Innovation is a key topic in the competitive economic environment. Innovative actions need to be recognised and encouraged. A dedicated seafood post harvest conference was the ideal opportunity to present innovative ideas and processes from the Australian industry and gain benefit from hearing the latest advances in technology from overseas.

The '99 Innovations for Seafood Conference, Trade show and Innovative product competition was held at the Gold Coast International Hotel, Surfers Paradise, Queensland over two and a half days in April 1999.

The conference was well attended, attracting 160 delegates and 23 trade exhibitors. An innovative product competition was organised and occurred on the first ½ day of the conference. The competition included 37 innovative products from 14 Australian and international companies. Austrolex Black Forest was awarded Grand Champion for its innovative Carp Bacon product and Maggie Beer Products Pty. Ltd. took the Blue Ribbon for their Smoked Salmon Creme.

Thirty-six well known international and domestic speakers presented topics on innovations in harvesting, processing, packaging, marketing and safety of seafood. General feedback from delegates indicated that the conference was informative and enjoyable. Displaying companies have indicated that numerous contacts were collected through the conference.

The conference successfully provided a platform for the Australian seafood industry to build and maintain strategic links that ensure competitiveness in the future. An opportunity for industry participants to provide input and guidance to researchers was initiated through this conference.