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31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
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Agenda

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Talking Tech & Business Talking Trends The Artisanal Bakehouse The Culinary Kitchen
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Mon Aug 31
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday: Individual Live Cooking Challenges

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday: Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Monday: A series of 30-minute masterclasses

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon Aug 31
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

App Fatigue: What to do if your tech stack is costing you money

Talking Tech & Business
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Subscriptions stack up, staff waste hours switching between systems, and data sits trapped in platforms that don't connect. This R&CA session tackles app overload in hospitality head on, with practical…
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Angela Dawson
Melbourne Hospitality People
Director
Shanu Tyagi
Tyagi Pty Ltd
Owner
John Hart OAM
Restaurant & Catering Australia
National President

Where the F&K Are We Now?

The Culinary Kitchen
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
So much has changed since we were here last year. Rising labour costs, new seafood laws, sustainability expectations, supply chain pressures and changing customer spending habits are all shaping what…
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Tony Moss
Alh Group
State Executive Chef
Dani Valent
Dani Valent
Journalist
Sissel Rosengren
Food Industry Foresight Pty Ltd
Managing Director

The Art of Lamination | Crafted with Flechard Butter | Chef Paul

The Artisanal Bakehouse
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Join Chef Paul Kennedy as he explores the craft of exceptional laminated pastries and the impact of premium ingredients on quality and performance. Learn why FLECHARD butter is trusted by…
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Paul Kennedy
Creative Ingredients
Brand Ambassador
Mon Aug 31
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Monday: Static Medal Presentations

ACF Culinary Challenge
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Show Tour: First-Time Visitor Tour

Show Tours
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Designed specifically for visitors who are new to Fine Food Australia, this tour removes the overwhelm and replaces it with a confident, curated first experience. With over 900 exhibitors across…
Read More
Mon Aug 31
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Beyond Points: Building Emotional Loyalty in Hospitality

Talking Tech & Business
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
How venues create lasting customer relationships through personalisation, community, experiences, subscriptions, memberships, and data-driven engagement rather than relying solely on discounts and points.
Read More
Sarah Franklyn
Impact Data
Head of Partnerships
Paddy Mccrory
Now Book It
Chief Revenue Officer
Marianne Mewett
Australian Venue Co.
Chief Experience Officer
Jonny Fletcher
Tyro
Partner Manager

Inside the Margin Squeeze: How Venues Are Backing Their Team Through Rising Costs

Talking Trends
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Running a venue today means looking after your people and your business at the same time. This session brings together operators and payroll experts to share the tools and habits…
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Lachlan Ward
St Ali
CEO
Aaron Johnson
Deputy
VP of GTM
Kamilla Schou Warr
Square
Apac Global Seller Onboarding - Lead
Mon Aug 31
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Day 1: From Savoury to Sweet: Unlocking the Versatility of Australian Avocados on Menus

The Culinary Kitchen
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Think avocados just belong on toast? Think again. Join acclaimed chef Benjamin Cooper as he explores the full potential of Australian Avocados across the menu. Through two unexpected dishes, Ben…
Read More
Benjamin Cooper
Australian Avocados
Chef
Mon Aug 31
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Decadence in Every Layer | Capfruit Strawberry Purée | Chef Wei Loon Tan

The Artisanal Bakehouse
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Join World Pastry Champion Chef Wei Loon Tan as he demonstrates the versatility of Capfruit Strawberry Purée in an elegant dessert creation. Discover how premium fruit ingredients deliver authentic flavour,…
Read More
Wei Loon Tan
Creative Ingredients
World Pastry Champion Representing Capfruit
Mon Aug 31
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Design From the Guest Out

Talking Tech & Business
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Most venues begin with a trend, competitor or floor plan. Learn how starting with the guest helps shape smarter investment decisions, stronger operations and more distinctive, resilient and profitable businesses.
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Paul Wainwright
Harrison
Design Director / Partner

The State of Play of the Australian Foodservice Industry

Talking Trends
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Trends & developments about the current hospitality market and the wider foodservice industry.
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Sissel Rosengren
Food Industry Foresight Pty Ltd
Managing Director
Mon Aug 31
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

