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11th Australian Wildflower Conference & Expo
11th Australian Wildflower Conference & Expo | 14-15 August 2026
SurfAir Events Centre, Marcoola, Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Conference was 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 coincided 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 brought 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 were 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 provided 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 was held alongside the Conference Hall, providing the opportunity to meet with industry suppliers and allied businesses.
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, offered the chance to see many of the practices discussed during the conference in action.
Saturday 15 AugustTwo “Pre-Tours” were 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.
11-13 AugustSpeakers
Some of our speakers included:
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 both breeders and 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 came 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 included:
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, shared the remarkable story of how he built Wafex from humble beginnings into Australia’s leading global flower company.
Sponsors
We are grateful to all our sponsors who have stepped up to support the 2026 Conference.PREMIER
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
MEDIA SPONSORS
