This weekend, Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, The Brisbane Vegan Expo is bringing a two-day event that celebrates plant-based living, featuring ethical retail products, food, guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and live music!
The expo, which welcomes experienced vegans, those curious about the lifestyle, people looking for specialised products for allergies or simply anyone looking for ways to incorporate more plant-based foods into their meals, has a bit of everything going on.
Hosted by environmental advocate Brad Dalrymple, who always brings an uplifting, warm, vibrant presence, Brad will also deliver a presentation on key findings on ocean protection, exploring the interconnectedness of our daily choices, waste systems, and the health of our waterways and marine life. He will unpack how seemingly small actions can contribute to a much larger impact, and how plant-based living fits into the bigger picture of environmental preservation.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy cooking demos by chefs as talented as Simon Toohey, whose bold flavours and inspiring approach to sustainable, plant-based cooking will make anyone’s mouth water. Across four different sessions — Sustainable Cooking, Cooking for the Season, Secrets to Transform Your Veggies and Mushroom — visitors can enjoy Simon’s signature style of thoughtful ingredients, clever techniques, and an undeniable charm and come away with practical tips, engaging stories, and a whole lot of flavour!
In addition, beloved Brisbane restaurant Vega Café will be unveiling their secrets to beautifully presented dishes and nourishing Japanese-inspired meals that bring together plant-based nutrition and culinary artistry in every bite.
If you have the entrepreneurial bug, you will definitely benefit from the Business Panel Discussion, featuring valuable takeaways and real-world inspiration from successful vegan businesses such as VeganYumm, Brisbane’s first 100% vegan bakery and groundbreaking OMG! Decadent Donuts, in conversation with Brisbane Vegan Expo founder Leizl Estioko!
What if you already have a vegan brand that you’re looking to grow? Then you might want to attend social media marketing expert Mackenzie Cross’s talk on growing your vegan brand on social media. Founder of Total Ethics, Cross will help you discover the most effective and sustainable social media levers you can pull to grow your reach, build loyal followers, and make a real impact.
Animal lovers will have their schedule full, with talks on the science behind vegan pet nutrition, the hidden realities of animal industries in Queensland, finding connection through compassion for animals, the mission and work of sanctuaries like Farm Animal Rescue, and a closing address by the Animal Justice Party, which will highlight how far we’ve come and inspire us to keep pushing forward.
There will be plenty on offer for gym rats and nutrition enthusiasts too! Learn about what makes for a healthy vegan diet with clinical nutritionist Stephanie Sandor’s V.E.G.A.N. Method, how to lose fat as a vegan from personal trainer and nutrition coach Forest Nash, find out about the “forgotten nutrients” with Callum Weir, explore sustainable nutrition alongside founder of Phytality Nutrition Mark Page, and listen personal trainer Serge Brazhnikov speak on “Veganism for High Performance and Daily Vitality.”
If you’re looking to advocate for veganism professionally or in your personal life, delve into the psychology behind adopting veganism with Clare Mann, learning methods to avoid resistance to veganism and creative ways to encourage people to consider the ethics of veganism.
It’s not all serious talks and learning though! The expo will also have live entertainment, from Keira Humphreys soulful ukulele performances throughout the weekend and Dublin Rose’s indie pop-rock and folk melodies to the sweet tones of Lawrence Gratton’s violin and Zane Taylor’s captivating and raw guitar-heavy tunes.
There will even be something for the little ones, with beloved children’s entertainer Renata Jayne making an appearance and bringing her bubbly mix of music, movement, and storytelling to an interactive show that will spark imagination and keep little ones smiling from start to finish.
And best of all, look forward to a feast of delicious vegan food and cruelty free shopping! From amazing food vendors to clothing, skincare, household, healthcare, gardening and lifestyle goodies, don’t forget to bring your shopping trolley!
Practical info
The Brisbane Vegan Expo will take place at Brisbane Showgrounds on August 30 from 10am to 5pm and on August 31 from 10am to 4pm.
You can see the full program here. Tickets are $12.57 per adult for both days, and kids under 12 get in for free! You can get your tickets here.
Don’t forget to BYO reusables such as containers, cups, cutlery, shopping bags and/or a shopping trolley — especially if you’re planning to shop ’til you drop — to help reduce single use items.