AG CONNECT Expo debuts in 2010
Written by admin on August 13, 2009 – 9:33 pm -Laurie Potter, Deputy Machinery Editor
New tradeshow to debut
Today's agricultural markets are no longer impacted by small, local factors but by economic, political, and social events happening around the world. As agriculture has evolved into a global and dynamic industry, producers need to be equipped with the best possible information, without boundaries, in order to be competitive.
"Research reveals that producers and other industry professionals really want more substantive discussions with industry leaders and want to learn more about how agriculture around the world will affect their businesses," says Charlie O'Brien, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), vice president, agricultural services. "They want the ability to rub elbows with the owners, product managers, or engineers who can really answer the questions about what s going on with equipment and seed innovations."
To bring the world of ag together, AEM is debuting a new international agriculture event, AG CONNECT Expo. The event will showcase the latest industry innovations, products, and technology, offer information on some of agriculture's most important business management issues, and provide access to leading industry experts worldwide.
The inaugural show, which has a $20 admission fee (increases to $30 after 12/14/09) that includes all three regular show days, is slated for January 13-15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. (A preview day will be held on January 12, 2010, by special admission.) After the 2011 show, the Expo will be on an every-other-year cycle to better align with other global events.
"Ag is deeply embedded in family and, as good as the show is going to be, we wanted to make sure we chose a venue that the entire family could take advantage of," says O'Brien.
Attendees will have knowledge-sharing opportunities to better evaluate their position in the world marketplace while networking in a global environment and learning how to get a competitive advantage. Industry professionals will gain insights into U.S. and international ag policies as well as management best practices that producers are using around the world.
"This event is designed to provide an extensive networking environment with industry experts worldwide. It will allow producers to build a base of information they can use after the show is over," says O'Brien.
Educational opportunities
Education is a key focus, and the show will be filled with a variety of learning opportunities - from free theater presentations to breakout sessions led by experts in the industry.
"The education piece is an important cornerstone to the event. It will be geared toward information that the attendees can take back to their operations and actually plug in and go," says O'Brien.
In the Innovations Theater, sponsored by Successful Farming magazine, free presentations will include:
• Global Gearheads: Check out the new machinery and equipment from around the world.
• Top 10 Tech Trends: Learn about rapidly changing precision agriculture and equipment.
• Balancing Act: Improve the quality of living for your home, family, and career.
• Top Shops®: Design your dream farm shop to gain greater results.
• Crop Marketing: Get to know the 10 factors driving this year's prices and practices.
• Trading Up: How to value a trade-in as you invest in new equipment.
Sessions with experts will cover renewable energy, technology, farm management, family business management, risk management, high yield, and a plan-for-success workshop. Costs range from $20 to $59.
The gatherings will offer attendees a chance not only to hear from the experts but also to meet with peers in an open forum and to discuss issues that matter most to their operation.
Showgoers will also have the opportunity to see ag in action by touring three of Florida's local operations.
1. Florida's Natural Tour includes a video of Florida's Natural Growers' processing plant and groves, inter-active displays, juice samples, discussion with the company's VP, and a look at their groves.
2. Deseret Ranches Tour is led by a Deseret Ranch employee through pastures, citrus groves, wetlands, and woodlands.
3. Showcase of Citrus Tour is a guided monster truck swamp ride that travels through citrus groves, cattle pastures, and wooded swamps.
The cost of each tour is $30 if you sign up before December 14, 2009.
Show organizers have set ambitious goals for the inaugural 2010 AG CONNECT Expo with 500 exhibitors covering more than 250,000 square feet of exhibit space and an attendance of approximately 20,000 industry professionals.
Whether you're walking the show floor or attending a presentation, the Expo is an investment in the future of your operation that could yield results for years to come. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a show that promises to bring the world of agriculture together.
Tags: Farm Economy, Tractors, Used Tractors
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