What’s in Season? Farm, Market, Menu

The Culinary Kitchen
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
The session is about using seasonality to a chef’s advantage, looking at it across the full supply chain from farm and producer through to the kitchen and menu. We’ll cover…
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Show Tour: Technology Tour

Show Tours
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
A walk through technology exhibitors and solution providers, framed around practical business impact rather than hype. Explicitly jargon-free and outcome-focused, this tour is for operators who want to understand what…
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Mon Aug 31
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Trending Gelato Made Easy in Bravo Trittico | Kulfi Cream & Blondie Brownie | Chef Karthik & Andrea

The Artisanal Bakehouse
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
This live demonstration explores how current gelato trends can be efficiently translated into commercial production using the Bravo Trittico system. Led by Chef Karthik alongside Andrea from Bravo, the session…
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Andrea Zoso
Creative Ingredients
Bravo Sales Manager
Karthik Swaminathan
Creative Ingredients
Mec3 Brand Ambassador

The Power of Events: Creating Memorable Moments that Drive Predictable Revenue

Talking Trends
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Join hospitality operators for a practical conversation on how events can bring more consistent, predictable revenue to venues. The panel will explore how pre-booked business supports planning and profitability, and…
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Jade Lach
Fam Group
Director Of Moments
John Karemy
Tripleseat
Director, International Marketing
Laura Joyce
Jbs Hospitality
Functions Coordinator
Mon Aug 31
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Using Food as a Driver for Core Business: Long-Term Prospects for the Food Industry in an Increasingly Online World

Talking Trends
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
In an increasingly digital retail landscape, food has become a strategic driver of customer experience, loyalty, and commercial growth. By enhancing in-store engagement, supporting omnichannel journeys, and leveraging operational excellence,…
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Ripudaman Randhawa
Ikea Australia Pty
Food Manager

Day 1: Atosa Combi Oven – The Next Solution

The Culinary Kitchen
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Discover how the Atosa Smart Touch Combi Oven combines steam, convection, and combi cooking to improve consistency, efficiency, and menu versatility. This live demonstration showcases Smart Touch controls, programmable recipes,…
Read More
Toby Redston
SIMCO
Corporate Chef
Mon Aug 31
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Show Tour: The New Drinks Frontier

Show Tours
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A guided walk through the beverages section featuring stops at matcha and Japanese tea importers, bubble tea innovators, ACV and fermented drink producers, and emerging functional beverage brands. Includes a…
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Enhancing Bakery Performance with IREKS | Chef Daria

The Artisanal Bakehouse
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
This presentation explores how functional ingredients can enhance bakery performance by improving consistency, process control, and product reliability. Learn how ingredient solutions such as IREKS improvers help manage variability, support…
Read More
Daria Nechiporenko
Creative Ingredients
Bakery Sales Manager
Mon Aug 31
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Japanese Fermented Beverages

Talking Trends
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM
This session will give attendees a basic introduction to Fermented beverages from Japan with a focus on sake. Attendees will better understand the history of sake, what is actually is,…
Read More
Matt Froude
Municipal Wine & Sake
Owner/ Wine & Sake Maker
Mon Aug 31
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Last Call For Old Habits - The Future in a Glass

The Culinary Kitchen
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
The way we drink is changing. In this session, explore how local producers, low-waste bar practices and customer expectations are reshaping beverage culture and the future of hospitality. Taste three…
Read More
Tara Croker
Yaala Sparkling
Founder & Managing Director
Kayla Saito
The Mulberry Group
Group Bar Manager
Lucan Creamer
No offence Wines
Cofounder /Director
Mon Aug 31
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

The Roadmap for Launching a Successful Hospitality Business

Talking Tech & Business
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Launching a successful hospitality business takes far more than a great idea. In this practical keynote, hospitality consultant Paul Ayyash shares the four critical stages every operator should work through…
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Paul Ayyash
Hospo Dojo
Founder
Mon Aug 31
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

Hospitality at a Crossroads: Productivity, Policy and Profitability in 2026 and Beyond

