Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Meet the Buyer 2026 is set for 20 October at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom, bringing together the largest gathering of local food and beverage businesses in Western Australia. This trade show showcases a diverse range of products from familiar favorites to innovative new producers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with over 600 visitors, including retail buyers, chefs, and distributors, fostering new business relationships and partnerships. Meet the Buyer takes place in Burswood,.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Meet the Buyer 2026 takes place on 20 October at Crown Perth Grand Ballroom, Burswood, Australia.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is Western Australia’s largest food and beverage trade show, featuring hundreds of local producers.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Buy West Eat Best, a program of the Western Australian Government.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include retail buyers, chefs, distributors, and foodservice professionals.
- 5Entry: Delegate registration is available for $49, including access to the trade show and networking forum.
Why visit
Attending Meet the Buyer 2026 provides a unique opportunity to discover a wide array of local food and beverage products. Network with industry leaders and explore new suppliers to enhance your offerings. Engage directly with producers and gain insights into the latest trends in the WA food sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Meet the Buyer 2026 allows local producers to showcase their products to a targeted audience of buyers and industry professionals. Gain visibility, establish new business connections, and explore potential partnerships that can drive sales and market access. Build on prior footfall of 600+ visitors documented for the last edition. Use Meet the Buyer to strengthen brand visibility, collect qualified leads, and meet buyers face to face.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Food and beverage retail buyers sourcing Western Australian packaged goods, fresh produce and beverages for supermarket and specialty ranges.
Wholesale and distribution procurement managers evaluating WA suppliers for domestic and export channels.
Hospitality and foodservice buyers (restaurants, hotels, catering, venues) seeking consistent year-round supply.
Importers and international buyers exploring Australian food, beverage and native ingredient lines.
Category managers for grocery, liquor and convenience retail reviewing new product launches and private-label options.
Independent grocers, delicatessens and specialty food retailers looking for small-batch and artisan WA products.
Export agents and trade facilitators matching WA producers with overseas buyers.
Procurement and supply-chain teams assessing packaging, cold chain and logistics partners serving the food and beverage sector.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Western Australian food and beverage producers across fresh, packaged and value-added lines.
Fresh produce growers, seafood suppliers and meat processors seeking wholesale and export buyers.
Dairy, bakery, patisserie and chilled food manufacturers presenting retail-ready and foodservice products.
Wine, beer, spirits, cider and non-alcoholic beverage makers targeting liquor retail and hospitality listings.
Specialty, artisan and small-batch food makers offering native ingredients, condiments, sauces and snacks.
Indigenous-owned food and beverage businesses showcasing native Australian ingredients and cultural food products.
Co-packers, private-label manufacturers and ingredient suppliers supporting retail and foodservice ranges.
Packaging, cold chain, logistics and foodservice equipment providers serving the WA food and beverage supply chain.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Seafood and aquaculture
Beef, lamb, pork and poultry
Dairy, cheese and chilled foods
Bakery, patisserie and desserts
Wine, beer, spirits, cider and RTDs
Non-alcoholic beverages, juices and water
Specialty and artisan foods
Native Australian ingredients
Organic, gluten-free and free-from products
Condiments, sauces, spices and seasonings
Snacks, confectionery and pantry staples
Ready meals, convenience and foodservice products
Private label, co-packing and ingredients
Packaging, cold chain and food logistics solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
Burswood, Australia
Facilities
Parking
Crown Perth Grand Ballroom in Burswood typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Crown Perth Grand Ballroom in Burswood typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Crown Perth Grand Ballroom for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
20 October 2026:10:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily
General admission
49
Who runs the show
Organisers
Buy West Eat Best
Atelier - House of Events
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Burswood, Australia
Why it matters
Attending Meet the Buyer on 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-20 in Burswood lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Perth Airport
Perth's primary airport for interstate and international arrivals
Main gateway to Burswood/Crown Perth; confirm current transfer time and transport options before travel
to venue
TBA
by car
Jandakot Airport
General aviation and flight training airport south of Perth
Not a scheduled international passenger gateway for Burswood
to venue
TBA
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Crown Towers Perth
5-star
Crown Perth precinct, Burswoodapprox. 80 m from Grand Ballroom to venueCrown Metropol Perth
4-star
Crown Perth precinct, Burswoodapprox. 120 m from Grand Ballroom to venueCrown Promenade Perth
4-star
Crown Perth precinct, Burswoodapprox. 140 m from Grand Ballroom to venueVictoria Park Lodge
2-star
Victoria Park / Burswood fringeapprox. 2.1 km from Grand Ballroom to venueLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forTransperth Burswood Station (Armadale/Thornlie line) to Crown Perth precinct
Burswood Station is the nearest Transperth rail stop; check Transperth Journey Planner for event-day timetables.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forTransperth local bus services to Burswood / Crown Perth
Route 940 and other services around the Perth/Burswood corridor are referenced in third-party journey planners; verify current routes on Transperth.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forPerth CBD or Perth Airport to Crown Perth, Burswood
Crown Perth has designated drop-off and parking areas; see Crown Perth plan-your-visit page for parking options.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forPerth Airport (PER) to Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
Perth's primary airport for interstate and international arrivals.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forJandakot Airport (JAD) to Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
General aviation and flight training airport south of Perth.
