The Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) has been named an official association partner of the 2027 Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE). ARCA represents the interests of more than 56,000 restaurants and cafés around Australia, advocating on workforce, taxation, training, and productivity issues on behalf of the hospitality sector. CEO of ARCA Wes Lambert says that, with café owners being the central audience of MICE, the collaboration will give the event a stronger, more direct line to decision makers.

The Industry’s Night – the annual Hostplus ARCA and AFAB industry gala – returns for its second year on 31 August 2026. Held at the Lakeside Pavilion in Albert Park, Melbourne, the event marks the opening night of Fine Food 2026. It will bring together restaurant, café, and hospitality venue owners, operators, suppliers, and industry leaders from across Australia for a night of connection, recognition and celebration. ARCA Chief Executive Officer Wes Lambert said the evening gives the industry a chance to pause, come together and celebrate the wins.

Open letter signatory and Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief Wes Lambert said the proposed laws would also be a “nail in the coffin” for many small businesses due to a reduction in CBD foot traffic. “Passing this legislation would truly show that the current government is totally out of touch with businesses in their state, and it is time for a change,” he said.