Meet the Makers 2026
A curated trade event connecting local makers with buyers
Meet the Makers is FAN’s flagship trade event, designed to connect food and beverage businesses with chefs, retailers, distributors, hospitality venues and industry professionals actively looking for new products, new suppliers and new relationships.
Bringing this opportunity back for 2026, Meet the Makers continues to build on the strong commercial conversations, connections and outcomes the event is known for across the regions.
What is Meet the Makers?
Meet the Makers is a curated trade showcase for food and beverage businesses from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
It is designed to create real commercial opportunities, not just foot traffic. With a focused buyer audience and a carefully selected exhibitor mix, the event is all about meaningful conversations, product discovery and building relationships that can lead to orders, ranging reviews, collaborations and longer-term market opportunities.
Why Exhibit?
Who You'll Meet
Exhibiting at Meet the Makers gives your business the chance to:
• showcase your products directly to qualified buyers
• build relationships with chefs, retailers, distributors and hospitality operators
• raise your profile within the regional food and beverage industry
• share your brand story and point of difference
• generate leads and open new commercial pathways
Whether you are looking to grow your wholesale footprint, expand your stockists, build awareness or reconnect with industry, Meet the Makers gives you a platform to do it in one place.
Meet the Makers attracts a highly relevant audience, including:
• chefs and hospitality venues
• independent retailers and specialty grocers
• distributors and wholesalers
• tourism and destination operators
• industry supporters and ecosystem partners
• media, collaborators and fellow makers
Why Buyers Attend?
Meet the Makers makes it easier for buyers to discover quality products and connect directly with the people behind them.
Buyers attend to source new products, meet regional producers, explore new ranges, strengthen local supply relationships and identify businesses that align with their customers, menus, shelves and values.
Event Snapshot
Trade Showcase
Date: Tuesday 23 June, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Venue 114, Bokarina
Session: Curated Trade Showcase
Meet the Makers brings together a curated group of food and beverage businesses with buyers actively sourcing new products.
Designed for meaningful conversations, this is your opportunity to showcase your products, build visibility and connect directly with chefs, retailers, distributors and industry professionals.
Industry Lunch & Networking
Date: Tuesday 23 June, 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Location: Venue 114, Bokarina
Session: Industry Lunch, Panel and Networking
As the day shifts, so does the pace.
Stay on for a catered session to continue conversations beyond the trade floor. A more relaxed environment to reconnect with buyers, build relationships and explore opportunities in more depth. Exhibitors are welcome to continue showcasing and selling their products.
Exhibitor Tickets
Exhibitor tickets for Meet the Makers 2026 are now open.
Early Bird pricing is available to FAN Connect members until 30 April. All businesses are welcome to register, with FAN Connect members receiving access to discounted Early Bird pricing during the campaign period.
Places are curated and capped to help maintain a strong exhibitor mix and a high-quality experience for both exhibitors and buyers.
Who should exhibit?
Meet the Makers is suited to businesses that are ready to put their products in front of decision-makers and have meaningful trade conversations on the day.
Ideal exhibitors include:
• packaged food and beverage brands
• fresh produce businesses
• value-added producers
• agrifood innovators
• wholesale-ready businesses
• established makers wanting to expand their reach
Built for connection and commercial outcomes
Meet the Makers is more than a showcase. It is part of FAN’s broader role in building capability, growing connections and helping regional food and agribusiness businesses access new markets and opportunities.
The event reflects the collaborative ecosystem FAN supports across the regions, where industry, government, research and business work together to strengthen local supply chains and support food and beverage growth.
Why Meet the Makers matters
Meet the Makers has become one of the region’s most recognised food and beverage trade events, creating a platform for valuable connections, stronger visibility and commercial opportunity for local producers and makers.
FAQs
Is Meet the Makers open to all businesses? Meet the Makers is curated to ensure a strong and relevant exhibitor mix. Businesses are invited to apply or purchase according to the current registration process.
