Delegates mingle in BeefEx’s trade exhibition area at the last event in 2024.

WITH the grainfed beef sector growing exponentially over the past two years and feedlots regularly operating near capacity, this September’s BeefEx 2026 biennial industry conference on the Gold Coast is expected to attract a record attendance.

Numbers on feed nationally cracked 1.6 million head for the first time in the December quarter, up almost 250,000 head on September 2024, when BeefEx was last staged.

Organisers are anticipating an attendance of up to 900 delegates at this year’s event, across lotfeeders and their operations and management staff, nutritionists, vets and other technical personnel, other service providers, grainfed beef exporters, regulators, government personnel, chefs and food manufacturers and international visitors.

Australian Lot Feeders Association president Grant Garey said BeefEx has evolved significantly over the 30 years the event has run, growing in both size and stature to become one of the pivotal forums on the Australian beef industry’s calendar.

“BeefEx is the one event that encompasses the entire spectrum of Australia’s grainfed beef,” Mr Garey said.

Initially established for ALFA members, the scope of the event has broadened significantly to provide benefit and appeal to a broad cross section of the industry.

“We are looking to elevating the event further in 2026,” Mr Garey said.

In 2026 BeefEx will be held for the first time in September (previously October) and will move from Brisbane to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Grant Garey

“The move back to the Gold Coast opens up so many new opportunities as an exciting new destination, bigger exhibition space, and a vibe to match all the hype and energy of the tourism mecca,” Mr Garey said.

“Expectations are for a record turnout in the realms of 900 delegates with a strong trade contingent of more than 60 exhibitors already locked in for the 2026 event,” Mr Garey said.

The abundant space at the Gold Coast Convention centre created an incredible opportunity to showcase large machinery, bespoke sites and increased trade participation, he said.

“Super-sized is a word that comes to mind when thinking about BeefEx 2026.  With planning well underway and we look forward to welcoming industry members in September,” Mr Garey said.

Early bird registrations are available until 15 August. Click here to register.