Annual WagyuEdge '26 Conference
15 -17 April 2026 Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The conference gets underway in
WAGYUEDGE'26: Innovation shared, luxury Experienced
Wagyu isn’t just beef, it’s an experience.
Shaped by Australian ingenuity and savoured around the table, Wagyu is crafted for connection, indulgence and prestige. In 2026, Brisbane will host WagyuEdge, where producers, innovators and tastemakers gather to celebrate the art, science and shared luxury of the world’s most coveted beef.
Expect world class speakers, cutting edge innovation, market shaping insights, and the very best of homegrown Wagyu on display and for sampling. The conference will focus on telling the story of Australian Wagyu, from its’ pioneers to its emerging leaders and the technology and innovation driving the sector forward.
All your favourite events will return alongside the conference, from the prestigious Wagyu Branded Beef Competition Awards Night, to the Elite Wagyu Sale, and the much loved Industry Dinner.
Plus, an exclusive four day post-conference tour will take delegates behind the farm gate and through the Queensland supply chain, offering an in-depth look at Wagyu production from paddock to plate.
WagyuEdge’26: Wednesday 15 April – Friday 17 April, 2026 – Brisbane Convention 7 Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Post Conference Tour: Saturday 18 April – Tuesday 21 April, 2026
CONTACT
Bradley Hayden AWA Events Manager
Phone: 0412 461 392 Email: [email protected]
FULL PROGRAM
Our Schedule
Day 1
Wednesday 15 April, 2026
Session 1
Innovation in action: AWA Technical Highlights
Discover the innovations driving genetic progress and shaping the future of Wagyu breeding and production. This flagship session from the AWA brings the latest technical updates to the forefront, including the launch of new EBVs and genetic evaluation, insights into EBV relationships and Index changes and the latest Helical developments. This is an unmissable opening session for breeders, producers, and stakeholders looking to stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of innovation in Wagyu.
- 10:00 am
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Dr Matt McDonagh, Vinzent Boerner, Christian Duff and Daniel Garrick
Session 2
The Big Picture: Risks and Realities
Get the big picture on the forces shaping the Australian Wagyu sector. Risks and Realities will deliver a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing Wagyu today, from government policy and trade to biosecurity, providing the essential perspective needed to navigate the sector confidently. Delegates will leave with the knowledge to understand the broader environment, make informed decisions, and position Australian Wagyu for continued success.
- 12:45pm
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include The Hon Julie Collins, Dr Samantha Allan and Dr Ross Ainsworth.
Session 3
Sate of Origin: Feeding the Future
Uncover how some of Australia’s leading Wagyu producers are shaping the future of luxury beef, as they reveal how innovation, feedlot expansion, and production strategy are crafting Australia’s Wagyu production. This session blends technical expertise, strategic insight, and industry leadership, providing attendees with a comprehensive view of Australia’s Wagyu supply, where innovation meets excellence and luxury is experienced at every step from paddock to plate.
- 2:50pm
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Charlie Mort, Scott Minnikin and Geoff Cornford
Evening event
WBBC Awards Dinner
Celebrate the very best in Australian Wagyu as we crown the champions of the 2026 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition.
- 6.00 pm - 11.00 pm
- Plaza Terrace & Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Dress - Semi Formal
Day 2
Thursday 16 April, 2026
Session 4
Wagyu Market Intelligence: Trends & Predictions
2 years on from a bold prediction of the doubling of cattle prices, where do we sit? Stay ahead of the curve with this session delivering expert insights on the forces shaping premium Wagyu markets across the globe. Delegates will gain a strategic perspective on where the market is heading, learning how innovation, quality, and market intelligence combine to deliver Wagyu crafted with ingenuity and shared in luxury. This session is essential for anyone seeking to understand market forces, future opportunities, and strategies for success in premium Wagyu production and trade.
- 8:30am
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Simon Quilty and Matt Dalgliesh
Session 5
Wagyu's International Trade environment
The Austalian Wagyu Sector supplied the majority of the World’s premium beef markets with luxury Wagyu beef. This presents enormous opportunities in new high-value markets, but presents challenges through exposure of the industry to changes in trade policy and economics.
- 11:00am
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Hamish McIntyre and Ms Catherine Raper
Session 6
Reproduction and Nutrition advances in Wagyu
Step into the forefront of Wagyu reproductive science, combining global perspective with local expertise, giving delegates actionable insights to maximise genetic potential, reproductive efficiency, and herd productivity. Attendees will discover how precision breeding produces Wagyu perfected through precision and savoured with distinction.
