Annual WagyuEdge '26 Conference

15 -17 April 2026 Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

The conference gets underway in

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
BCEC

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.

SAVE THE DATES

WagyuEdge’26: Wednesday 15 April – Friday 17 April, 2026 – Brisbane Convention 7 Exhibition Centre (BCEC)

Post Conference Tour: Saturday 18 April – Wednesday April, 2026

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, the latest Helical developments, and progress from the AWA Progeny Test Program. 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.

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.

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.

Evening event

WBBC Awards Dinner

Celebrate the very best in Australian Wagyu as we crown the champions of the 2026 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition.

Day 2

Thursday 16 April, 2026

Session 4

Wagyu Market Intelligence: Trends & Predictions

2 years on from a bold prediction of the doubling of Wagyu 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.

Session 5

Unlocking Peak Performance: Wagyu Health & Nutrition

Unlock the science behind premium Wagyu production, focusing on steer growth, herd health, maternal performance and reproduction. Delegates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the health and nutrition factors that drive Wagyu performance, bridging technical knowledge, practical application, and innovation. This session emphasises how precision in care and nutrition delivers Wagyu that is crafted with ingenuity and shared in luxury.

Session 6

Precision Breeding: Reproductive technology 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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 COMING SOON

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.

Registration

STAY TUNED....

More Information Coming Soon!

post-conference tour

STAY TUNED....

April 18th – 22nd

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]

Important Notice and Disclaimer


It is very important that you appreciate when viewing the AWA database that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported through AWA, AWA officers and employees assume no responsibility for its content, use or interpretation. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the use by you of the data on this AWA database and the information supplied by ABRI and AGBU being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Regarding EBVs and Index values, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • EBVs are derived using Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN technology developed independently by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), using the information contained within the AWA database.
  • AGBU is a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England, which receives funding for this purpose from Meat and Livestock Australia Limited.
  • AWA relies solely on advice provided by AGBU and ABRI in accepting Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN software.
  • EBVs published in Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.
  • EBVs can only be directly compared to other EBVs calculated in the same monthly Wagyu Group BREEDPLAN analysis.

 

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • Animals whose registration identifiers start with PED are Pedigree Recorded Animals. What this means is that the details which Australia Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) used to register the animal were obtained from a Recognised Wagyu Registry Organisation – in other words a Wagyu breed association based outside of Australia. AWA has not independently verified the information with respect to the animal or the details recorded about the animal. You should read AWA’s by-laws which sets out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal.
  • Future events cannot be predicted accurately. AWA makes no statements, representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in the registration details of this animal or their capability to achieve any purpose. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability for negligence) for all claims, expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information set out in the registration details of this animal for any reason being inaccurate or incomplete in any way or incapable of achieving any purpose.
  • Pedigree and DNA data submitted and supplied to AWA may have errors in it which cannot be detected without further DNA testing.
  • Technology may have advanced since a particular test was undertaken so that previous inaccuracies which were not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology.
  • AWA estimates that less than 1% of the pedigree entries, ownership or breeding details in the AWA Herdbook may have errors or which may be misleading. For this reason, users ought to consider if they need to obtain independent testing of the relevant animal (if possible) to ensure that the data is accurate.

 

Regarding prefectural content, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • Prefectural content is based on the estimation of prefectural origin from Japanese breeding records of 201 foundation sires and 168 foundation dams. As genotype-based parent verification is not used in Japan, and full Japanese registration certificates are not available for all foundation animals, exact prefectural composition for these sires and dams cannot be validated.
  • The calculation of prefectural content for Australian Herdbook animals relies on the accuracy of pedigree records and DNA samples provided by AWA members.
  • The reporting of prefectural content for animals within the AWA Herdbook relies on the calculation provided by ABRI.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and extent of the data provided on this website or the EBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek independent expert advice.