31 Aug - 3 Sep 2026 | MCEC Melbourne
The FSAA Today & Tomorrow Conference 2025 brought together the insights and strategies professionals needed to navigate the foodservice industry’s evolving landscape with confidence.
This one-day event united the full spectrum of foodservice supply chain professionals—from manufacturers and distributors to sales, marketing, and operations leaders. Attendees experienced a day of compelling content that explored:
Global menu trends and what they meant for the Australian and New Zealand markets
An economic reality check – interest rates, inflation, and consumer confidence
The role of AI in marketing, staffing, and operational efficiency
Sustainability in action – waste reduction, smarter packaging, and future-fit sourcing
The talent pipeline – graduate programs, early career pathways, and workforce planning
Meeting changing customer demands across QSR, hotels, restaurants, and venues
Manufacturer–distributor collaboration in an era of constant disruption
National advocacy – why the foodservice industry’s voice had never been more important
Hosted by respected industry professional Peter Wright, the FSAA Today & Tomorrow Conference was where clarity met connection — delivering real-world insights, fresh ideas, and opportunities to network with peers, partners, and thought leaders from across the country.
Registration & Networking Breakfast 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
Light breakfast and barista-made coffee on arrival.
Welcome & Opening Remarks 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Presented by the FSAA Chair – Ken Hartley
Industry Check-In: Where Are We Now? 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Speaker: John Hart OAM, Executive Chair, Australian Chamber – Tourism
State of play
The Numbers That Matter: Foodservice Outlook 2025–2028 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Speaker: Olena Cheong Foo (Unilever)
Sector forecasts, growth areas, competitive pressures and evolving consumer behaviour.
Morning Tea Break 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Networking Lunch 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Time to reconnect, reflect, and build new industry relationships.
Sustainability in Action: From Packaging to Purpose 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Real examples and strategies around waste reduction, packaging and future-fit sourcing.
Facilitator – Eugene Visione
Gerry Maher (Industry), Mike Twemlow (Edge Impact), Garry O’Brien (Envirochoice)
The Future of People: Securing the Industry’s Talent Pipeline 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Facilitated by: Marcus McCairns, ProForce
A look into how graduate programs, early career pathways and targeted recruitment are key to long-term industry growth.
Afternoon Tea Break 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Operator Panel: Meeting Changing Customer Demands 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Facilitator: Karen Doyle, ACF
Pub, QSR and high-volume venue operators share how they’re adapting to changing tastes, expectations, and operations.
Panellists include: Subway, Darren Templeman, Anthony Flowers, Shane Krebs (Gema Group)
Distributor & Manufacturer Panel: Navigating Disruption Together 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Moderator: Peter Wright
Collaborative discussion on cost, resilience, innovation, and transparency in the supply chain.
The National Voice for Foodservice: ACCI & the reinstatement of the Food Group 4:30 PM – 4:55 PM
Speaker: John Hart OAM
A comprehensive update on national policy, workforce trends, supply chain issues, and what’s influencing foodservice today.
A new chapter for FSAA with national-level representation through the Australian Chamber’s Food Group—what this means for our members.
Closing Remarks 4:55 PM – 5:00 PM
Speaker: Minnie Constan, CEO, FSAA
Key takeaways from the day and what’s next for members.
VIP Networking and Drinks with Fine Food Australia 5.15 PM – 7.00 PM
