So much information, on so many topics – and then so much fun to be had. That’s the general gist of feedback from this year’s National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition, held in October in Albury, NSW.
With local growers of its own, the river city gave the olive industry a warm welcome and the Albury Entertainment Centre was a great location, providing easy access, comfortable facilities – and from all reports, sensational catering!
AOA Greg Seymour said this year’s Conference program was equally as well appreciated, with strong support for the wide variety of information on offer.
“The feedback I’ve been getting was that everyone found something – and for most, many things – which really interested them among the topics,” he said.
“Generally everyone enjoyed the program overall but, as always, there were a few real stand-out sessions which we heard even more about. John Barton got a lot of raves for his presentation on soil carbon, the field visit to the TAFE NSW National Environment Centre on Friday was a real hit, and the workshops were all really popular – as were the dinners. A lot of fun was had and a lot of networking was done when ‘school’ was out!
“But everyone I talked to had a different highlight, which reinforced the fact that if you go with the smorgasbord approach you’ve providing something for everyone. It’s a winning formula and we’ve taken that on board as we start planning for next year’s event.”
2020 Devonport
For those who like to plan well ahead, Seymour said that the 2020 National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition will be held in the Northern Tasmanian city of Devonport. Dates are 15-17 October 2020 and suggestions for program topics are most welcome. Send your ideas to AOA Admin Manager Liz Bouzoudis at secretariat@australianolives.com.au.
The National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition is facilitated through the Hort Innovation Olive Fund. It is partially funded by Hort Innovation using the olive R&D levy, with in-kind contributions from the Australian Olive Association and funding from the Australian Government. The event is also supported by Destination NSW and a range of industry sponsors and exhibitors.
