
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
Price
$1150
$1375
$1575
Student*
$550
*Student Registrations include all social functions except the Welcome Reception
Day Registration
Price
$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 Loh | Mark Lewis |
Trevor Perryman | Carolina Garcia | |
Blakely Paynter | Mary Raynes | |
Kenton Porker | Jon Thelander | |
Elysia Vassos | David Peake | |
Peter Dracatos | Mohammed Pourkheirandish | |
Samir Alahmad | Silvina Baraibar | |
Kerrie Forrest |
Platinum Sponsor – GRDC
