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SIDE was last held at Lincoln University in 2024.
The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) returns to Lincoln University next month.
With the theme "Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders to Turn Knowledge into Value", the three-day event will be held from 13-15 April.
Organisers say SIDE continues its proud tradition as New Zealand's leading dairy conference, run by farmers, for farmers.
Over three energising days, attendees will take part in 10 interactive workshops designed to spark conversation, challenge thinking and drive innovation. The programme also includes a dedicated field trip visiting an apple orchard and a new dairy conversion, alongside three keynote speaker sessions.
A highlight of the event will be the Legends and Leaders of Dairy keynote speakers, bringing together respected dairy farmers Colin Glass, Leonie Guiney, and Will Grayling. All at different stages of their wealth journey, they will share what's worked, what's changed, and what still holds true, while challenging the idea that "it was easier back then". Attendees will gain practical, relevant insights for every age and stage, along with alternative thinking and enduring principles of wealth creation.
"The power of SIDE lies in its authenticity," says Tom Chapman, event committee chair.
"Farmers speaking directly to farmers in our interactive workshops creates a dynamic where theory translates into practice right before your eyes."
The 2026 event further highlights SIDE's focus on developing leadership within the dairy sector. The event is organised entirely by an event committee of industry leaders who are actively progressing through roles such as equity partnerships, contract milking and farm management, bringing real-world experience and fresh perspective to the programme.
"They're very goal driven and a really exciting group to be around. I've certainly learned a lot from them already. It's going to be a conference that will really appeal to their colleagues or others in a similar position," says SIDE governance group chair, Glenn Jones.
"It is very much an event for our future generation and future leaders, organised by our future leaders."
Fresh Approach
This year, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) has taken a fresh approach, stepping away from the traditional trade stand format to instead partner with organisations that genuinely support and invest in the future of the dairy industry. As part of an updated strategy, SIDE has also refreshed its mission to "inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in the South Island dairy industry".
Event partners including Fonterra, LIC, BNZ and DairyNZ will play a key role in the 2026 event, bringing their expertise, insight and commitment to farmers to the forefront.
Glenn Jones, chair of the SIDE governance group, says he is excited to have these organisations on board and looks forward to working closely with partners who share SIDE's values and have both SIDE and the long-term success of the dairy sector firmly in their sights.
Registrations for SIDE 2026 are now available at www.side.org.nz, along with full details of the programme and workshops.
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