 10:00am Morning tea and coffee Proudly supported by BASF / Nunhems 10:00am – 11:30am Compliance & Industry Standards Hear from industry experts on current compliance requirements, industry standards and emerging priorities, followed by an interactive Q&A session.. 11:30am – 12:30pm Biosecurity & Innovation Explore the latest biosecurity initiatives, emerging technologies and research helping to drive the future of Australia's melon industry. 12:30pm – 1:00pm 🍽️ Networking Lunch Enjoy lunch while connecting with growers, researchers, industry partners and fellow delegates. 1:00pm Melons Australia Update An overview of current projects, strategic workplans and industry engagement initiatives. 1:30pm Conference Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead A summary of key conference outcomes, next steps for the industry, and a look ahead to planning for the 2028/2029 Australian Melon Conference. 2:00pm Conference Finishes A huge thank you to our partners for making this event possible: Teramax, HM.CLAUSE, Wide Bay Seedlings, Hort Innovation, BASF | Nunhems, Rijk Zwaan, Bayer, Sunstate Packaging, and Nutrien Ag Solutions - Australia. We'll also have a fantastic range of exhibitors and demonstrations from: Fresh Track, Netafim Australia, Rivulis, Trical, HM Clause, BioAgri, Ecorobotix, E.E. Muir & Sons P/L, Niqo Robotics, Ag Nova, Corteva, New South Wales DPI/Food Authority (need to send partner pack), Nufarm Australia Pty Ltd, BASF Nunhems Australia Pty Ltd, Rijk Zwaan, Aglantis, SmartMelon, NuEdge Solutions, FairFarms, Teramax, Nutrien Ag, Bayer/Seminis, Steritech, BOM, Tracpower, and Wide Bay Seedlings.