As the global agrifood sector accelerates toward a more sustainable, tech-enabled future, the need for strategic, high-impact gatherings has never been greater. For event organisers seeking a destination that blends agricultural excellence with world-class infrastructure and a vibrant innovation ecosystem, Brisbane stands out as a natural choice.
Here are five compelling reasons why Brisbane is the ideal host city for any agricultural event –
- A thriving Agrifood innovation ecosystem
Brisbane is at the heart of Queensland’s AUD$23 billion agriculture industry, with the state aiming to grow this to AUD$30 billion by 2030. The city is surrounded by fertile regions like the Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley, part of Australia’s food bowl, and is home to a dynamic AgriTech ecosystem that includes research institutions, startups, and global innovators.
The city’s focus on Future Food and Advanced Manufacturing, including sustainable protein, food processing, and agtech, is supported by initiatives like the Future Food strategy and Advanced Manufacturing hub, which position Brisbane as a leader in food innovation and supply chain transformation.
- World-class business events infrastructure
Brisbane’s business events offering is anchored by the award-winning Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), located in the vibrant South Bank precinct. With over 44 meeting spaces, cutting-edge technology, and a proven track record of hosting global summits, BCEC provides a seamless experience for delegates and organisers alike.
The city’s compact layout, efficient transport, and subtropical climate enhance the delegate experience – with hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions all within walking distance. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) also offers strategic support to event organisers, ensuring every event delivers measurable impact.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition centre exterior, Grey Street
- Access to global markets and investment
Brisbane is increasingly recognised as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific, making it a strategic location for international agricultural events. The city’s connectivity, both physical and digital, enables global collaboration and investment.
In 2026, Brisbane will host Global AgInvesting, the world’s premier agriculture investment event, marking its first appearance in the Southern Hemisphere. This milestone underscores Brisbane’s growing reputation as a hub for agribusiness capital and innovation.
- A culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange
Brisbane’s business events scene thrives on a foundation of collaboration, with academic institutions playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and knowledge exchange. Leading universities such as the University of Queensland and QUT actively partner with industry and government to co-develop solutions across agriculture, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Their involvement ensures events held in Brisbane are more than discussions – they become springboards for research-backed insights and practical outcomes.
For event organisers, this collaborative mindset translates into rich programming opportunities, from joint workshops and expert panels to site visits within active innovation precincts. Brisbane’s universities are not just venues of learning, they’re living laboratories that feed directly into the city’s economic and social transformation. This synergy makes Brisbane a destination where academic excellence and real-world impact converge.
- A destination that inspires
Beyond the boardroom, Brisbane offers an unforgettable backdrop for business events. From riverfront venues and rooftop bars to immersive regional tours, the city blends professional purpose with lifestyle appeal.
Delegates can not only enjoy a world-class conference but also the opportunity to explore Queensland’s agricultural regions, gaining firsthand insights into sustainable farming practices and innovation in action. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and cultural vibrancy will leave a lasting impression on attendees and organisers alike.
Howard Smith Wharves Lawn 2019
Case Study: evokeAG. 2025 – Where agriculture, innovation and access converged
When evokeAG. chose Brisbane for its 2025 edition, it wasn’t just selecting a venue, it was aligning with a city that mirrors its mission: to accelerate agrifood innovation through collaboration, investment, and bold ideas.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event welcomed over 2,000 delegates from 27 countries, making it the most internationally diverse edition to date. The theme, “Common Ground,” resonated deeply, not only in the program content but in the way the event brought together farmers, researchers, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs under one roof.
The event included:
- 95+ speakers that tackled topics from climate resilience and AI in agriculture to biosecurity and workforce development.
- 50 startups and scaleups that showcased cutting-edge solutions, many of them Queensland-based, highlighting the strength of the local innovation ecosystem.
- Delegates engaged in immersive regional tours, connecting with producers and gaining firsthand insight into sustainable farming practices across Queensland.
John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, noted, “Brisbane was the ideal location for evokeAG. because there is a strong agritech community here. The city is home to significant research and innovative startups, with a real focus on driving innovation.”
The event also featured Platform 10 Biologicals as a standout case study – a Queensland-based company pioneering biological alternatives to chemical inputs. Their story, shared on stage and in breakout sessions, exemplified the kind of innovation Brisbane is nurturing – scalable, sustainable, and globally relevant.
Beyond the sessions, the delegate experience was elevated by Brisbane’s walkable cityscape, cultural vibrancy, and warm hospitality. From rooftop networking events to curated culinary experiences, the city proved it could host not just a conference, but a movement.
