Gastronomy Northern Tasmania 2026 Gastronomy Forum

Welcome to Gastronomy Northern Tasmania's 2026 Gastronomy Forum, a key gathering for our region's food leaders, producers, businesses, event organisers and community stakeholders.

Date: Thursday, 4 June 2026

Time: 8.30am arrival for coffee then 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Venue: Launceston Conference Centre, Launceston, Tasmania

About our UNESCO Creative City designation and Gastronomy Northern Tasmania

In 2021, Launceston and Northern Tasmania was designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy. This was in recognition of our food and beverage credentials and, critically, because of our commitment to address sustainability through the creative and cultural lens of gastronomy.

Gastronomy Northern Tasmania (GNT) is the custodian of our UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation. It is a committee auspiced by the Northern Tasmanian Development Corporation and is a regional initiative. GNT champions the connection between people, place, and produce to celebrate our world-class and innovative agri-food sector, our rich Indigenous and post-colonial food heritage, and our vibrant creative and cultural gastronomy scene.

We facilitate collaboration across producers, chefs, creatives, academics, influencers and industry to advance sustainable food systems, support initiatives that highlight our unique produce, foster innovation, and promote zero-waste and circular economy principles. These efforts continue to position Northern Tasmania as a leader in conscious gastronomy and sustainable regional development.

Gastronomy Forum 2026

Our Forum will bring together local businesses, producers, hospitality operators, stakeholders, and thought leaders for a focused half-day of insights, discussion, and collaboration. The program will include:

• Launceston and Northern Tasmania’s journey as a Creative City of Gastronomy
• Keynote presentations on emerging trends in sustainable gastronomy, tourism, and regional food systems.
• Facilitated workshops and networking opportunities.
• Strategic conversations on leveraging our UNESCO status for economic and community benefit.

Why You Should Attend

The Gastronomy Forum offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Better understand and engage with our UNESCO Gastronomy designation.
• Connect with like-minded people shaping Northern Tasmania’s food future.
• Contribute your voice to collaborative strategies that enhance our region’s global reputation and local prosperity.
• Build momentum for sustainable economic development in the region.

Your participation will help ensure Northern Tasmania remains at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy while delivering tangible benefits for local businesses and the broader community.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to celebrate and grow our extraordinary food region.

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Host or Publisher Northern Tasmania Development Corporation