Agricultural leaders from across the nation are heading to the Gold Coast for the Agricultural Shows Australia 2025 Conference this February.
The pinnacle event allows attendees to explore the theme of ‘reimagining an icon’ for the show community.
The two-day function will commence Thursday, 13 February when the main conference program will be held.
To conclude the jam-packed two days will be the gala dinner on Saturday, 15 February.
Organisers have added a new addition to this year’s conference, with a Sunday networking breakfast.
Organisers say it will be the perfect occasion to cement new friendships, connections and learnings before returning home.
“Agricultural Shows across Australia are iconic community events, providing invaluable opportunities to promote agriculture,” a spokesperson said.
With more than 580 agricultural shows held each year, the combined economic value of these events is in excess of $965 million each year, with the largest volunteer base in the country. ASA and the Emerging Leaders Committee share a vision for a strong and vibrant network of Iconic Agricultural Shows working together to engage, influence and promote the essential value of Australian agriculture.
The ASA Emerging Leaders Committee (ASAEL) is a committee of the ASA Board, providing centralising coordination of national next-generation programs and activities.
“Emerging Leaders” encompasses the 18 to 40-year-old age group and embodies the sustainability of the agricultural show movement across Australia.
Event highlights:
R.M.WILLIAMS keynote address: Hear from the chief executive officer of R.M.Williams, Paul Grossman, about leading one of Australia’s most iconic brands and balancing heritage with innovation.
AI transformation panel: Shaun Leisegang, general manager of Tecala Automation, Data and AI, will share insights on how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the agricultural industry.
The great debate: Join Lachlan Johnson, vice president of the Mundulla Show Society and National Rural Ambassador; Robyn Sermon, chief executive officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia; David Wilson, president of Queensland Ag Shows; Alex Cottrell, immediate past chair of RNA Future Directions Committee; Brooke Beales, chief executive officer of AgShows NSW; and Reece Jerrett, advocate for rural communities, as they debate the impact of generational attitudes on volunteerism.
Education made easy: The ongoing education of the agricultural sector, as well as the general public, is a crucial role of shows that are a conduit between consumers and their food, city and country. Gain actionable insights from Luciano Mesiti, chief executive officer of Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA); Duncan Kendall, head of education at Sydney Royal Easter Show; and Kellie Blinco, manager of AgForce’s School to Industry Partnership Program, on creating accessible and inclusive agricultural education at your shows.
Networking with industry leaders: Connect with thought leaders like Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, chair of Agricultural Shows Australia, and many others during structured and informal networking opportunities.
Emerging trends: Explore the balance between tradition and innovation with David Jochinke, president of the National Farmers Federation; Kate Shilling, agritourism project lead at Tourism Australia; and Daniel Moorfield, chief executive officer of SecondBite, in a thought-provoking panel discussion.
Innovative exhibitor showcase: Experience cutting-edge technologies and solutions from leading innovators in risk management, education, and AI, shaping the future of agriculture.
Workshops with experts: Participate in hands-on, challenge workshops led by Heather Ellis and Linda Tillman, offering practical tools to enhance leadership and create memorable events.
Case studies to change thinking: Gain inspiration from the stories of Angus Blair, chief executive officer of Lawson Grains; John Bennett, president of the Sydney Royal Easter Show; and Will Roberts, president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders Association, sharing their stories.
Reimaging an icon: The vibrancy of Agricultural Shows as a unique, valuable and iconic feature of Australian culture. The agricultural shows movement, worth $965 million to the Australian economy annually, has been an institution in Australia for over 200 years. Some six million Australians – over a quarter of the population – who attend Agricultural Shows each year, including 50,000 volunteers, are an evolving demographic requiring the pursuit of continual innovation in the show movement to stay iconic. Be part of the conversation that uncovers how this is achieved.
