Conference

More than 600 people are expected to attend the 2026 Australian Almond Conference, in Adelaide from October 13 to 15.

The conference organising committee has taken on board delegate feedback from the 2024 event and as a result all presentations and panel discussions will be on one stage, instead being split across two areas.

This way attendees won’t miss any of the talks and there’s extra booth space for exhibitors, which are always in high demand.

The hospitality hub will be positioned amongst the trade exhibits, ensuring maximum access to delegates.

The poster display area has also been expanded, giving researchers and companies the opportunity to showcase innovations that will benefit the almond industry.

This year an afternoon session on October 13 has been introduced, with a specific focus on almond marketing.

Almond buyers and traders will get the chance to hear about the work being done to raise the profile and drive demand for Australian Almonds both domestically and internationally.

Hort Innovation is funding almost 30 research and development projects on behalf of the almond industry, this important work is made possible with grower levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

Many of these projects will be showcased either on stage or in the poster display area during the conference.

The Slido app will be used at the conference to ensure all delegates can interact with presenters.

There will be plenty of opportunities for delegates to learn, but time has also been set aside for socialising with the welcome reception, gala dinner and closing drinks providing a chance for industry representatives to catch up.

The gala dinner is also a time to recognise those who have made a significant contribution to our industry.

Further information including the program and how to register and sponsorship will be available shortly.

Almond growers will get the opportunity to hear directly from researchers and learn about new innovations at the Australian Almond Research and Development Forum on October 21 and 22.

The event returns to Robinvale, a powerhouse for almond production.

The location was selected because it’s central for both growers in South Australia and New South Wales.

More than 250 people attended the event when it was last held in 2023 and similar numbers are expected this year.

The R&D forum will again commence with a bus tour, to showcase some of the ways the almond industry is overcoming challenges.

Projects funded through Hort Innovation’s Almond Industry Fund, including pest and disease management, variety and rootstock trials, and best management practices will be explored on day two.

David Haviland from the University of California’s Division of Ag and Natural Resources has been secured as the keynote speaker.

He’ll discuss insect pest management in California and provide input on Australia’s approach.

Attendees will also get the opportunity to hear from people who attend the ABA’s study tour to Spain and Portugal in May.

Participants in the 2025 Growing Almond Leaders program are also set to take the stage, making presentations on several industry issues.

“Future ready almonds” is the theme for the 2024 Australian Almond Conference in Adelaide from October 2-4.

The event will showcase the challenges and opportunities the industry faces and feature some of the most astute almond minds in the world.

There will subject matter for growers big and small.

The conference returns to the Adelaide Convention Centre, with two presentation areas at each end of the trade exhibition area and hospitality hub.

There is no glossing over the fact that many growers and suppliers have experienced tough times since our last conference in 2022 and this year’s program will tackle issues like pollination, water efficiency, disease and pest management, dieback, new varieties and autonomous machinery.

The conference will also use the Slido app to ensure all delegates can interact with presenters and get the answers they want to their specific problems.

Despite all the challenges we have faced, Australian almonds continue emerge as a powerhouse industry that has attracted significant investment.

The ABA, in conjunction with Hort Innovation, has almost 30 research and development programs dedicated to addressing key issues on farm, doing more with less and promoting the benefits on consuming a handful of almonds every day.

On the second day of the conference, a spouses tour to the McLaren Vale winery region is planned.

For those in South Australia and New South Wales, the Wednesday-Friday fixturing of the conference leads straight into the October long weekend.

Program now available

Limited sponsorship available

Sponsorship packages are filling fast. There is a waiting list for trade displays.