[PRESS RELEASE] Ten reasons ag show leaders and volunteers are heading to the Gold Coast next month

The ASA 2025 Conference is fast approaching, running from 13-16 February 2025 at The Island, Gold Coast. Here are 10 reasons ag show volunteers and leaders across Australia should secure their tickets before sales close this Thursday:

1. R.M.WILLIAMS keynote address: Hear from the CEO of R.M.Williams, Paul Grossman, about leading one of Australia's most iconic brands and balancing heritage with innovation.
2. AI transformation panel: Shaun Leisegang, General Manager of Tecala Automation, Data and AI, will share insights on how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the agricultural industry.
3. The great debate: Join Lachlan Johnson, Vice President of the Mundulla Show Society and National Rural Ambassador; Robyn Sermon, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia; David Wilson, President of Queensland Ag Shows; Alex Cottrell, Immediate Past Chair of RNA Future Directions Committee; Brooke Beales, CEO of AgShows NSW; and Reece Jerrett, advocate for rural communities, as they debate the impact of generational attitudes on volunteerism. 
4. Education made easy: The ongoing education of the agricultural sector as well as the general public is a crucial role of shows who are a conduit between consumers and their food, city and country. Gain actionable insights from Luciano Mesiti, CEO of Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA); Duncan Kendall, Head of Education at Sydney Royal Easter Show; and Kellie Blinco, Manager of AgForce's School to Industry Partnership Program, on creating accessible and inclusive agricultural education at your shows.
5. Networking with industry leaders: Connect with thought leaders like Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia, and many others during structured and informal networking opportunities.
6. Emerging trends: Explore the balance between tradition and innovation with David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers Federation; Kate Shilling, Agritourism Project Lead at Tourism Australia; and Daniel Moorfield, CEO of SecondBite, in a thought-provoking panel discussion.
7. Innovative exhibitor showcase: Experience cutting-edge technologies and solutions from leading innovators in risk management, education, and AI, shaping the future of agriculture.
8. Workshops with experts: Participate in hands-on, challenge workshops led by Heather Ellis and Linda Tillman, offering practical tools to enhance leadership and create memorable events.
9. Case studies to change thinking: Gain inspiration from the stories of Angus Blair, CEO of Lawson Grains; John Bennett, President of the Sydney Royal Easter Show; and Will Roberts, President of the World Federation of Merino Breeders Association, sharing their stories.
10. Reimaging an icon: The vibrancy of Agricultural Shows as a unique, valuable and iconic feature of Australian culture. The agricultural shows movement, worth $965 million to the Australian economy annually, has been an institution in Australia for over 200 years. Some 6 million Australians - over a quarter of the population - who attend Agricultural Shows each year, including 50,000 volunteers, are an evolving demographic requiring the pursuit of continual innovation in the show movement to stay iconic. Be part of the conversation that uncovers how this is achieved. 

Tickets close at 3pm on Thursday, 30th January. 

https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/conference/