Weather
Burswood (Perth) in October is mid-spring: mild days with cool evenings and occasional rain showers. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking between the Crown Perth precinct venues; bring a light jacket or layer for evening sessions and an umbrella for showers. UV levels in Western Australia can be high in spring, so sun protection is useful.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Australia.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Australian business meetings are often direct but informal. Smart casual dress is common for trade shows; punctuality is valued.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Check restaurant bills for service charges.
Local time
Perth operates on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST, UTC+8) and does not observe daylight saving.
Weather and UV
October is spring in Perth. Days are mild to warm with cool evenings; UV levels can be high, so sunscreen and a hat are useful.
Transport
Transperth trains and buses serve Burswood. Use the Journey Planner to confirm event-day timetables and buy tickets before boarding.
Trade show registration
Bring photo ID and business cards. Badge and venue access rules are set by the organiser.
Food and beverage sampling
Tasting is central to Meet the Buyer. Spit buckets and water are typically available; plan responsible alcohol consumption.
Sustainability
WA venues often encourage waste separation. Ask the organiser about recycling and sample disposal on the trade floor.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PER
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Burswood; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream covers attending business events, conferences and trade fairs for eligible travellers. Many passport holders may instead qualify for other visitor visa options or Electronic Travel Authority / eVisitor arrangements; check the Department of Home Affairs visa finder for your nationality.
Business visitor activity in Australia is subject to conditions such as Condition 8115, which restricts work that would normally require local sponsorship. Confirm permitted activities and required documents on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Perth Airport (PER): Perth's primary airport for interstate and international arrivals; Jandakot Airport (JAD): General aviation and flight training airport south of Perth. Allow road or rail time to Crown Perth Grand Ballroom; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Crown Perth Grand Ballroom: Crown Perth precinct, Burswood: Crown Towers Perth; Crown Perth precinct, Burswood: Crown Metropol Perth; Crown Perth precinct, Burswood: Crown Promenade Perth.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Burswood; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Transperth operates the Perth metropolitan train and bus network. Burswood Station (Armadale/Thornlie line) is the closest rail stop to Crown Perth; local buses also serve the Burswood area. Use the Transperth Journey Planner to confirm service and timing for event days.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Crown Perth Grand Ballroom; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 12-24 C daytime (spring; confirm live forecast before travel)
Seasonality: October falls in Perth's spring: mild, with occasional rain showers and variable winds. Verify the live forecast close to travel dates.
Packing: Light layers for mild spring days, a warmer layer for cool evenings, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for showers, comfortable walking shoes for the Crown Perth precinct, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for high spring UV.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Meet the Buyer usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm visitor registration or delegate ticket via the official Meet the Buyer registration link.
T-2
Book Crown Perth precinct accommodation early (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade) to stay walking distance from the Grand Ballroom.
T-3
Arrange Transperth travel from Burswood Station or plan parking at Crown Perth for event days.
T-4
Check Australian visitor visa requirements (subclass 600 Business Visitor stream) and apply ahead if required.
T-5
Pack light spring layers for October in Perth, plus a rain jacket for showers and sun protection for high UV.
