AGA

Program


This program is subject to change without notice


 9:00 AM
 Ballroom


Welcome and Introductions



 9:10 AM
 Ballroom
The X Factor | How Will do you know Generation X
Join us for an insightful presentation on how Generation X is quietly driving trillions in consumer spending. We'll explore their unique identity, spending behaviors, and the significant opportunities they present for brands and retailers. Don't miss this chance to understand and engage with this influential generation.

Victor Hidalgo

Strategic Analytics & Insights Leader | NIQ ANZ



 9:55 AM
 Ballroom
Compounding your Career
In this presentation, Andrew Lawrey unpacks the concept of career compounding and how the variety of experiences you gain now can pay exponential dividends over time. Drawing on his personal journey to become the General Manager Confectionery & Snacks at Nestlé Oceania, Andrew will reflect on what he’s learnt, what he’d tell his younger self, and the virtue of patience.

Andrew Lawrey

General Manager Confectionary and Snacks | Nestlé Oceania



 10:25 AM
 Ballroom
International Trends and their Implications for Australia
Acumen will cover how suppliers in Europe are managing a volatile and changing retail landscape alongside challenging economic conditions. We will explore how Europe’s centralised retail playbook could translate for Australia’s joint business planning and trade terms alongside other strategies that have been used to drive revenue growth in the region. 

Nick Ryan
Founder & Chief Commercial Officer | Acumen CI



 11:00 AM
 Event Foyer
Morning Tea
Morning tea will be served for 30 minutes in the event foyer,


 11:30 AM
 Ballroom
Australian Retail and Consumer Sector - What's Really Going on in the Minds of Australian Shoppers?


Shaun Cousins

Executive Director, Retail and Consumer Analyst | UBS



 12:00 PM
 Ballroom

Pathway to a CEO Role
The pathway to a CEO role can be a confounding journey for talented executives looking to take the next step.  Drawing on his extensive experience, Chris Klingbeil, Managing Director of Touchstone Executive Search, will provide insight and advice for those aspiring to one day lead a business, including sharing the journeys of two of Australia’s top FMCG business leaders.  He will also discuss what Boards and Group CEOs look for when assessing potential CEO candidates, including feedback from one of the FMCG industry’s most successful CEOs.

Chris Klingbeil
Managing Director | Touchstone Executive Search



 12:30 PM
 Event Foyer
Lunch
Lunch will be served for 1 hour in the event foyer,


 1:30 PM
 Ballroom
Total Care launch - Single Source Product Data
GS1 has enhanced its member support services, introducing innovative tools to simplify product management for suppliers. Now, suppliers can create high-quality product images through two options: traditional photography or GS1’s new render studio, which uses advanced 3D, interactive, and virtual augmentation technology. These images meet GS1’s strict quality standards. Beyond imaging, GS1 leverages AI to generate accurate on-pack data, while supply chain and pricing details are seamlessly integrated into NPC X—a new, all-in-one platform for product-related needs. To take it further, GS1 offers a managed service that handles everything from artwork to shelf. Suppliers simply provide their artwork files, and GS1 manages the rest: coordinating photography or renders, uploading data to NPC X, handling retailer portals, and providing ongoing Total Care support. With these exciting updates, GS1 makes product image and data management easier and more efficient than ever.

Matt Graham

General Manager In Home | Patties Foods Pty Ltd


Ngahihi Katu

Customer Director | Patties Foods Pty Ltd


Richard Jones

General Manager Sales & Marketing | GS1 Australia



 1:50 PM
 Ballroom
Unpacking Key Provisions in the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct
1 April marked the inception of the new, mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. The Code is designed to regulate standards of business conduct within the grocery supply chain, and to ensure transparency and certainty in commercial transactions. This session will examine how the Code treats some of the most consequential commercial interactions between suppliers and retailers, including range reviews, shelf allocation and delisting.  

Neil Rechlin
Partner | NextGen Group



 2:20 PM
 Ballroom
Beyond the Campaign - Building Brand Loyalty That Lasts
FMCG brands invest significant time, effort and budgets to reach, influence and convert shoppers - but the moment the product leaves the shelf, the connection is lost. In this session, discover how brands are empowered to go beyond the campaign and build long-term loyalty directly with their shoppers – regardless of where they buy. Learn how to stay visible, relevant, and preferred - without relying on short-term retailer promotions.

Michael Palm

Chief Marketing Officer | Shping



 2:50 PM
 Event Foyer
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea will be served for 25 minutes in the event foyer,


 3:15 PM
 Ballroom
The Retail Media Conundrum - If, Why, and How to invest

Retail media is growing, fast. Retailers are motivated to unlock this new high-profit revenue stream, while suppliers are under ever-increasing pressure to invest. For all the hype, the value proposition of retail media still feels… a bit murky.

Paradyme will dive into this conundrum facing sales and marketing teams, sharing case studies with international insights, as well as provide a simple framework to help sales and marketing teams make informed decisions around if, why and how to invest.


Jon Stokes
Consultant | Paradyme Consulting



 3:45 PM
 Ballroom
Creativity Matters More Than Ever
In a world of too much content, your marketing will be invisible if it isn't creative. Effectiveness studies have shown that more creative advertising is more likely to be remembered and drives larger commercial returns. And now with the rise of AI, human creativity and craft will matter more than ever. Brent will share examples of brands that are gaining a commercial advantage through creativity, including the thinking behind the creative transformation he is driving at one of Australia's largest brands, Telstra. 

Brent Smart

Chief Marketing Officer | Telstra



 4:30 PM

Day close

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