THE Beef Industry Symposium being staged at Beef Australia 2018 in May this year will feature a line-up of economic, political, digi-tech, and market and trade experts who will discuss the global disruption agenda, and how this affects the beef industry.

Futurist, Chris Riddell

The symposium will be divided into five sections: The Global State of Play, Banking the Bulls, Innovation In the Top Paddock and Disruption Consumption.

Several keynote speakers will make presentations before a panel session discusses how beef industry stakeholders can manage digital disruption and embrace the opportunities that arise during this time.

The event’s master of ceremonies is renowned strategist and global emerging trend-spotter, Chris Riddell.

Chris is one of Australia’s most sought-after futurists, and an award-winning, industry-recognised keynote speaker on digital. Hel was the first-ever chief digital officer (CDO) for MARS Inc in Australia and New Zealand, developing the corporate digital strategy behind brands such as Whiskas, Pedigree, Wrigley, Starburst, Masterfoods, Snickers and Maltesers.

In session one, keynote speaker Hamish McDonald will discuss the impact of the digital movement on the Australian beef industry now, and what this means for the future.  Mr McDonald is an award-winning broadcaster and international affairs correspondent. He has covered war in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Libya, as well as the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, the rise of Donald Trump in America and the search for the missing schoolgirls in Nigeria.

Session two will see ABC Media Watch’s Paul Barry facilitate discussion on the Global State of Play.

Panelists will include Andrew Robb, former Trade Minister; Peter Fitzsimmons, journalist and commentator; Neer Korn, social trends and consumer insights expert; and Hamish McDonald. They will discuss topics on disruption on a political and economic macro level that is happening globally.  This will be supported by a second panel who will discuss the repercussions of this in the beef industry on a global and domestic level. These panellists will include Rebecca Huntley, a well-known researcher on social trends, and Dr Joanna McMillan a respected health and nutrition commentator.

Beef Australia symposium chairman, Bryce Camm said the symposium offered producers and industry stakeholders a rare opportunity to engage with some of the greatest minds in the fields of investment, market, trade, digi-tech and economics.

“We have collated an array of high calibre presenters who have not previously been exposed to the beef sector. The disruption agenda is relevant to all parts of the beef supply chain, and this highly interactive day offers insight to what the future of beef may hold for all stakeholders from consumers to producers,” Mr Camm said.

• The Symposium will be held on Tuesday, May 8 at Beef Australia in Rockhampton, QLD. Tickets are $400 per person.
• For more information on the speakers, click here or contact Beef Australia Symposium & Seminar Co-ordinator Fiona Parsons at fiona@beefaustralia.com.au