Talking Trends
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Hospitality is facing unprecedented pressure, from workforce shortages and migration challenges to compliance, profitability and AI adoption. This session connects the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities, providing practical strategies to…
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Carlo Trieste
Global Skills Connect
Co-founder
Farhan Rehman
Rehman Sheriff Group
Principal Partner
Melissa Goffin
Red Gum Bbq
Managing Director / Co-owner
Wes Lambert
Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association Ltd
CEO
Mon Aug 31
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Behind the Gelato Base: Understanding Stabilisation, Emulsification & MEC3 Bases | Chef Karthik

The Artisanal Bakehouse
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Chef Karthik Swaminathan breaks down the role of stabilisers and emulsifiers in gelato, explaining how they influence texture, structure, stability and melt. Explore why MEC3 uses Neutralin, and the differences…
Read More
Karthik Swaminathan
Creative Ingredients
Mec3 Brand Ambassador

Networking Behind the Pass: The Future in a Glass

The Culinary Kitchen
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The conversation doesn’t stop when the panel ends. Join the speakers, producers and bartenders from Last Call for Old Habits over Yaala Sparkling, No Offence Wine on keg and a…
Read More
Lucan Creamer
No offence Wines
Cofounder /Director
Tara Croker
Yaala Sparkling
Founder & Managing Director
Kayla Saito
The Mulberry Group
Group Bar Manager
Tue Sep 1
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: A series of 30-minute masterclasses

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Tuesday: Individual Live Cooking Challenges

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tue Sep 1
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Seafood — Which fish to AIM for!

The Culinary Kitchen
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Australia's new seafood labelling laws are changing more than menus. We'll explore how provenance is influencing customer trust, menu design and purchasing decisions, while Umar Nguyen (The Fish Girl) demonstrates…
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Josh Norris
Cordelia
Head Chef
Nathan White
Mclaughlin Consolidated Fishermen
Chief Operations Manager/director
Umar Nguyen
The Fish Girl Pty Ltd
Director

What’s Next on the Menu?

Talking Trends
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Menus tell the story of the times. As consumer expectations, economic pressures, and cultural influences continue to evolve; what might Australian menus look like in 2027? Join Rare Medium for…
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Rodney Mom
Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne
Executive Chef
Samuel Burke
Meat & Livestock Australia
Product & Business Development Manager and Corporate Executive Chef
Telina Menzies
Australian Venue Co
Executive Chef
Mary-Jane Morse
Meat & Livestock Australia
Brand Content Manager
Monty Koludrovic
Victor Churchill
Group Culinary Director

THE REGULARS: Why people come back, and what you can do about it

Talking Tech & Business
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
In a market where diners are spending more carefully and choosing their favourites with greater intention, the venues winning repeat business are those that get the fundamentals right: atmosphere, consistency,…
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Tia Spanos Tsonis
Vanilla Lounge Oakleigh
Co-Owner
Leo De Bartolo
Toast Hospitality
Founder

Dry Sourdough: Flavour, Function & Fermentation in Modern Baking | IREKS Sourdough | Chef Daria

The Artisanal Bakehouse
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Using IREKS Wheat Sour, RUCKDESCHEL'S RMS, and Spelt Sour, this session combines live demonstrations, aroma comparisons, and tastings to showcase their impact on dough behaviour and bread quality. Learn the…
Read More
Daria Nechiporenko
Creative Ingredients
Bakery Sales Manager
Tue Sep 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday: Static Medal Presentations

ACF Culinary Challenge
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Show Tour: Bakery & Patisserie Tour

Show Tours
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
A focused tour through the bakery and patisserie zones of the show, covering new equipment, specialty ingredients, international baking trends, and the growing automation of bakery production. With guided tastings…
Read More
Tue Sep 1
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Inside the Connected Venue: How Bite & Fishbowl Run Smarter, Together

Talking Trends
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Your POS, your ordering system, your books - are they actually talking to each other? Hear directly from the partners powering today’s smartest venues on what a truly connected tech…
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Suravi Koirala
Fishbowl
Technical Manager
Dylan Pike
Square
Au Field Sales Lead
Jayden Patherick
Bite
CEO & Co-founder

