The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) is thrilled to announce the return of the Meat Processing and Export Conference (MPEC) for 2023 after an eight-year hiatus. Scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 1 at the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, MPEC 2023 promises to be an industry-defining event.
Starting on Tuesday October 31, MPEC 2023 offers great pre-conference sessions such as 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; 9-Holes of Golf sponsored by Agri-Labour; A tour of the Port of Brisbane; And, in the evening, a welcome function featuring an extravaganza of protein and people.
Wednesday November 1 sees the start of the conference proper where the AMIC team has developed in-depth sessions and invited influential and expert speakers that will challenge and inform those who attend.
MPEC 2023 will then 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. MPEC 2023 is more than a conference; it’s a catalyst for change, innovation, and growth in the meat processing and export sector.
“MPEC 2023 is not just another conference; it’s 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.
“The extra sessions and activities, the welcome function and Americold Gala Dinner ensure that MPEC 2023 provides delegates with the most complete and valuable conference that a meat industry professional could attend.” AMIC CEO, Patrick Hutchinson said.
Georgie Aley, Partner, National Sector Lead (CPG) & Agribusiness of KPMG will emcee the conference.
“MPEC 2023 is a great opportunity for the industry to come together, and I am very excited to be a part of it.
“At MPEC 2023, you’ll gain valuable insights into not just on the current state, but also future industry opportunities.” Georgie Aley said.
Tickets and Accommodation
Tickets are now available with early bird pricing available only until 29 September 2023, and special accommodation rates at Royal Pines Resort are filling fast.
For more information and to register, visit the MPEC webpage.
Program
Tuesday, October 31
- Morning: Meat Business Women Masterclass
- Afternoon (one of):
Option 1 Golf – 9 holes Ambrose at Royal Pines sponsored by Agri-Labour
Option 2 Tour of the Port of Brisbane (bus departs Royal Pines at 12.30pm)
Option 3 Dealing with Detractors Workshop – delivered by Abby Kornegay of the Alliance for Animal Agriculture at Royal Pines
- Evening: Welcome Function hosted by Tim Ryan and Sam Munsie, featuring an Extravaganza of Protein and People
Wednesday, November 1
Session 1 – Politics
8.30am Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country with Stan Grant.
8.40am An introduction to MPEC ’23 and a welcome to the Minister – with Patrick Hutchinson, CEO, AMIC
8.45am Navigating head winds: The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture is invited to explain his three key policies that will deliver surety to the business of meat processing and exporting.
9.15am Food, fuel and future Security: Journalist, political commentator and distinguished 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.
10.00am Australian Agriculture on the World Stage: As Special Representative for Australian Agriculture under the government’s Global Agriculture Leadership Initiative, Su McClusky’s engagement with regulators, stakeholders and farmers in key overseas markets has her well placed to provide insight and commentary into Australia’s trading future – and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
10.30am Morning Tea
Session 2 – Changing Paradigms
11.15am Wise Counsel: We invite former politician Joel Fitzgibbon to 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. We seek his frank and fearless views to help the industry get connected in this new paradigm.
11.45am Questions
12.00noon The future of meat processing according to RSPCA – with RSPCA CEO Richard Mussell
12.30pm International perspectives with Stan Grant: Who better than respected journalist Stan Grant to extract an understanding of key issues affecting the world meat industry. International industry leaders help us understand what markets will require in terms of animal welfare, environment & food safety. Stan is joined by NZ Meat Industry Association CEO, Sirma Karapeeva; Canadian Meat Council president, Chris White; and North American Meat Institute President, Julie Anna Potts and AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson.
1.00pm Lunch
Session 3 – Business and Trade
2.00pm Risky Business: We ask economist Saul Eslake to pose what he sees as the three biggest business risks to our $35billion sector and how we should mitigate against them.
2.30pm Questions
2.40pm The State of Global Shipping: Consolidation, Carbon and Conflict. Supply chain specialist and industry advisor with the Simplified Trade System Implementation Task Force, Michael Byrne provides his insights.
3.10pm The China Influence: Journalist Stan Grant returns to host a panel on the role of China in the global meat market. He is joined by Jenny Chen of the Australia-China Business Council ACT Branch; KPMG, Chairman, NSW, Head of Asia & International Markets, Doug Ferguson; and our keynote speakers.
3.50pm Break
Session 4 – A Current affair
4.15pm Affairs of currency with Stan Grant
Stan interviews the Australian meat industry leaders to tackle the matters that keeps them awake at night. We’ve heard the international perspectives earlier – but what are our movers and shakers doing about them? AMIC’s Patrick Hutchinson is joined by APL’s Margo Andrae, MLA’s Jason Strong and AMPC’s Chris Taylor to discuss.
5.00pm Close
6.30pm The Americold Gala Dinner
ENDS
About
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact
Keith Drain, Communications Manager
M: 0429 040 128
