Speakers
Applications are now closed! We looking forward to announcing our final selection of speakers to Hort Connections 2025
Hort Connections always delivers a diverse and educational array of speakers who present on a wide range of industry topics. Browse the list of confirmed speakers below and stay tuned for upcoming speaker announcements.
GIAAN ROONEY
Master of Ceremonies,
Hort Connections
Giaan Rooney’s memorable smile, natural beauty and ability to engage are almost trumped by her enormous energy for work. An adept speaker and presenter, Giaan is a person of enormous talent and professionalism.
DR. CHADDEN HUNTER
Founder & Director,
Chadden Hunter Films
A wildlife biologist and filmmaker, Dr. Chadden shares thrilling stories and breathtaking footage to inspire leadership, resilience, and storytelling for change.
DR. DAVID HUGHES
Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing,
Imperial College London
A global expert in food industry trends, agribusiness, and retail, with experience across multiple continents.
DR GORDON ROGERS
CEO,
Applied Horticulture Research
Gordon is CEO of Applied Horticultural Research and an adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. He specialises in applied research and communicating practical, profitable solutions to producers.
JULIUS JOEL
Group Product Director - Celery,
G's
Julius brings 30+ years of global agribusiness expertise, from broad-acre to intensive horticulture. He'll energetically unpack G’s innovative approach to regenerative farming, tech adoption, market dynamics, and climate resilience.
JUSTINE SCHOFIELD
Television Host,
Everyday Gourmet
Justine Schofield is a beloved TV personality and cook, best known for her long-running show Everyday Gourmet on Channel Ten. A standout from the first season of MasterChef Australia, she now runs her own boutique catering business.
MARK MATHEWS
Big Wave Surfer & Keynote Speaker,
Next Wave
With a surfer's laid-back mentality and magnetic charisma, Mark has captivated audiences across the globe. Known for his epic tales and spectacular surf footage, he delves into the relationship between personal growth, high performance, and fulfillment.
MICHAEL DOSSOR
Group General Manager,
Result Group
Michael Dossor is Group General Manager at Result Group and an expert in sustainable packaging and supply chains. He contributes to several industry councils and working groups. His focus includes 2D coding, traceability, and innovation.
PASCUAL BAUSET
Marketing Manager,
Servalesa
Pascual Bauset is Marketing Manager at Servalesa, specialising in sustainable ag-tech. He focuses on biostimulants and microbials to improve farming efficiency. Pascual is committed to crop performance and environmental sustainability.
RAM KISHORE SAVANA
Farmers Time Freedom Coach,
Enable Ag
Ram Savana is founder of Enable Ag and Australia’s first Farmers' Time-Freedom Coach. He helps farmers improve work-life balance and build resilient, sustainable operations. Ram is a recognised speaker on agricultural innovation.
SIMON TOOHEY
Television Host,
Freshly Picked
Simon Toohey is a chef, MasterChef Australia finalist, and host of Channel 10’s Freshly Picked. He is known for his plant-based cooking and passion for sustainability. Through media, events, and brand partnerships, he continues to promote mindful eating and a more sustainable food future.
GIAAN ROONEY
Master of Ceremonies,
Hort Connections
Giaan Rooney’s memorable smile, natural beauty and ability to engage are almost trumped by her enormous energy for work. An adept speaker and presenter, Giaan is a person of enormous talent and professionalism.
GIAAN ROONEY
Master of Ceremonies,
Hort Connections
Giaan Rooney’s memorable smile, natural beauty and ability to engage are almost trumped by her enormous energy for work. An adept speaker and presenter, Giaan is a person of enormous talent and professionalism.
DR. CHADDEN HUNTER
Founder & Director,
Chadden Hunter Films
A wildlife biologist and filmmaker, Dr. Chadden shares thrilling stories and breathtaking footage to inspire leadership, resilience, and storytelling for change.
JULIUS JOEL
Group Product Director - Celery,
G's
Julius brings 30+ years of global agribusiness expertise, from broad-acre to intensive horticulture. He'll energetically unpack G’s innovative approach to regenerative farming, tech adoption, market dynamics, and climate resilience.
MARK MATHEWS
Big Wave Surfer & Keynote Speaker,
Next Wave
With a surfer's laid-back mentality and magnetic charisma, Mark has captivated audiences across the globe. Known for his epic tales and spectacular surf footage, he delves into the relationship between personal growth, high performance, and fulfillment.
DR. DAVID HUGHES
Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing,
Imperial College London
A global expert in food industry trends, agribusiness, and retail, with experience across multiple continents.
DR GORDON ROGERS
CEO,
Applied Horticulture Research
Gordon is CEO of Applied Horticultural Research and an adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. He specialises in applied research and communicating practical, profitable solutions to producers.
JUSTINE SCHOFIELD
Television Host,
Everyday Gourmet
Justine Schofield is a beloved TV personality and cook, best known for her long-running show Everyday Gourmet on Channel Ten. A standout from the first season of MasterChef Australia, she now runs her own boutique catering business.
MICHAEL DOSSOR
Group General Manager,
Result Group
Michael Dossor is Group General Manager at Result Group and an expert in sustainable packaging and supply chains. He contributes to several industry councils and working groups. His focus includes 2D coding, traceability, and innovation.
PASCUAL BAUSET
Marketing Manager,
Servalesa
Pascual Bauset is Marketing Manager at Servalesa, specialising in sustainable ag-tech. He focuses on biostimulants and microbials to improve farming efficiency. Pascual is committed to crop performance and environmental sustainability.
RAM KISHORE SAVANA
Farmers Time Freedom Coach,
Enable Ag
Ram Savana is founder of Enable Ag and Australia’s first Farmers' Time-Freedom Coach. He helps farmers improve work-life balance and build resilient, sustainable operations. Ram is a recognised speaker on agricultural innovation.
SIMON TOOHEY
Television Host,
Freshly Picked
Simon Toohey is a chef, MasterChef Australia finalist, and host of Channel 10’s Freshly Picked. He is known for his plant-based cooking and passion for sustainability. Through media, events, and brand partnerships, he continues to promote mindful eating and a more sustainable food future.