TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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Enjoy the afternoon, with relaxed networking, great conversations and the chance to build valuable connections with producers, buyers and industry leaders.

Meet the Makers 2026 concludes with a ticketed, casual lunch and panel session, alongside industry networking. 

It offers exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to continue conversations and build valuable connections across the food and agribusiness industry.

Industry Lunch, Panel & Networking Session

This year’s conversation brings together people actively building, buying, manufacturing and scaling food brands across Australia – offering practical insights and honest perspectives from across retail, wholesale and foodservice.

Ticketed $39+GST (Free for Exhibitors) – 1:30PM – 4:00PM
This ticketed session brings together producers, industry and networkers.

Together, they’ll unpack:

  • What’s working across the food and beverage sector right now

  • What buyers are actually looking for

  • Common mistakes brands make
  • Where opportunities are emerging across retail, wholesale and foodservice

Following the morning Meet the Makers trade session, this ticketed afternoon experience is designed to create genuine connection and commercial conversations between producers, buyers and industry.



Whether you’re a producer, retailer, chef, distributor or industry stakeholder, this is an opportunity to hear directly from people working inside the sector every day – while continuing conversations with exhibitors and attendees in a relaxed networking environment.

What’s included:

  • Light lunch
  • Access to the panel discussion
  • Networking with producers, buyers and industry peers

  • Continued access to Meet the Makers exhibitors

Limited tickets available – secure your place.

Antony Williams

Head of Meat, Seafood & Smallgoods – Harris Farm Markets

Antony Williams brings more than 25 years of buying, category management and leadership experience across the food industry, both domestically and internationally.

In his role at Harris Farm Markets, he works closely with producers and suppliers to identify quality products, emerging trends and opportunities across retail and wholesale channels.

Antony is passionate about supporting great producers and helping brands better understand what buyers are really looking for in today’s market.

Nova Madsen

Business Development Manager – Charmlaw Foods

Working within the FMCG market for the past 26 years, Nova drives impactful sales strategies, state-wide expansion, and customer service excellence.

Nova’s expertise focuses on building successful teams and the development of management that has strengthened distribution channels and elevated client satisfaction.

Dedicated to fostering collaboration and delivering results, her mission is to innovate and grow in the competitive grocery industry.

Craig Agnew

The Happy Snack Company

Craig and Megan Agnew are the founding shareholders in The Happy Snack Company.

Healthy chickpea snacks are produced at the Landborough facility on the Sunshine Coast and available to consumers around Australia in Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores. The business also exports to New Zealand, USA, UK, Germany and Singapore.

Prior roles for Craig include the founding CEO of Botanical Foods in Palmwoods, where he oversaw the launch of Gourmet Garden in the USA.

Craig founded AvoFresh in 2011, had global sales, marketing and technical sales roles in various businesses, including Heinz. Craig also worked in engineering, supply chain and production and studied Food Technology.

Janessa Rutter

Bask & Co.

From what started as an ‘expensive hobby’ selling at local farmer’s markets in 2016, Bask & Co. has since grown into a nationally recognised name.

With a passion for creating delicious and inclusive products, founder Janessa Rutter worked tirelessly to expand the range over the years. Bask & Co products are now sold in 300 Woolworths Supermarkets and 350+ Independents around Australia.

Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in her products, Bask & Co. has evolved into a trusted brand that stands for inclusivity and quality. Janessa is incredibly proud of what she has achieved and excited about what the future holds as Bask & Co. continues to innovate and grow the brand.

Andrew Eves-Brown

Moderator

Andrew Eves-Brown is a highly experienced FMCG and economic development leader with more than 20 years’ experience across food manufacturing, supply chain, operations and regional industry development.

He has held senior leadership roles with Turbine, Gourmet Garden, COYO and Sunshine Coast Council, and brings a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing food and agribusinesses as they scale and grow.

As one of the original founders of FAN in 2015, Andrew has worked closely and tirelessly with businesses, researchers and industry partners to help strengthen Queensland’s food and agribusiness ecosystem through collaboration, capability building and innovation.

Why Attend?

  • Build relationships with producers, buyers and industry peers
  • Gain insights from industry voices and panel discussion
  • Continue conversations started during the trade session
  • Discover new products and suppliers in a relaxed environment.

Who Should Attend?

  • Food and beverage producers
  • Chefs and hospitality professionals
  • Retailers and buyers
  • Industry stakeholders and partners.

What’s Included?

  • Light lunch
  • Access to panel discussion
  • Entry to networking session
  • Opportunity to connect with Meet the Makers exhibitors and purchase products.

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets for the Industry Lunch, Panel & Networking session are now available.

Book your place early to be part of the conversation and connections shaping the future of the industry.

Important Information

  • This session follows the Meet the Makers trade event
  • Attendees will have access to exhibitors during the networking session

Photography Notice

This event will be professionally photographed. Images may be used by FAN for marketing and promotional purposes.



Welcome to our Food & Agribusiness Network event! We’re delighted to capture and share the moments that reflect the spirit of our community. Your presence may feature on our digital platforms as we celebrate this shared experience.

Testimonials

Read what our exhibitors have to say about their experience at Meet the Makers

Event Sponsors

This event is brought to you with the support of our event sponsors. Their commitment to celebrating local producers and elevating our regional food culture is what makes events like this possible.

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