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11th Australian Wildflower Conference & Expo
What to Expect11th Australian Wildflower Conference & Expo | 14-15 August 2026
SurfAir Events Centre, Marcoola, Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Conference is held over two days with an arrival reception on 13 August.
The Venue: The SurfAir Event Centre is the Conference venue. Located on the beach, the SurfAir is minutes from the Sunshine Coast airport and about 1 hours from Brisbane International Airport.
The Conference Schedule
Registration reception. The reception coincides with the conclusion of the Wildflower Floral Workshop, providing an opportunity for florists and growers to meet and network.
Thursday 13 AugustThe Conference speaker program brings together leading growers, researchers and industry experts from Australia and around the world. From practical production insights to the latest research, propagation and emerging business models, these presentations are designed to give valuable knowledge that can be applied directly on farm. Whether you’re new to the industry or have decades of experience, the sessions will provide fresh ideas, practical solutions and opportunities to learn from some of the most respected voices in the industry.
See some of the confirmed speakers in the Speaker panel below.
An Industry Expo will be held alongside the Conference Hall, providing the opportunity to meet with industry suppliers and allied businesses who can help support your operations.
Friday 14 AugustIndustry gala dinner with Craig Musson presenting on the story of Wafex.
Friday night, 14 AugustA guided bus tour of several local farms, offering the chance to see many of the practices discussed during the conference in action while continuing to connect with fellow attendees. The tour will depart from and return to SurfAir, with an expected finish time of 5pm.
Saturday 15 AugustTwo “Pre-Tours” are being offered for the energetic and hardy few to visit a number of farms and related properties on a journey finishing at the SurfAir Events Centre, Marcoola, QLD, in time for the Registration Reception. To join one of the Pre- Conference Tours you must be registered for the full Conference. Space on each tour is very limited.
See Pre-Conference Tour for further details and registration information.
11-13 AugustRegistration
Registration options include:
Discounts
Early Bird
Register prior to 31 May 2026 to receive the valuable early bird discount. Please book early!
Students
If you are a horticultural or agriculture or floristry student at TAFE or university, you are eligible for a 20% reduced price for the Full Conference ($552). The discount is only available for full conference registrations.
Please email events@wildflowersaustralia.com.au with details of where you are studying and we will send you the discount code.
Multiple Representatives
If one organisation registers 2 or more representatives, a 20% discount is available for the 3rd and further registrations. With discount, the registration prices are:
3rd Representative or more – Full Conference – Early Bird: $476
3rd Representative or more – Full Conference: $552
3rd Representative or more – Day Registration: $388
Please contact events@wildflowersaustralia.com.au to receive the Multiple Representative discount code.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be available after Wednesday 5 August due to the costs we will have already incurred.
Speakers
Some of our confirmed speakers include:
James Christopher – Windham Hill, South Africa
Experienced South African grower James will share insights about growing pincushions in a high summer rainfall region with lessons relevant for Australia.
Troy Connor – Kendall Farms, USA
With about 500 acres under cultivation, Kendall Farms is one of the United States’ largest farms growing wildflowers. Hear how they use technology and innovation to streamline production and adapt to challenging environmental and regulatory conditions.
Digby Growns – Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
As Senior Plant Breeder at Kings Park, Digby has created more than 50 new native plant varieties and will highlight the exciting opportunities these bring for growers.
Hannah Lutgen – University of Hawai‘i Extension
Plant pathologist Hannah will present the latest applied research on Proteaceae pathogens in Hawaii, giving growers practical strategies to protect crops and maximize productivity.
Adrian Parsons – Helix Australia
Helix Australia is the global leader in waxflower and boronia breeding, Adrian will explain how Helix’s end-point royalty model is driving innovation and new revenue opportunities for growers.
Bruce Scott – Campbells Fertilisers Australasia
With more than 30 years’ experience in soil science, Bruce provides essential insights into soil management and nutrition, with practical examples growers can apply on their farms.
Propagation of Wildflowers Session
Genevieve Maladay (Proteaflora), Phil Vaughan (Vaughan’s Australian Plants) and Stacey & Marc Brooke (Tulla Natives) will join a session led by Jonathan Lidbetter (East Coast Wildflowers) on propagation.
Market Insights Panel - Where the Market Is Now—and Where It’s Heading
Industry leaders come together to share their perspectives on the current state of the wildflower market and where it may be heading in the years ahead. Panel speakers include:
David Matthews, Managing Director, Proteaflora
Ryan Musson, Sales and Procurement Director, Wafex
Craig Scott, East Coast Wildflowers
Katie Marx, Katie Marx Flowers
Industry Dinner Guest Speaker – Craig Musson, Wafex
Craig Musson, the founder of Wafex and one of the most influential figures in the Australian cutflower industry, will share the remarkable story of how he built Wafex from humble beginnings into Australia’s leading global flower company.
Travel Info
The Conference venue is the SurfAir Events Centre in Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It sits within the Ramada by Wyndham, Marcoola Beach Hotel.
The location offers an ideal mid-winter break. Beyond Conference activities, there is much to do in the Sunshine Coast area. From pristine swimming beaches, beautiful snorkelling and world class golf resorts, the region also hosts a number of major attractions including the expansive Australia Zoo and the Aussie World theme park. Come for the Conference and perhaps stay for some R&R in the sun.
Getting there
The venue and hotel are a 5-minute drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport (also referred to as Maroochydore) which has flights connecting to most major Australian cities and New Zealand. The larger Brisbane International Airport, with greater destination and schedule options, is an hour drive south.
If flying to Brisbane, you’ll either need to hire a car or use a shuttle service between the airports. Shared shuttles cost around A$85/A$150 (one-way / return)
For international travellers, Sydney and Melbourne airports are the main hubs. You would then need to connect on a flight to Sunshine Coast or Brisbane.
Where to Stay
The Ramada Marcoola Beach Hotel is the venue hotel. The resort offers hotel rooms plus one-, two- and three-bedroom condo-style suites. The hotel offers a 10% discount to all Conference attendees. To access the discount, you must email or call the hotel and advise them you are a Conference delegate.
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, Queensland 4564, Australia
Direct Phone: +61 7 5412 0100
Email: reception.marcoolabeach@wyn.com
There are a variety of other hotels and short-term rentals available in the area. Some other walking-distance hotels include:
If you have a car, there are a variety of less-expensive only a few kilometres away, closer to the town of the Sunshine Coast. Some of these include:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast
Please note – the listing of the above accommodation does not represent a recommendation. The organisers have not stayed in or visited any of these properties and cannot attest to the quality, comfort or value of the location.
Travel
Sponsors
We are grateful to all our sponsors who have stepped up to support this event and help make it happen.
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
MEDIA SPONSORS
“Attending the 10th Australian Wildflower Conference changed the trajectory of my career for the better, opening my eyes to an industry full of passion and knowledge.”
— Hannah.U