T-6
Review the 2026 Program page on meetthebuyer.com.au before travelling to plan which sessions to attend.
T-7
Download the Transperth Journey Planner and Crown Perth plan-your-visit pages for transport and parking details.
T-8
Confirm event-day opening times and venue access directly with the organiser.
T-9
Prepare a shortlist of WA producers and product categories you want to source, using the exhibitor list when released.
T-10
Print or save a digital copy of your registration confirmation and photo ID for venue check-in.
T-11
Book buyer meetings or tasting appointments in advance if the organiser offers a matching platform.
T-12
Plan carry-on space or freight options for samples and product information you may collect.
T-13
Check Perth Airport (PER) arrival transfers to Burswood, including taxi, rideshare and Transperth options.
T-14
Set up a simple follow-up tracker for supplier contacts and quote requests after the event.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Meet the Buyer registration concourse
Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 49 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 49 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Meet the Buyer fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is Meet the Buyer held in Perth?
The event is held at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom in Burswood, Western Australia. Note that the official venue for THIS edition is specified by the organiser.
How do I get to Crown Perth in Burswood by public transport?
Transperth trains stop at Burswood Station on the Armadale/Thornlie line, a short distance from the Crown Perth precinct. Local buses also serve the area. Use the Transperth Journey Planner to plan event-day travel.
What visa do I need to attend a business event in Australia?
Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream is a standard route for attending business events. Whether other options apply (such as Electronic Travel Authority or eVisitor for some nationalities) depends on your passport. Check the Department of Home Affairs visa finder for your situation.
Can I exhibit at Meet the Buyer 2026?
The organiser lists a Standby List for 2026 at meetthebuyer.com.au/standby-2026/, indicating exhibitor capacity may be limited. Prospective exhibitors should contact the organiser through the official site.
Glossary
- Meet the Buyer
- Western Australia's food and beverage trade show at Crown Perth in Burswood, bringing producers and buyers together for one-day sourcing.
- Subclass 600 Business Visitor stream
- Australian visa option for short business visits, including attending trade fairs and conferences, subject to conditions such as Condition 8115.
- Transperth
- The public transport authority for metropolitan Perth, operating the train and bus network that serves Burswood Station near Crown Perth.
- Crown Perth precinct
- The Burswood complex hosting the Grand Ballroom and Crown-branded hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade).
- Burswood Station
- The nearest Transperth rail stop to Crown Perth, served by the Armadale/Thornlie line.
- WA food and beverage sector
- Western Australian producers, processors and brands spanning fresh produce, seafood, meat, dairy, bakery, beverages and specialty foods.
- Trade-only sourcing
- A buying format where access is limited to registered trade visitors, such as retail buyers, distributors and foodservice procurement teams.
- Buyer-seller matching
- Pre-scheduled meetings or introductions arranged between exhibitors and qualified buyers to focus sourcing conversations.
- HACCP
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, a food safety management system used by producers and processors to identify and control risks.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code
- The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which sets requirements for food labelling, additives, contaminants and safety.
- Cold chain
- Temperature-controlled storage and transport for chilled or frozen food and beverage products from production to delivery.
- Private label
- Products manufactured for a retailer's own brand rather than the producer's brand.
- Co-packing
- Contract manufacturing or packing services where a third party produces or packages food and beverage products for another brand.
- MOQ
- Minimum order quantity, the smallest order a supplier will accept for a product line.
- Shelf-ready packaging
- Retail packaging designed for easy stocking and display on supermarket shelves, often with branding and barcodes.
- Native Australian ingredients
- Indigenous plant and food ingredients such as bush tomato, finger lime, quandong and wattleseed used in food and beverage products.
- Organic certification
- Third-party verification that a product meets organic production and processing standards for retail or export claims.
- Halal certification
- Certification that food and beverage products comply with Islamic dietary requirements for Muslim consumers and export markets.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Meet the Buyer 2026
- food and beverage suppliers
- local food producers
- Meet the Buyer
- Meet the Buyer Burswood
- Food and Beverage
- Food and Beverage Burswood
- Agriculture Burswood
- Food and Beverage Trade Show Burswood
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.