Do I need to be a FAN member to exhibit? No. Meet the Makers is open more broadly, with FAN Connect members eligible for Early Bird pricing until 30 April.
Who attends as buyers?
Buyers include chefs, retailers, distributors, hospitality operators, tourism businesses and other industry professionals.
Are places limited?
Yes. Exhibitor places are capped and curated.
I’m interested in partnering or sponsoring
Please contact the FAN team to discuss current partnership opportunities.
With thanks to
This event is brought to you with the support of our event sponsors: Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, Sunshine Coast Council and Food and Hospitality Queensland. Their commitment to celebrating local producers and elevating our regional food culture is what makes events like this possible.
Meet the Makers 2025
Meet the Makers 2025, held at The Station on 25th July, once again showcased the strength, creativity and collaboration of our region’s food and beverage industry. Producers, innovators and supporters from across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond came together to share their products, stories and passion with buyers, distributors and industry partners.
Now in its 7th year, Meet the Makers has grown into one of South East Queensland’s most recognised food and beverage trade events – a platform that continues to create valuable connections, drive commercial outcomes and shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses shaping our regions’ food futures.
The event also reflected the power of collaboration that defines FAN and its members – where industry, research and government partners work together to grow capability, foster innovation and strengthen local supply chains.
FAN sincerely thanks our event partners and supporters, including the Queensland Government, Turbine, Sunshine Coast Council, City of Moreton Bay, Noosa Council, Regional Development Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast, whose ongoing commitment to collaboration and regional growth continues to strengthen our food and beverage industry.
We also acknowledge our valued commercial partners, whose contributions help bring this event to life and ensure it remains a highlight on the industry calendar. Together, we’re building the connections, confidence and capability that underpin a vibrant and sustainable food and beverage future for our regions.
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Meet the Makers showcases fresh produce and food & beverage products from FAN Members from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
Now in its 6th year, Meet the Makers delivers valuable commercial connections and collaboration opportunities for FAN Members and industry buyers and supporters.
Meet the Makers also tells the story of the unique, collaborative ecosystem that FAN fosters in the regions it operates, where industry and stakeholders work together to accelerate growth and drive innovation.
This event aligns with the strategies of FAN, and other regional stakeholders, to make the region the Australian epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing businesses.
Join us to meet, connect with and support our region’s local food and beverage industry.
Meet the Makers 2023 was proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Government, Swanky Agency, City of Moreton Bay, RDA Sunshine Coast, Noosa Council, White’s IGA, Hot91, Sun Central, MGA Independent Retailers.
Meet the Makers and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market – 25 July 2025
Meet the Makers, FAN’s flagship trade show, is being held in the morning to mid afternoon. This event connects food and beverage producers with buyers and industry professionals.
Late afternoon to evening transforms the event into our Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market! This event as part of The Curated Plate showcases local makers and producers inviting consumers to experience the best of our local food and drink through tastings, demos, and engaging activities.
FAN’s signature 2025 event, highlights the region’s culinary excellence and fosters connections between industry professionals, producers and the community.Â
Buyer Registration
Exhibitor Catalogue
Meet the Makers
Friday, 25 July 2025
10.00am – 2.00pm
MTM25 is a must attend food and beverage trade event, showcasing fresh produce and food and beverage products from over 80 exhibitors from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
- Exhibitor Trade Tables - Registrations have closed
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- For more information, contact the FAN Team
Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry
Friday, 25 July 2025
4.00pm – 8.00pm
Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry as part of The Curated Plate is a must attend food and beverage consumer event, showcasing fresh produce and food and beverage products, celebrity chef demos, tastings and engaging activities.
- Exhibitor Trade Tables - Registrations have closed
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- For more information, contact the FAN Team
Meet the Makers showcases fresh produce and food & beverage products from FAN Members from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
Now in its 6th year, Meet the Makers delivers valuable commercial connections and collaboration opportunities for FAN Members and industry buyers and supporters.
