More than 450 growers, researchers and industry stakeholders turned out in Cairns last week for Banana Congress 2021.
The industry's premier biennial event included speakers from both within and outside the banana industry.
Kicking off on Wednesday and running through until Friday, highlights included Thought Leaders founder Matt Church, Rabobank general manager Tim Hunt, Thinkerbell founder Adam Ferrier, creator of 'Are you bogged mate?' Mary O'Brien and Derrick McManus, a former police operative with South Australia's Special Tasks and Rescue Group.
Delegates also had the chance to meet NRL legend and long-time banana ambassador Billy Slater and renowned crocodile wrangler Matt Wright.
The event also included tours of Howe Farming's packing and processing facility, Mt Uncle Distillery and the FNQ Food Incubator.
Congress management chair and Lakeland grower Paul Inderbitzin said the event was one of the biggest yet, with a record number of attendees.
"The response to this year's line-up, and the location in Far North Queensland, has been phenomenal," he said.
A range of social functions also allowed growers a chance to relax away from their farms, with highlights including the Banana Women's Network luncheon and the much-anticipated Banana Ball.
"It's been an incredibly tough few years," Mr Inderbitzin said.
"We hope growers leave feeling motivated and positive about the future of this dynamic industry."