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.