The AI-Powered Venue: Enhancing Teams, Service and Profitability

Talking Tech & Business
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Practical applications of AI across hospitality operations, including workforce scheduling, forecasting, menu engineering, inventory management, guest communications, and service optimisation. Focus on measurable business outcomes.
Read More
Fadrian Sudaman
FlareHQ
Chief Technology Officer
Rushil Mayatra
Tyro
Product Enablement Lead
Bianca Brady
Axify.AI
Co-founder
Tue Sep 1
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Day 2: From Savoury to Sweet: Unlocking the Versatility of Australian Avocados on Menus

The Culinary Kitchen
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Think avocados just belong on toast? Think again. Join acclaimed chef Benjamin Cooper as he explores the full potential of Australian Avocados across the menu. Through two unexpected dishes, Ben…
Read More
Benjamin Cooper
Australian Avocados
Chef
Tue Sep 1
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Enrobed Snacks on the Go | Powered by Bravo | Chef Paul & Andrea

The Artisanal Bakehouse
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Join Chef Paul Kennedy and Andrea from Bravo as they explore the growing demand for portable chocolate snacks and innovative enrobing applications. Featuring the Bravo K24, this demonstration showcases efficient,…
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Andrea Zoso
Creative Ingredients
Bravo Sales Manager
Paul Kennedy
Creative Ingredients
Brand Ambassador
Tue Sep 1
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

From Survival to Strength: Building a Resilient Restaurant and Café Sector

Talking Tech & Business
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Explore how restaurant and café operators can move beyond short-term survival and build durable strength through capable teams, scalable operations, disciplined planning, better property decisions and a clear management system.
Read More
Wes Lambert
Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association Ltd
CEO
Laura Goldberg
Women In Cafes And Restaurants
Founder
Tony Kelly
Tony Kelly Restaurant Group
Director
Jackie Middleton
Peer Group Hospitality
Founder

Who's Coming to Work? Building the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals

Talking Trends
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
The hospitality workforce crisis is clear: 77% of businesses struggle to fill vacancies, with chefs and supervisors hardest to recruit. While improving hospitality’s image matters, career pathways, training, and diverse…
Read More
Angie Bradbury
Collective Foundation
Executive Director
Declan Keogh
Bar Carolina
Restaurant Manager
Rabih Yanni
Botanical Hotel, Bar Carolina & Tetto Di Carolina
Hotelier
Tue Sep 1
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

From Scraps to Sales - Boosting Ingredient Profits

The Culinary Kitchen
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
What if your most profitable ingredient is the one you're throwing away? We demonstrate how overlooked ingredients, by-products and offcuts can be transformed into dishes customers actually want to buy.…
Read More
Jean Darling
Cirque Du Soil
Founder & Managing Director
Ross Eckersley
Ozharvest
Kitchen Operations Lead
Tom Hitchcock
Spirit House
Head Chef

Show Tour: First-Time Visitor Tour Day 2

Show Tours
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Designed specifically for visitors who are new to Fine Food Australia, this tour removes the overwhelm and replaces it with a confident, curated first experience. With over 900 exhibitors across…
Read More
Tue Sep 1
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Elevating Berry Applications in Patisserie | Capfruit Raspberry & Blueberry | Chef Wei Loon Tan

The Artisanal Bakehouse
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Join World Pastry Champion Chef Wei Loon Tan as he showcases the versatility of Capfruit Raspberry and Blueberry Purées in an elegant dessert creation. Discover how premium berry ingredients deliver…
Read More
Wei Loon Tan
Creative Ingredients
World Pastry Champion Representing Capfruit

Japanese Distilled Beverages

Talking Trends
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
This session will give attendees a basic introduction to Distilled beverages from Japan with a focus on Shochu and Whiskey. Attendees will better understand the history of both, what Shochu…
Read More
Matt Froude
Municipal Wine & Sake
Owner/ Wine & Sake Maker
Tue Sep 1
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM

