Work the Network

December 8, 2010

By: Margy Fischer, Farm Journal Machinery Editor and Test Plot Director

Hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Ag Connect Expo promises to have ample opportunities for networking and fun.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) launched Ag Connect Expo in 2010 with the goal of creating a different kind of event for agriculture. Building on that foundation, the 2011 Expo will offer expanded educational sessions, a broader scope of exhibits and more networking opportunities. Make plans to head to Atlanta, Ga., Jan 8 to 10 (with a special Preview Day on Jan. 7) to take part in the global show.

“Ag Connect has positioned itself as a showcase for new products and technologies,” says show director Sara Truesdale Mooney. “Many attendees from last year told us the best part of Ag Connect is being able to interact with top company leadership and engineers on the show floor. We look forward to offering the same level of interactivity again this year.”

Part of expanding the show’s reach includes new programming and exhibitors specific to the livestock industry.

In addition to stand-alone company exhibits, the show is organized into pavilions with a common theme, such as international, safety, fluid power and shortline groups.

Educational opportunities. “Another key aspect of Ag Connect is education, with more than 35 sessions to choose from,” Mooney says. “All of the sessions will be located either on the show floor or within a short walk from the show floor.”

The education breakout sessions are grouped by three tracks: productivity, business management and sustain-ability. After each session, there is a gathering place to continue the dialogue with the session presenters. These Networking Zones are part of the networking focus the show organizers have applied to the event.

Due to the show’s location and dates, Ag Connect is joining with the American Farm Bureau Federation to offer a joint exhibit floor during that organization’s convention. Ag Connect

attendees will have the opportunity to visit the American Farm Bureau pavilion, and Farm Bureau attendees will have access to Ag Connect exhibits.

AEM has organized tours focusing on area attractions, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden, historic homes of Roswell, the High Museum of Art, SweetWater Brewing Company and the Atlanta History Center.

Since the show is located in downtown Atlanta, several of the city’s top attractions,

including the World of Coca-Cola, CNN world headquarters, the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, are also in close proximity.

“I think attendees will be surprised by the array of offerings at Ag Connect—there’s truly something for everyone in agriculture, no matter the challenges of their particular operation,” Mooney says. “There will be a lot of instant takeaway and applicable knowledge for their business.”