Over the past six years, the annual Potato Expo conference and trade show has become the must-attend event for growers like us and all members of the North American potato supply chain. And Potato Expo 2015, which will be held this Jan. 7-9 in sunny Orlando, Fla., promises to be no different.
Attendees can expect to learn about the top production challenges and solutions facing the potato industry, network with key decision makers throughout the value chain, and hear insights and inspiring stories from individuals who have risen to the pinnacles of their respective fields.
With registration launching Sept. 2 at www.potato-expo.com, the organizers of Potato Expo 2015 are pleased to announce our general session speakers, starting with the keynote speaker: veteran journalist and host of Fox News Sunday, Chris Wallace.
In January, the 2014 mid-term general elections will be behind us and many will be wondering what the next two years will bring in terms of changes to the country. As an award-winning political broadcaster, Wallace will provide attendees with his unique, behind-the-scenes perspectives on the upcoming presidential race and the likely ongoing divisions between Congress and the Obama administration, and talk about how the country can come together again once again to meet big challenges.
Attendees will also be joined by Kelly McDonald, a nationally recognized marketing expert who has a deep specialization in multicultural marketing and business trends. McDonald will share her marketing insights and teach strategies and tactics for cultivating a diverse consumer base. She notes that diversity comes in many forms and that gender, race, age, lifestage and hobbies or special interests are all ways in which people’s differences are recognized. By recognizing these differences and tailoring products, messages or marketing efforts to reflect consumers’ uniqueness, McDonald will discuss how potato industry members can validate the importance of a consumer group to reach more audiences.
In addition, Jim Carroll, an agricultural futurist and innovation expert, will look into his crystal ball and predict what agriculture will be like in 2045. Whether it’s driverless tractors, weed-zapping robots or data-transmitting crops, Jim will forecast what farms might be like 30 years from now and encourage the potato industry to embrace high-velocity innovation heroes.
Finally, no Potato Expo would be complete without the dozens of market-targeted breakout session speakers. These experts will discuss the most current scientific, nutritional, and marketing information on a wide variety of industry issues and trends for the chip, fresh, process and seed sectors.
Whatever his or her reason for making the trip, every attendee will leave Potato Expo 2015 with take-home solutions and the latest industry information, lasting connections that expand their professional networks, and insights into consumers’ demands.
Visit www.potato-expo.com for a full schedule of speakers, sessions and events, and make your travel plans today. Potato Expo 2015 is one event your business can’t afford to miss!