May 16, 2011, Adelaide, Australia — Protected Cropping Australia is holding its biennial conference from July 3-6 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Formerly the Australian Hydroponic & Greenhouse Conference, this is the 11th such national conference.
The conference starts on Sunday, July 3 with the opening of the trade exhibition that covers a wide range of industry trades including greenhouses, irrigation and climate controllers, movable screens, seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, growing media, propagators, IPM specialists, etc. As well as Australian companies exhibiting, there are also many from the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Lectures and workshops are held all day Monday and Tuesday, presented by Australian and overseas experts, many of whom are world leaders in their field. Nearly 30 different presentations are on the program, giving delegates a wide choice of topics. The program includes a series of fundamental topics specifically for new and intending growers, who are particularly welcome.
A highlight will be Dutch expert Ben van Onna introducing the impressive “Simcom4” environmental control training package. Included will be updates of international developments in greenhouse and hydroponic technologies, biological control, IPM, etc. Following the great success of grower presentations at the previous conference, there will be many more presentations including growers sharing their real world experience. Also covered are interesting newer areas such as aquaponics and organic hydroponics.
On Wednesday, delegates have the option of going on an all-day farm tour, including a visit to a 17-hectare, state-of-the-art glasshouse facility.
There will be many opportunities to network, which is a valuable aspect of these conferences. Lunch and tea breaks are long enough to maximize time with other growers, exhibitors and experts. There are also great social functions, where the emphasis will be on networking. A welcome reception will be held on Sunday evening and the conference banquet dinner on Monday evening.
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