AFTER an eight-year hiatus due to COVID, the Australian Meat Industry Council is hosting the 2023 Meat Processing and Export Conference on the Gold Coast from 31 October to November 1.

The conference, which promises to be an industry-defining event, will take place at its spiritual home at the Royal Pines Resort near Broadbeach.

Trade, politics, climate, market access, the economic landscape, animal welfare and logistics are just some of the important topics that will come into focus during the conference program.

A series of pre-conference sessions and activity starting on Tuesday October 31 will include the Meat Business Women’s Master Class: Decoding Confidence with Michelle Redfern; A Dealing with Detractors Workshop delivered by Alliance for Animal Agriculture’s Abby Kornegay; Golf sponsored by Agri-Labour; and a tour of the Port of Brisbane.

In the evening a welcome function featuring an extravaganza of protein and people working across the red meat industry.

The conference proper starts on Wednesday morning, November 1, with a series of in-depth sessions and invited influential and expert speakers that will challenge and inform delegates.

That night MPEC 2023 will celebrate the processing and export industry at the Americold Gala Dinner.

“This is the most remarkable line-up of speakers this industry has pulled together,” AMIC chief executive Patrick Hutchinson said.

“MPEC 2023 is more than a conference; it’s a catalyst for change, innovation, and growth in the meat processing and export sector. It is a comprehensive platform designed to address the pressing issues facing our processors and exporters. The speakers we have organised will tackle the big questions that directly impact the industry,” Mr Hutchinson said.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt will open the conference, and has been invited to explain his three key policies that will deliver surety to the business of meat processing and exporting.

He will be followed by political commentator and author Peter Hartcher provides a challenging insight into the political x climate x economic landscape that will determine our future access to food, fuel and security.

During a session on Australian Agriculture on the World Stage, Su McClusky, Special Representative for Australian Agriculture under the Federal Government’s Global Agriculture Leadership Initiative will discuss her engagement with regulators, stakeholders and farmers in key overseas markets which has her well placed to provide insight and commentary into Australia’s trading future – and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Later in the day, former Labor minister Joel Fitzgibbon will provide his unique insight into how best to work with a Labor government and powerful unions on the critical matters of workforce – particularly immigration and industrial relations.

He will be followed by a session on the future of meat processing according to RSPCA, featuring RSPCA chief executive Richard Mussell; and a panel discussion around key issues affecting the world meat industry – helping understand what markets will require in terms of animal welfare, environment & food safety. Partoicipants will include NZ Meat Industry Association CEO, Sirma Karapeeva; Canadian Meat Council president, Chris White; North American Meat Institute President, Julie Anna Potts and AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson.

Another key conference session will focus on the China Influence, with media identity Stan Grant hosting a panel session on the role of China in the global meat market. Joining him on stage will be Jenny Chen of the Australia-China Business Council; KPMG Chairman, NSW, Head of Asia & International Markets, Doug Ferguson; and keynote speakers.

Tickets are now available with early bird pricing available only until 29 September.  Special accommodation rates at Royal Pines Resort are filling fast.

Click here to access full conference details and registration.