Harvesting Ideas at Hort Connections 2024
By Bree Pagliuso|
For over two decades, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has created spaces where communities, industries, and visitors come together to share, debate, and innovate. We've perfected fostering creativity and progress. From exhibitions to conferences, this is where ideas come to life and industries leap forward.
Hort Connections 2024 a perfect example, showcased our unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and driving the industry forward.
Back to the future
After a three-year break, Hort Connections 2024 returned to MCEC with unmatched excitement and anticipation, reaffirming our venue as the ultimate platform for collaboration and forward-thinking.
As the leading event for the horticulture industry, MCEC turned into a lively hub where attendees explored new trends and horticultural advancements. Co-produced by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ (IFPA A-NZ), the event united over 20 industry groups, featuring big names in the vegetable, fruit, and floral sectors.
The expansive trade show fostered collaboration among a diverse mix of growers, packers, suppliers, and industry experts. Attendees were inspired by keynote speeches, engaged in interactive workshops, and enjoyed numerous networking opportunities, creating the perfect atmosphere for future innovations and advancements.
Ideal location
Victoria, with its vibrant community of growers and supply-chain businesses, was the perfect location for Hort Connections 2024. Celebrating the region's agricultural heritage, the event provided a platform for local businesses, and highlighted innovative contributions to horticulture.
A return to MCEC highlighted our commitment to sustainability and community. As a Green Star 6-star venue, we adopted eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction to sustainable materials, reinforcing our dedication to both sustainability and local sourcing.
"In Victoria, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to produce. We source the freshest seasonal produce and wines from suppliers who are the best in their field. By sourcing our produce from local, passionate, and ethical suppliers, we not only highlight the best of what Victoria has to offer but also reduce emissions from transportation."
- MCEC Executive Sous Chef Joe Goodman
Inside the event
Over three busy days, attendees explored an expansive trade show, attended expert-led talks, participated in women in horticulture sessions, and engaged in a special young growers' event. With a sharp focus on AgTech, biosecurity, and boosting produce consumption, the event celebrated Victoria’s abundant produce and championed sustainability.
Featuring over 200 exhibitors, the atmosphere was electric with networking opportunities. Speaker sessions right on the trade show floor ramped up engagement and fostered dynamic interactions among attendees, exhibitors, and industry leaders.
Highlights included:
The Department of Agriculture's cutting-edge robotic 'dog' for pest recognition
State-of-the-art machinery, advanced packaging solutions, and pioneering tech startups
A strong emphasis on sustainability, with all stands using compostable and recycled materials, underscoring a commitment to the environment
Just beyond the trade show, meeting spaces buzzed with collaboration and discussions on the latest research, technologies, and innovations, offering fresh perspectives on the future of Australasia’s horticulture industry.
A fitting end
The gala dinner served as a perfect bookend, bringing together over 1,500 delegates to celebrate the achievements of ten horticulture industry leaders and pioneers for their contributions and innovations. John Said, Managing Director of Fresh Select, delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging unity in the horticulture industry and emphasising the importance of welcoming change and increasing relevance. Not only a celebration, the gala was a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Low-waste technique
With growing interest in zero-waste food practices, MCEC Executive Sous Chef Joe Goodman joined forces with Hort Connections to design an innovative Gala Dinner menu. They used Nutri V vegetable powders , turning over 1,500 servings of surplus locally grown produce into tasty dishes that might have otherwise gone to waste.
Nutri V, a Melbourne-born company, dehydrates quality excess Aussie veggies—100% Australian-grown—using an advanced process that retains nutrients to produce all-natural, fibre-rich vegetable powders.
What was on everybody's plate?
Our MCEC chefs creatively incorporated Nutri V powders into a variety of dishes, including bread, purees, and desserts, all enhanced with the flavours of pumpkin, broccoli, and cauliflower.
"Sustainability is so important to us here at MCEC, and food waste is one of the most critical areas. We have a target for zero organic waste sent to landfill by 2025. Through our partnership with OzHarvest, we donated 10,029kg of food last year, equating to 20,058 meals for people in need. In 2022, we recovered and processed more than 47 tonnes of food waste using our onsite organics dehydrator. Of course, working with event organisers to get catering numbers right in the first instance plays a big role in preventing food waste."
- MCEC Executive Sous Chef Joe Goodman
A blossoming future
So, what happens now? The momentum generated at Hort Connections at MCEC continues to propel the horticulture industry forward. The event has set the stage for ongoing innovation and collaboration. With the strengthened visibility and leadership established, Australia and New Zealand are primed to pioneer new advancements in horticulture. Expect more groundbreaking research, sustainable practices, and global partnerships that will keep the sector thriving and evolving. The future of horticulture is bright, and it’s just the beginning.
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