2025 APAL Technical Symposium program and speakers announced
Join us in the Goulburn Valley for the 2025 APAL Technical Symposium on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August 2025.
The Technical Symposium Presentations Day and Field Day combine a curated program of technical sessions, hands-on learning opportunities and strategic discussions designed to foster innovation and continuous improvement across the industry. Participants will gain practical insights and explore the latest developments in orchard management, research and development, and business best practices.
Featuring presentations from local and international speakers, the two-day Technical Symposium will combine sessions on orchard economics, postharvest innovation, narrow orchard systems and labour efficiency with in-field demonstrations at Tatura SmartFarm and orchard walks.
Please see the 2025 program of speakers and sessions below:
MORNING SESSION
- Risk, money and intensification with Bill Malcolm, Professor at The University of Melbourne
- Forecast supply, demand and competition – why should you care? with Jeremy Griffith, Head of Industry, Government Relations & Advocacy at APAL
- Global trends in technology – apples, pears and beyond with Jesse Reader, Head of Investment, Growth & Commercial at Hort Innovation
- Advanced tree training for orchard efficiency with Alberto Dorigoni, Renowned Italian Researcher
- Building capability for orchard success with Ben James, Business Manager – Apples at Craigmore Sustainables
AFTERNOON SESSION
- Emerging trends and opportunities for large improvements in apple and pear spray application practices and outcomes with David Manktelow, Owner at Applied Research & Technologies Ltd
- Improving efficiency through Class 1 yield with Jonathan Brookes, Horticultural Consultant at AgFirst
- Getting on with it – what I do in my business to increase efficiency with Brett Squibb, Fruit Grower at R.W Squibb and Sons Orchards
- Keeping pace – areas for focus and improvement with Nic Finger, Industry Services Manager – Grower Development and Trials at APAL
- Panel discussion on labour efficiency, canopy efficiency, cost tracking and block removal
- Plenary session discussing and workshopping key topics, challenges opportunities of the industry
On Wednesday 6 August, the Field Day will comprise of a PIPS 4 Profit showcase, in-field product demonstrations at Tatura SmartFarm and a series of orchard walks.
The Technical Symposium will be preceded by the Masterclass Series and APAL Awards for Excellence celebration evening on Monday 4 August 2025.
Ticket information
All tickets are two-day tickets and include admission to the Presentations Day AND the Field Day.
- APAL Member Tickets – $160.00
- Non-member Tickets – $280.00
All ticket purchases also include admission to the APAL Awards for Excellence celebration evening on Monday 4 August at Belcibo & Co and the option to also attend Pears in the Pub on Tuesday 5 August at The Aussie.
To access APAL Member Ticket prices, you will need to provide your APAL Member number when purchasing tickets. This will be checked by the APAL team. If you don’t know your member number, or would like to become an APAL Member, please contact [email protected], or phone (03) 9329 3511.
2025 Technical Symposium event week 4–8 August 2025
The 2025 APAL Technical Symposium is part of a series of technical events delivered by APAL in the first week of August. The week-long series of events brings together growers, researchers and industry professionals for a diverse range of activities and educational sessions.
The week’s agenda includes in-depth masterclasses, technical sessions, a dedicated field day with orchard walks, and a tailored leadership course for emerging orchard managers and business owners.
Please see the complete week’s schedule detailed below:
Day 1: Monday 4 August
- Masterclass Series at Tatura SmartFarm – (ticketed separately; see here)
- APAL Awards for Excellence at Belcibo & Co (PM)
Day 2: Tuesday 5 August
- Technical Symposium Presentations Day at the Woolshed @ Emerald Bank
- Pears in the Pub at The Aussie Hotel (PM)
Day 3: Wednesday 6 August
- Technical Symposium Field Day at Tatura SmartFarm + Orchard Walks
Days 4 & 5: Thursday 7 & Friday 8 August
- Leadership Course – by application only, please email [email protected]
Why attend?
High-calibre program: Hear from renowned researchers and fellow growers, sharing insightful presentations and best-practice examples that will challenge your thinking on orchard management techniques.
Unparalleled networking: Connect with growers and researchers over a thought-provoking program, beginning with networking drinks at Belcibo & Co to celebrate this year’s deserving recipients of the APAL Awards for Excellence.
Meaningful content with practical applications: The Technical Symposium program will provide you with the latest information and R&D insights and explore the latest developments in orchard management, research and development, and business best practices.
In-field experiences: A visit to AgVic for the Field Day will provide attendees with a better understanding of the advancements being made at the Tatura SmartFarm, with a series of onsite machinery demos before orchard visits.
Pears in the Pub: Featuring content specifically for pear growers, join us at The Aussie on the evening of Tuesday 5 August and hear valuable insights and learnings around the latest research and best practice in pear disease management.
SPONSORS
TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM BRONZE SPONSOR:
GOLD FIELD DAY SPONSOR:
Frequently asked questions
Tickets are all-inclusive for both days and cannot be purchased separately. Each ticket also includes complimentary attendance at the APAL Awards for Excellence celebration evening (Mon 4 Aug) and Pears in the Pub (Tues 5 Aug). Please indicate which events you will be attending when registering.
Technical Presentations Day: 8:00am arrival at the Woolshed @ Emerald Bank for an 8:30am start Field Day + Orchard Tours: Meet at Brother Pablo on Fryers Street at 8:00am for coffee and bus transfer.
For attendees travelling from interstate, the Parklake, the Sherbourne and the Quest Shepparton are recommended hotels.
You may wish to make your own travel arrangements for the Field Day + Orchard Walk; however, you must still register for these events when purchasing your tickets. Please indicate if you require a seat on the bus when you are purchasing your tickets.
Details of the Field Day + Orchard Walk will be shared with attendees in the coming weeks.
All tickets include lunch and refreshments throughout both event days. If you have any dietary requirements, please include this detail when prompted when purchasing your tickets.
The Masterclass Series tickets are not included in the purchase of the Technical Symposium Presentations Day and Field Day ticket. The Masterclass Series tickets need to be purchased separately.
The Leadership Course is not included as part of the ticket and comes at an additional cost on an application- only basis. Please email [email protected] for further information.
