Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition – the countdown is on

The countdown is on to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest irrigation event.

Irrigation Australia is pleased to announce that early bird registrations are now open. Attendees are invited to connect with global experts, leaders and industry professionals and celebrate the industry’s achievements at this leading water event.

Irrigation Australia is thrilled to invite attendees to the Southern Hemisphere’s premier water event, the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition, in conjunction with the 9th Asian Regional Conference of Irrigation & Drainage and the 75th International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting.

There is still time to be part of this event as a sponsor, an exhibitor, or a delegate. Here’s a sneak preview of what attendees can look forward to.

Major conference, exhibition, and international event – all under one roof

A unique aspect of this combined event is its size and scope. It brings together world-renowned researchers and policy makers, leading manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, water managers, installers, designers and others from Australia and further afield all under the one roof.

Learn about cutting-edge practices, science, policy and technology

The preliminary conference program is available online now. Take the opportunity to review the program and see what
is planned.

The conference promises a rich program, with presenters from around the globe, based around the theme ‘Irrigation’s role in delivering economically viable food security and sustainable urban spaces in an increasingly unpredictable climate’.

The conference themes and sub-themes promote inclusion but also celebrate the significant skills and expertise Australia’s own irrigation industry offers, along with the benefits of international collaboration.

This year’s exhibition will be different

In 2024, Irrigation Australia has taken a fresh approach to the exhibition, making some big changes to ensure it is as interactive, fun and productive as possible for both delegates and exhibitors.

Visitors can look forward to:

More space, with all meals incorporated into the exhibition hall
Two-hour lunch breaks with plenty of activities, including promotions and competitions. Be sure to check out the ‘Gary’ building time challenge – which may be familiar to past Irrigation Australia trainees
Poster presentations, including a seating area
An interactive zone with a stage and seating area where exhibitors can demonstrate their products
A networking lounge in the centre of the exhibition hall
Exhibitor competitions, including best stand, best ‘gimmick’, and sustainability prizes

Inspiring keynote speakers

Get set for a great line-up of entertaining, inspiring and educational keynote speeches.

In 2024, Irrigation Australia is bringing together some of the most influential minds in their respective fields, each ready to share groundbreaking insights and transformative strategies.

Visitors in the business of selling should be sure to attend the keynote by Founder and CEO of the Retail Doctor Group, Brian Walker, who will explore industry trends and the steps to maximising business value in retail.

Event attendees can also expect to hear from Co-CEO of This Is a Conversation Starter (TIACS), Jason Banks, CEO of the Mekong River Commission for Sustainable Development, Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, and Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO’s) Katherine Wynn, all with discussions that promise to enlighten, engage, and empower all delegates.

Sponsorship opportunities

Irrigation Australia welcomes Franklin Electric as the event’s principal partner and other major sponsors Brown Brothers Engineers Australia, Davey Water Australia and Rain Bird Australia.

It is not too late to get involved as a sponsor and there are a range of packages available.

Find out more at https://irrigationconference2024.com. au/sponsorship-opportunities/ or contact Abdul Khan on 0433 159 345 or irrigationpartnerships@theeventgap.com. au to discuss options.

A rare chance for the industry to come together

As always, attendees can look forward to informative, fun and action-packed side-events, workshops, technical tours, social and networking events. Among these is the Women Working in Water Breakfast, which was one of the highlights of the 2022 event.

There will be plenty of time to catch up with old friends and colleagues and forge new connections at the welcome ceremony and the conference dinner, which will feature entertainment by Australian rock band, Classic Oz.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity for practitioners, academics, manufacturers, and service providers to
come together, exchange knowledge and celebrate the achievements of the industry.

Interactive panel sessions

An important feature of the conference is the panel sessions, which offer an opportunity for lively discussion and interaction with expert speakers.

In these sessions, visitors will get to discuss the big questions, such as ‘What has irrigated agriculture ever done for us, and what is its role into the future?’

Australians live in a dry environment, and climate change will continue to place pressure on water availability. In Australia and many other developed countries, the reputation of irrigation practices has taken many hits, despite its essential role in food and fibre production. What can be done to promote a balanced and rational policy approach into the future and how is the irrigation industry participating?

This facilitated panel session will include an engaging discussion with representatives across a range of water users and an opportunity for audience participation, in an attempt to elevate the debate towards sustainable management of this most valuable resource.

Showcase at the exhibition

There is still time to secure an exhibition space for businesses to showcase their products or services to a large audience of industry professionals.

The exhibition will be open to both conference delegates and the public. It is an unparalleled opportunity for organisations to come face-to-face with customers to increase visibility and to showcase and demonstrate products and services.

This will be the last opportunity to participate in an irrigation industry event of this scale in Australia for some time, so don’t miss out!

Information: Contact Abdul Khan 0433 159 345 and irrigationpartnerships@theeventgap.com.au or visit the event website on https://irrigationconference2024.com.au/exhibition-opportunities/

Featured image: Audience at a conference. Image: Gorodenkoff/shutterstock.com