- 1:30pm
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Bruno Valente Sanches, Dr Ced Wise and John Doyle
Afternoon & Evening events
Elite Wagyu Sale
The AWA Elite Wagyu Sale returns in 2026, bringing together the most coveted genetics in the breed for one unforgettable night of opportunity.
Drink, Canapes & Entertainment with Jess Pryles
Once the final hammer falls, the celebration begins. Following the 2026 AWA Elite Wagyu Sale, guests are invited to continue the evening in style with a relaxed cocktail reception and gourmet Wagyu food stations designed for grazing, networking and unwinding.
Elite Wagyu Sale
- 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm
- Plaza Ballroom
- 6.30 pm - 10.00 pm
- Plaza Terrace
- Dress - Cocktail
Day 3
Friday 17 April, 2026
Session 7
Wagyu on the Rise: Expansion in the North and South
Take a journey into Wagyu’s expansion in northern Australia with this session highlighting how innovation, regional expertise, and strategic growth are shaping the next chapter of premium beef production. Delegates will gain insight into the challenges, opportunities, and breakthroughs driving Wagyu’s northern expansion, and see how careful management, innovation, and expertise combine to produce the World’s luxury beef.
- 9:00am
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Tom McLeish and Charlie Perry
Session 8
Wagyu’s New Wave: Leaders and Legends
Explore the stories of Wagyu’s pioneers, rising stars, and future breed leaders. From a lifetime of learning to fresh perspectives delegates will gain insight into how experience, innovation, and next generation leadership combine to shape the future of premium Wagyu production. This session highlights the talent, expertise, and vision driving Wagyu innovation, showing how the next wave of leaders continues to produce the world’s most coveted beef.
- 11:10am
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Sebastian Christensen, Harrison Kemp, Joshua Rich and Joseph Kerin
Session 9
Next-gen Wagyu: Technology and Discovery
Navigate how cutting-edge technologies are transforming Wagyu breeding and production. Delegates will learn how innovation, data, and precision drive genetic potential, productivity, and quality, with a deep dive into Wagyu genome sequencing and new technologies.
- 2:10pm
- Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
- Speakers include Jessie Macqueen, Cooper Carter, Sid Goutam, Davide Defendi, Daniel Garrick and John Hill
Evening event
Wagyu Industry Dinner
Join us for an unforgettable finale to WagyuEdge as the industry comes together beyond the conference floor for a night of exceptional Wagyu, great company, and dancing into the night.
- 6.00 pm - 11.00 pm
- Plaza Terrace & Plaza Ballroom
- Dress - Black Tie
Note conference times and program are subject to change. Please check the website for the latest updates
Conference Registration
Full conference, Day or Evening packages
The WagyuEdge’26 conference will celebrate our national industry’s global reputation, and showcase the people, programs and progress driving Wagyu forward. Delegates can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities and captivating evening events held over three days. The event is fully catered, with exciting conference sessions and three spectacular evening dinner events celebrating Wagyu; the event promises to be an enriching learning experience in Wagyu.
three-day package
Member $1740 | Non Member $2090
Three conference days (Wednesday to Friday)
Conference catering during conference
Conference satchel and contents
Free annual access to session videos post-event
All evening events : 2026 WBBC Awards Dinner, Elite Wagyu Sale and Cocktail Function and Wagyu Industry Dinner
Early Bird Discount - $100
Applies to registrations received and paid by Wednesday, 18 February 2026
pOST-conference tour
twin share $1,450 | Single $1,650
Saturday 18 April to Tuesday 21 April 2026
Wise Repro, Arubial Wagyu & Macquarie Wagyu plus much more.
Starting and concluding in Brisbane.
Day Registration
Member $770 | Non Member $980
One-day conference ticket
Catering (selected day)
Conference satchel and contents
Wagyu industry DInner
Member $350 | Non Member $410
Friday 17 April 2026 (5.30 pm- 11 pm)
Plated three-course dinner and drinks
Entertainment
WBBC AWARDS dinner
Member $350 | Non Member $410
Wednesday 15 April 2025 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Three-course dinner
2026 WBBC BBQ tasting (five classes)
Announcement of 2026 award winners
Member $220 | Non Member $275
Elite Wagyu Sale Cocktail Function
Thursday 16 April 2026 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Location & Contacts
Get directions to our event
Address
Brsbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Contact the AWA Conference team
Bradley Hayden
AWA Events Manager
Phone: 0412 461 392
Email: [email protected]