Tasmania’s reputation as a `Foodie Capital’ in the tourism space is fast spilling over into the business event sector, with news that the island state will be playing host to the 25th Symposium of Australian Gastronomy (SAG 25) next month.
The city of Launceston, in the northern part of Tasmania, is one of just 57 UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy. It will host the symposium in July with more than 100 gastronomic enthusiasts from around Australia and New Zealand expected to attend the four-day event.
Attendees will hear from internationally renowned experts and enjoy some of the world class cuisine from across northern Tasmania.
Chair of the symposium organising committee and board member of the Tasmanian Agrifood Network (TAN), Andrew Pitt, said the national event would be the first of its kind held in northern Tasmania.
“Our hardworking volunteer organising committee is proud to bring this symposium to Launceston,” he said.
“The theme for this year’s event is ‘island’ which perfectly encapsulates the fine produce that can be sourced and enjoyed across our state.
“SAG 25 will be a significant event for our food and beverage industry as it has an established audience who will exchange their knowledge and ideas with local producers.
“Visitors will be provided with multiple opportunities to sample local food and drink, meet with Tasmanian producers and experience Launceston’s restaurants all within a short distance of the University of Tasmania’s new Inveresk campus.”
Mr Pitt was a key member of the successful bid for Launceston to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021.
And it’s not only Launceston that provides gastronomic delights for visitors. Hobart, where the majority of conference groups stay, provides a wonderful opportunity to savor locally grown food and wine.
If you are planning a Tasmanian conference in Hobart make sure you include a Saturday in your itinerary where your attendees can visit the Salamanca Markets.
Running from 8.30am to 3pm the market extends the full length of Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, from the silos end to the top of Davey Street. Here you can find a huge selection of locally made products and you can meet the makers, the artisans, the designers and producers.
There are more than 300 stallholders with a mix of local produce, breakfast and lunch options, and hand-made gifts, plenty of which can be easily transported back the mainland.