THE 2025 Meat Business Women conference kicks off in Brisbane tomorrow, having been postponed from its early March slot due to flooding in southeast Queensland.

This year’s conference is designed to inspire, connect, and equip industry members with the tools to thrive in the modern, faced paced meat processing world.

Tomorrow’s program features industry leaders tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities, from retail and economic insights that will shape 2025 to the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and the strategies needed to drive meaningful gender inclusion in red meat workplaces.

Members will also hear from trailblazing women in leadership who are reshaping the industry and breaking barriers.

Opening this year’s conference will be Queensland Agriculture minister Tony Perrett, who will be followed by a series of high-energy speakers covering topics including consumers and the retail environment for meat protein, the power of mentorship and gender inclusion and managing workforce diversity.

The day will conclude with the Meat Business Women One to Watch Awards, featuring six impressive young finalists working across the nation’s red meat supply chain.

Beyond the conference sessions, the MBM event is about building networks – connecting with like-minded professionals, exchanging insights, and strengthening the community of women and allies who are driving change.

“A thriving, gender diverse industry is one that embraces talents, contributions and leadership of women. By coming together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for the meat industry – one that values gender diversity, leadership, and collaboration,” MBM Australia chair Stacey McKenna said.

Founded in 2015, Meat Business Women is the global professional network for women working across the meat industry, recognized by the United Nations for its efforts to improve sustainability and grow the pipeline of female talent in this traditionally male-dominated field. With strategic support from major supply chain partners, Meat Business Women continues to champion diversity and innovation within the meat industry.