TRASH TO CASH : A 'The Table' Signature Exercise

The Culinary Kitchen
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
If food is going into your bin, profit is going with it. Join Bec Bowie, The Table Food Consultants team for a fast, practical 15-minute exercise. Learn how to identify…
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Bec Bowie
Bin Chick
Head Chook
Tue Sep 1
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Street Food Challenge

ACF Culinary Challenge
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

AI: Make It Personal

Talking Trends
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Artificial intelligence is transforming foodservice, creating opportunities to improve operations, personalise guest experiences, and empower teams. Featuring Perry Peters, Prakash Alagu and John Savage, this panel explores how AI can…
Read More
Andrew Brain
Foodservice Consultants Australia
Foodservice Consultant
John Savage
Sofitel
Executive Chef
Perry Peters
Moffat Pty Ltd
Sales Manager
Prakash Alagu
Ckp Hospitality Consultants
Vice President
Tue Sep 1
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

The 30% Food Cost Trap: Why Food Cost Isn’t the Number You Think It Is

Talking Tech & Business
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Food cost percentage has been treated as the holy grail of menu profitability for years, but it can be misleading. In this practical session, we’ll look at yield testing, recipe…
Read More
Andrew Briese
CTB AND CO. - Cooking the Books
Founder

Day 2: Atosa Combi Oven – The Next Solution

The Culinary Kitchen
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Discover how the Atosa Smart Touch Combi Oven combines steam, convection, and combi cooking to improve consistency, efficiency, and menu versatility. This live demonstration showcases Smart Touch controls, programmable recipes,…
Read More
Toby Redston
SIMCO
Corporate Chef
Tue Sep 1
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Scoop on AAPGC: Meet the Makers Behind the Flavours

The Artisanal Bakehouse
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Discover why AAPGC was created, what it means for Australia’s pastry, gelato and chocolate community, then meet Australian Gelato Cup semi-finalists as they share the inspiration behind their flavours.
Read More
Vilim Podreka
Creative Ingredients
Owner

Fireside Chat- Alignment between Consultants and Manufacturers

Talking Trends
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Food service consultants and manufacturers sit on opposite sides of the same table more often than they'd like — one advocating for the operator's vision, budget, and timeline; the other…
Read More
John Morrison
Middleby Australia
Director - Sales, Marketing And Service
Mario Sequeira
Hospitality Total Services
Managing Director

Show Tour: Equipment & Technology Tour

Show Tours
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A focused walk through the equipment and technology zones of the show, designed for operators who need to make smart purchasing decisions and stay ahead of what's available. The tour…
Read More
Tue Sep 1
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Fireside Chat – Innovations

Talking Trends
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Phil Llewellyn and Craig Haksteeg sit down for a candid conversation on the innovations shaping the future of foodservice — from kitchen design and equipment technology to sustainability and evolving…
Read More
Craig Haksteeg
Comcater
National Major Projects Manager
Phil Llewellyn
Project Design Consulting Ltd
Director

Women in the Industry

Talking Tech & Business
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Look forward to a candid conversation with three inspiring women from across hospitality as we explore leadership, mental health, business ownership and the realities of building a lasting career in…
Read More
Jackie Middleton
Peer Group Hospitality
Founder
Manpreet Sekhon
Elchi
Executive Chef/owner
Laura Goldberg
Women In Cafes And Restaurants
Founder
Darielle Bown
The Wanderlust Age
Owner/ Facilitator / Lead Eap Counsellor

Why This Ingredient? Truffles, provenance and storytelling

The Culinary Kitchen
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Behind every ingredient is a producer, a place and a story but how do we turn provenance into something customers genuinely connect with? Through the story of one truffle -…
Read More
Jayne Gallagher
Honey & Fox
CEO
Graham Dewhurst
Ashridge Truffle Farm
Owner
Adrian Richardson
Stanbroke Meats
Chef At Large
Helen Johnston
Honey & Fox
Creative Director
Tue Sep 1
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Fireside Chat – EPIC

Talking Trends
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
What does it take to build a career pipeline for the next generation of foodservice consultants — and why does the industry need one now? In this fireside chat, Gerard…
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Gerard Bloor
Cadre Co
Director
Bruno Magro
Think Food Concepts
Managing Director
Tue Sep 1
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Talk and Taste with Roz Kaldor-Aroni: New Frontiers in Gelato Flavours from Tasmania

