B+LNZ Genetics Sheep Breeder Forum 2024

Registrations are now open for the B+LNZ Genetics Sheep Breeder Forum, bringing together breeders, scientists and industry professionals from across New Zealand.

Conference Programme

Taking into account feedback from our sheep breeding community, this year the forum offers a slightly different structure to past events, allowing more time for networking, breeder group meetings and the opportunity for open discussion and feedback.

A detailed programme will be available in April. View a summarised programme here

Early registration for breeders and bureaus

To ensure that as many breeders as possible have the opportunity to attend this event, initially registration will be open to breeders and bureaus only. Registration for other industry professionals will open on Wednesday 1 May on a first come, first served basis.

Tickets to the forum will be $185 +GST per person (total ticket price = $212.75).
The evening dinner on 2 July and breakfast on 3 July are included as part of the ticket price.

Seat allocation (subject to availability):

• Breeders can purchase up to 4 tickets

• Each Bureau can purchase up to 4 tickets
• Additional tickets will be available from 1 May on a first come, first served basis.

Livestreaming/Video

This year, we will not be livestreaming however the sessions will be professionally recorded and made available online after the forum. This decision was made out of courtesy to those who have invested in attending the conference in person.

We appreciate that not everyone can attend due to various commitments and obligations, and we understand the importance of providing access to the conference content for our industry. Every effort will be made to capture the essence of the discussions and presentations held during the conference.

Satellite meetings for breeder groups

Recognising the opportunity the forum provides for discussions amongst breeder groups, we have designed our two-day programme to accommodate some satellite meetings in the afternoon of day one. Already, there has been interest expressed from groups such as FE Gold and WormFEC Gold to utilise this time.

If you wish to schedule a meeting (50min time slots) for your breeder group, please email us at [email protected]

Travel and Accomodation

Arrival

The venue is 25 minute drive from the Christchurch airport. There is plenty of free on-site parking at the venue for those driving.

For those arriving directly to the forum on day one before checking into their accommodation, we will have a room set aside to store your luggage for the day.

Accommodation options

Unlike our Napier forum, we don’t have the luxury of accommodation conveniently located across the road from the conference venue.

We are exploring options with nearby accommodation providers to see if we can negotiate a discounted rate for those attending the Breeder Forum, as well as exploring the possibility of providing transport to and from the venue.

We understand that many will want to book accommodation soon, and we aim to have details about accommodation options confirmed by the end of March.

Departure

After checking out of your accommodation, delegates can bring their luggage with them to the forum on day two, and store it in our designated room at Addington Events Centre.

Buses are organised for the field trip on day two. For those that have flights booked, we will arrange for one of the return buses to transport you directly from the field trip to Christchurch airport. The bus will return to Christchurch airport by 3:30pm and you will be able to take your luggage with you.

Another bus will take remaining delegates back to the Addington Events Centre after the field trip.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds can be requested up to 10 days prior to the forum (less admin fee)*
• Tickets are transferable. Please notify us if you intend to transfer your ticket.

*Please provide as much notice as possible if you decide to cancel. This gives us the opportunity to fill the seat. If you need to request a refund please email [email protected]. Generally, any refunds requested prior to 21 June will receive a full refund (less admin fee). Refunds requested after 21 June, and prior to 30 June, will receive a 50% refund (less admin fee). Refunds requested after 30 June may not receive a refund.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Addington Raceway & Events Centre, 75 Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch, New Zealand