Welcome to ABTS 2026

On behalf of the organising committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to the 22nd Australian Barley Technical Symposium, held at the Novotel Geelong from 17–20 August 2026.

This biennial event brings together 120–150 national and international delegates from across Australia’s barley industry—including researchers, plant breeders, maltsters and brewers, grain traders, marketers, agronomists, and growers. It is a unique opportunity to share the latest innovations, explore challenges and opportunities, and strengthen networks across the entire barley value chain.

An optional pre-symposium tour on Sunday 16 August will showcase the wider Geelong region and highlight the people and businesses supporting our thriving barley sector.

As we gather in the vibrant city of Geelong, our symposium theme, “The Australian Barley Industry – Pivoting to the Future”, sets the tone for forward-thinking discussions and new collaborations. We look forward to exploring how science and innovation can drive a sustainable and competitive future for barley.

We look forward to seeing you in Geelong!

Sally Norton
Chair, ABTS 2026 Committee

Key Dates

Call for Abstracts – 13 October 2025

Close abstracts – 16 February 2026

Advised of abstract outcome – March 2026

Registration opens for Earlybird – Mid-October 2025

Program Release – April 2026

Earlybird Registration closes – 18th May 2026

Pre-Symposium Tour – 16 August 2026

Symposium Starts – 17 August 2026

Registration

Registrations to the 2026 Australian Barley Technical Symposium will open in October.  Stay Tuned for further details.

Full Registration

Full Registration includes attendance to the entirety of the Symposium and all social functions
 

Price

Earlybird Full

$1150

Standard Full

$1375

Onsite Full

$1575

Student*

$550

*Student Registrations include all social functions except the Welcome Reception

Day Registration

Registration to Symposium for Day Selected During Registration no social functions included.
 

Price

Day Registration

$600

Pre-Symposium Field Tours

Pre-Symposium Field Trip will be held on Sunday 11th August 2024. The Field Trip will include an overnight stay with site visits, accommodation and catering. For a brief tour schedule click here. 

 

Price

Pre-Symposium Field Tour Ticket

$660

Social Functions

Social Functions tickets are included in the price of the Full Registrations.

 

Additional tickets are available to purchase for Day Registrations, Student Registrations and Guests to attend. Prices and details listed below.

 

Price

Welcome Reception – Koomo Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Adelaide.
Monday 12th Aug

$100

Networking Function – Little Bang Brewery.
Tues 13th Aug

$100

Symposium Dinner – Adelaide Zoo.
Thurs 15th Aug

$150

Awards Submission

Award Submissions for the 2026 Australian Barley Technical Sympsoium will open in early 2026

Are you under 35 or a student currently enrolled with an Australian University in Masters or PhD with relevance to the Australian barley  industry? Then don’t forget to apply for the below awards! 

  • Barley Incentive award & Paul Johnston Memorial awards – both offering $5,000 towards travel and registration to an appropriate international barley conference (closes Monday 5 August 2024)
  • Barley Incentive poster award of $500 for the best poster at the Symposium

Venue

Perfectly situated along the Geelong waterfront in the heart of the CBD, Novotel Geelong offers stunning sea views and an enviable location. As one of Geelong’s premier hotels and conference venues, it provides guests with an authentic coastal experience. Avalon Airport is a 20-minute drive, Tullamarine Airport is 50 minutes, and Spirit of Tasmania terminal is just a 10-minute commute.
 
Novotel Geelong 
1014 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong VIC 3220

Committee

Chair:Sally Norton
Treasurer:Laura Ziems
General Committee:Allan LohMark Lewis
Trevor PerrymanCarolina Garcia
Blakely PaynterMary Raynes
Kenton PorkerJon Thelander
Elysia VassosDavid Peake
Peter DracatosMohammed Pourkheirandish
Samir AlahmadSilvina Baraibar
Kerrie Forrest

Platinum Sponsor – GRDC

GRDC logo

Park onsite and choose from 329 guest rooms and spacious suites. Concentrate, relax and rejuvenate in Work-life guest rooms designed for the modern day business traveller. The in-room streaming app and plush bedding make relaxing a breeze. Mornings in your room come with floor-to-ceiling windows, unrivalled views of the city or Adelaide Hills, guaranteed wake up calls and an espresso capsule machine to kick start your day.

Take a dip in the show-stopping, rooftop infinity pool and workout in the fully-equipped gym which is open 24/7. Dine among the 28 clouds at Adelaide’s highest rising restaurant: Koomo and enjoy a modern Asian influenced menu. Kick back and relax at Luna10, our poolside bar and cocktail lounge featuring unforgettable views, modern working spaces, charging ports, free Wi-Fi and an all-day dining philosophy which makes the most out of business and life.