Meet the Makers also tells the story of the unique, collaborative ecosystem that FAN fosters in the regions it operates, where industry and stakeholders work together to accelerate growth and drive innovation.
This event aligns with the strategies of FAN, and other regional stakeholders, to make the region the Australian epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing businesses.
Join us to meet, connect with and support our region’s local food and beverage industry.
Meet the Makers 2023 was proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Government, Swanky Agency, City of Moreton Bay, RDA Sunshine Coast, Noosa Council, White’s IGA, Hot91, Sun Central, MGA Independent Retailers.
2023 Exhibitors
Tuesday, 2 May 2023
Buyer Session 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Networking Session 5.30pm – 7.30pm BOOK HERE
MTM23 is a must attend food and beverage trade event, showcasing fresh produce and food and beverage products from over 100 exhibitors from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
Buyer EOI
Exhibit at MTM23
Exhibitor Categories
Artisan pantry I Baked goods I Beans leaves spices I Brews from local crews I Delicious dairy I Farm grown fresh produce I Frozen treats I Meat and Small Goods I Organic goodness I Plant based alternatives I Sauces, jams and condiments I Savoury snacks I Spirit makers I Tasty treats I Wholesome free from
Exhibitor stands are open only to FAN Members.
Stand price include tickets to the networking session for participating exhibitors.
Full exhibitor details (and bump in times) and details on Information Sessions will be sent after booking.
Interested in exhibiting – please contact us members@foodagribusiness.org.au
Networking Session
5.30pm – 7.30pm
FAN members and partners, industry supporters, media and passionate foodies are invited to attend this session and celebrate our regions’ growers and makers. Meet the Makers showcases fresh produce and food & beverage products from FAN Members from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
Now in its 5th year, Meet the Makers delivers valuable commercial connections and collaboration opportunities for FAN Members and industry buyers and supporters.
Meet the Makers also tells the story of the unique, collaborative ecosystem that FAN fosters in the regions it operates, where industry and stakeholders work together to accelerate growth and drive innovation.
This event aligns with the strategies of FAN, and other regional stakeholders, to make the region the Australian epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing businesses.
Join us to meet, connect with and support our region’s local food and beverage industry.
Meet the Makers 2022 was proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, Department of Small Business Employment & Training, Trade and Investment Queensland, Moreton Bay Regional Council, MGA Independent Retailers, Noosa Council, White’s IGA, Detpak, Ecolean Focus Insights, Say-So-Creative and Reflected Image PR.
MTM22 is a must attend food and beverage trade event showcasing fresh produce and food and beverage products from over 100 exhibitors from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.Â
BUYER EOI
2022 Exhibitors
Meet the Makers showcases fresh produce and food & beverage products from FAN Members from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond.
Now in its 4th year, Meet the Makers delivers valuable commercial connections and collaboration opportunities for FAN Members and industry buyers and supporters.
Meet the Makers also tells the story of the unique, collaborative ecosystem that FAN fosters in the regions it operates, where industry and stakeholders work together to accelerate growth and drive innovation.
This event aligns with the strategies of FAN, and other regional stakeholders, to make the region the Australian epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing businesses.
Join us to meet, connect with and support our region’s local food and beverage industry.
Meet the Makers 2022 is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, Department of Small Business Employment & Training, Trade and Investment Queensland, Moreton Bay Regional Council, MGA Independent Retailers, White’s IGA, Detpak, Ecolean Focus Insights, Say-So-Creative and Reflected Image PR.
Meet the Makers 2021
Meet the Makers 2021 has been viewed by both exhibitors and key stakeholders as a resounding success specifically in terms of:
- Creating brand and product awareness for participating FAN Members
- Creating valuable commercial connections and new distribution / retail opportunities for FAN Members
- Showcasing how key regional stakeholders and supporters - work together to drive growth opportunities for the local food and beverage industry
- Showcasing the great diversity of food and beverage producers based in the region
MTM 2021 Links