The Artisanal Bakehouse
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Roz Kaldor-Aroni, General Manager of the Ice Cream Division at Pure Foods Tasmania who is also an internationally trained artisanal gelato maker and founder of Elato Ice Cream, will take…
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Roz Kaldor-Aroni
Pure Foods Tasmania
General Manager/product Developer - Ice Cream Division

Networking Behind the Pass: The Truffle Story Continues

The Culinary Kitchen
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Meet Jayne Gallagher and the truffle producer as the story continues beyond the stage. Over wine and truffle-inspired canapés, discover the journey from producer to plate, and share ideas on…
Read More
Adrian Richardson
Stanbroke Meats
Chef At Large
Jayne Gallagher
Honey & Fox
CEO
Graham Dewhurst
Ashridge Truffle Farm
Owner
Helen Johnston
Honey & Fox
Creative Director
Wed Sep 2
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: A series of 30-minute masterclasses

1st Year Apprentice Cooks Competition

Wed Sep 2
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

From Brand to Bookings: Turning hospitality identity into revenue-driving creative assets

From Trend to Truth: How Shifting Consumer Behaviours Are Reshaping F&B

Slow Food, Fast Industry - The Slow Food Advantage

Fast-Tracking Pastry Production Made Easy with Bravo Trittico | Custards, Curds & Jams | Chef Paul Kennedy & Andrea

Wed Sep 2
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Show Tour: The Sustainable Plate

2nd Year Apprentice Cooks Competition

Wednesday: Static Medal Presentations

Wed Sep 2
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Payments as a Growth Engine: Turning Transactions into Better Guest Experiences

Order’s Up: How AI at the Table Is Helping Venues Capture Every Sale

Wed Sep 2
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Day 3: Atosa Combi Oven – The Next Solution

Wed Sep 2
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Australian Gelato Cup Winners Announcement

Wed Sep 2
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Secret Sauce - The Proven Recipe for Kitchen Leadership

Drink's Big Moment: Coffee, Matcha, Tea & the Beverage Revolution

Wed Sep 2
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

NAC 1st Year Medal Presentation

More Than Native Ingredients: The stories of Country, culture and connection

The Native Ingredient Trail

Wed Sep 2
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Beyond the Resume: The Human, Not the Paperwork

In conversation with Luciano Ferrari - Beyond Appearance: A Practical Framework for Understanding Gelato Quality

Building Flavour with Malts | IREKS Malts | Chef Daria

Wed Sep 2
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Culinary Students

Wed Sep 2
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Day 3: From Savoury to Sweet: Unlocking the Versatility of Australian Avocados on Menus

Food for Everyone: How Food Inclusivity Shaped One of The World’s Best Pizzerias

Wed Sep 2
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Catch Up with Ket Baker's Miek Paulus: How to scale without losing artisan values

New Flavours for Australian Plates

NAC 2nd Year Medal Presentation

Wed Sep 2
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

The $80 Million Opportunity: Building a Business Around Native Australian Foods

Payday Super & Beyond: Navigating the New Wave of Hospitality Compliance

Brave New Plate: What’s Next in Food?

Wed Sep 2
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

From Passion to Purpose: Growing the Future of Patisserie with Tecnoeka | Chef Andrea

Networking Behind the Pass: Taste Tomorrow

Wed Sep 2
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

NAC Culinary Student Medal

Thu Sep 3
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Yum Cha Challenge

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Final Year Apprentice Cooks

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Thursday: A series of 30-minute masterclasses

ACF Culinary Challenge
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thu Sep 3
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

The American Invasion: Why US flavours are taking over Australian menus

Talking Trends
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken, birria, Southern BBQ, loaded fries, oversized cookies and diner-style desserts — American formats are dominating Aussie menus, socials and food halls. But which of these…
Read More
Boyde Skinner
American Beverage Marketers
International Markets Asia Pacific

