TropAg2019 focussed on ‘Shaping the science of tomorrow’ and incorporated the five conference theme—field crops, horticulture, livestock, nutrition and food and AgFutures which focused on technology and investment. The three-day conference attracted over 800 delegates including researchers, growers, investors, industry, policy makers and those in agribusiness. The program celebrated scientific research success stories and discussed how the tropics will address challenges in the future. Over 300 speakers presented during the conference plenary and symposia sessions. Hosted by UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and in partnership with the Queensland Government, a key feature of the conference was an alliance of northern Australia research providers – UQ, QUT, JCU, CQU and USQ who helped develop the scientific symposia.