In May 2019, the Platinum Primary Producers Conference was held at the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas – a luxury resort situated on Four Mile Beach, surrounded by tropical gardens, 2 hectares of saltwater lagoon pools and an 18-hole golf course. Not bad!
This year’s theme “The Heat Is On – Performing Under Pressure”, not only reflected the tropical climate of our location, but much more importantly, current industry issues and trends that are impacting how we do business.
We gathered a host of exceptional speakers who talked to the theme – some looking at the big picture, and others drawing on their own experiences, all sharing how they’ve identified opportunities and adapted to the market.
Speakers included NZ's Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor, Westpac’s ‘Entrepreneur in Residence’ Xavier Rizos, ex-Royal Airforce fighter pilot Jimmy Field, and Lisa Sharp from Meat and Livestock Australia. There was expert advice on handling a media crisis from Matt Watson, a display of sheer will and mental strength by Michael Groom when he climbed Everest, and the brave and courageous personal story from Sallie Jones as part of the Invisible Farmer Project. The speakers certainly encapsulated how we can perform under pressure, especially when the heat is on.
Other conference highlights included a field trip to Skybury – Australia’s largest exporter of Arabica coffee and largest producer of red papaya. The announcement of the 2019 Zanda McDonald Award was also a highlight, with Luke Evans and Shannon Landmark sharing the title, announced at our Gala Dinner on Tuesday 21st May.
Networking is at the heart of the PPP conference, along with the ability to share ideas with leaders and influencers across the primary sector in both Australia and New Zealand. Access to talking with PPP members at the conference provides an incredible opportunity appreciated by all past and present finalists of the Zanda McDonald Award. Doors can be opened, great connections made, and friendships developed. We look forward to welcoming the finalists of the 2020 Zanda Award to the next conference in March 2020, and the PPP members reuniting for another great event.
