The Countdown is on for APSS 2026

by Benjamin Geist

With just over 120 days until APSS 2026, planning for the 37th annual Australian Poultry Science Symposium is progressing smoothly. Next year’s event will return to the University of Sydney Business School – Belinda Hutchinson Building (H70) on the Camperdown Campus, and we’re excited to once again welcome delegates for 2.5 days of presentations, posters, networking, and industry engagement.

The theme for APSS 2026 is “Poultry Production Through a Futuristic Lens,” reflecting the growing interest in innovation and future-focused solutions across the poultry sector. From advancements in gut health, welfare, and nutrition, to cutting-edge discussions around antimicrobial stewardship, AI, and production technologies — APSS 2026 will offer something for everyone.

We are pleased to confirm an outstanding line-up of 9 invited speakers, some local and some from around the globe:

• Michael Kidd – University of Arkansas, USA
• Tina Widowski – University of Guelph, Canada
• Richard Ducatelle – Ghent University, Belgium
• Kirsty Short – University of Queensland, Australia
• Aaron Cowieson – DSM‑Firmenich, Scotland
• Neamat ElTazi – PoultrySync, Egypt
• Peta Taylor – University of Melbourne, Australia
• Mike Persia – Virginia Tech, USA
• Mehdi Toghyani – University of Sydney, Australia

With almost 100 papers submitted over the past 3 months, the scientific program will likely include 40+ short oral presentations and 40–50 poster presentations, sharing the latest research findings and reviews from across the global poultry science spectrum. The symposium will commence from 12:00 PM on Monday, 9 February 2026, and will run through to late afternoon on Wednesday, 11 February.

As those who attended last year will attest, the University of Sydney venue offers a modern 500-seat lecture theatre, expansive breakout areas, and a range of private rooms, making it an ideal setting for formal sessions, networking breaks, and industry meetings. A selection of dedicated spaces will again be made available to our sponsors for side meetings and discussions throughout the symposium.

Building on its success over the past few years, the Student and Early Career Researcher Mentoring Session, coordinated by AgriFutures Chicken Nutrition & Gut Health and Poultry Hub Australia, will again return in 2026 on Monday Morning prior to the start of the conference. This initiative has become a valuable part of APSS, and we encourage early career attendees, as well as those experienced in the industry to take part. Further details will be shared closer to the event, and you can indicate your interest to attend during online registration.

Online Registration opened on 1 October 2025, with early bird discounts available until 15 December 2025 for those who completed pre-registration. Accommodation options, including our preferred hotel – Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park, will again be available via the APSS website, and we are also working on a more regular schedule for the morning and afternoon shuttle service.

As per 2025, to accommodate those arriving in early and keen to get some pre-event networking in, we will again be holding an “Informal” Welcome Drinks, which this year is proudly sponsored by RCI (Ruth Consolidated Industries). We have reserved the DizzyBird Bar, located at the 4 Points by Sheraton from 3:00-5:00pm. Those attending will receive a beverage on arrival + a light afternoon snack.

The Symposium Dinner in 2026 will make a much-anticipated return to one of our most iconic venues — the Starship Sydney Harbour Cruise — for the first time since before COVID. This unique floating venue offers delegates a spectacular evening of fine dining, networking, and celebration, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. With panoramic views of the city skyline, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge, the cruise has long been a favourite among past attendees. We’re thrilled to bring this tradition back in 2026 and look forward to sharing an unforgettable night with all delegates on board.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our generous sponsors. Each year, the poultry industry continues to show incredible support for APSS, and 2026 has been no exception. Within two weeks of opening the Sponsorship Portal, 21 organisations had already committed to supporting this internationally recognised event. Their ongoing involvement plays a vital role in making the symposium the success it is year after year.

We’re excited to welcome both returning and new delegates to Sydney in February 2026, and we’re aiming to continue the strong growth seen in recent years with a target of 360+ attendees. Be sure to mark your calendars, register early, and book your accommodation as soon as possible to secure a spot in our popular package deals — availability is limited due to block room allocations at nearby hotels. Help us spread the word and be part of another record-breaking year for APSS!

For more details, visit: apss.sydney.edu.au