New Gelato Flavours Unlocked | MEC3 Prestige & Fast 500 | Chef Karthik

The Artisanal Bakehouse
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Join Chef Karthik for a live gelato demonstration exploring MEC3 Prestige and Fast 500 systems. Discover how innovative ingredient solutions support contemporary flavour development, efficiency, and consistency in production. Learn…
Read More
Karthik Swaminathan
Creative Ingredients
Mec3 Brand Ambassador

Day 4: From Savoury to Sweet: Unlocking the Versatility of Australian Avocados on Menus

The Culinary Kitchen
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Think avocados just belong on toast? Think again. Join acclaimed chef Benjamin Cooper as he explores the full potential of Australian Avocados across the menu. Through two unexpected dishes, Ben…
Read More
Benjamin Cooper
Australian Avocados
Chef
Thu Sep 3
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Made With Memory: Why Nostalgia Is the Most Powerful Ingredient on Your Menu

Talking Trends
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
The most memorable food experiences aren't just about flavour — they're about feeling. Whether it's a recipe passed down through generations, the dish that tastes like home, or the classic…
Read More
Mirco Speri
Ms Hospitality Consults
Hospitality Consultant
Fuzz Ali
Fiji Pantry (TM)
Managing Director/Owner

Booked, Tagged, Shared: How Gen Z Chooses Where to Eat

Talking Tech & Business
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Understanding Gen Z's dining behaviours, social discovery, authenticity, sustainability, digital convenience, value perception, and how venues can remain culturally relevant and drive repeat visits.
Read More
Bella Reinke
Tyro Payments
Partner Manager
Seán Bryceland
Now Book It
Chief Technology Officer
Sarah Franklyn
Impact Data
Head of Partnerships

Why Do We Still Love Hospitality? Before Food Was Content, It Was Connection

The Culinary Kitchen
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Hospitality has always been about more than food. It opens doors, builds confidence and creates places where people belong. It brings communities together, starts conversations, celebrates milestones—and, at its best,…
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Martin Bouchier
The Table Food Consultants
Senior Chef Consultant
Simon Millcock
Chef Outta Water
Director
Fran Harper
The Burnt Chef Project - Australia
Founding Director
Thu Sep 3
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Australian Gelato Cup Winners Interview | The Winning Gelato Recipe

The Artisanal Bakehouse
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Join the Australian Gelato Cup winners for an engaging Q&A exploring their award-winning recipes and competition journey. Hear insights on inspiration, ingredient selection, technical execution, and creativity, plus preparation for…
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Vilim Podreka
Creative Ingredients
Owner

Show Tour: The New Drinks Frontier Day 4

Show Tours
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
A guided walk through the beverages section featuring stops at matcha and Japanese tea importers, bubble tea innovators, ACV and fermented drink producers, and emerging functional beverage brands. Includes a…
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Thu Sep 3
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Day 4: Atosa Combi Oven – The Next Solution

The Culinary Kitchen
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Discover how the Atosa Smart Touch Combi Oven combines steam, convection, and combi cooking to improve consistency, efficiency, and menu versatility. This live demonstration showcases Smart Touch controls, programmable recipes,…
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Toby Redston
SIMCO
Corporate Chef
Thu Sep 3
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Beyond Brûlée: Modern Desserts with a Single Smart Mix | Chef Daria

The Artisanal Bakehouse
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
This dynamic demo showcases how a single crème brûlée powder mix can streamline production while unlocking a full spectrum of premium desserts. Attendees will see the base prepared in minutes,…
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Daria Nechiporenko
Creative Ingredients
Bakery Sales Manager
Thu Sep 3
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

What the F&K Happens Next? Turning Inspiration into Operation

The Culinary Kitchen
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
No more sitting back—this one is all about you. Over the past four days we've challenged ideas, explored trends and shared practical solutions. Now it's your turn. Through live audience…
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Martin Bouchier
The Table Food Consultants
Senior Chef Consultant
Bec Bowie
Bin Chick
Head Chook
Natalie Bolt
The Table Food Consultants
COO & Co Founder
Thu Sep 3
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Awards Presentation

ACF Culinary Challenge
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM