TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
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.
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:
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:
Limited tickets available – secure your place.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read what our exhibitors have to say about their experience at Meet the Makers
For me this was an outstanding event. I was able to meet and talk with a variety of potential clients as well as catch up with a number of current clients. Probably the best event of its kind I have attended. Many thanks.
Paul Scott
Rallings Label Specialists
What a fabulous showcase of the diversity and expertise in our food and beverage producers from across the region. I discovered several new products and was so lovely to meet the person/ team behind them. So much food passion in the room.
Colleen
Real Food Market – Yandina
To the organisers of this wonderful event BRAVO congratulations on the best run event ever.
Jim and Doug
ChilliCoffee
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.