[MEDIA ALERT] Agricultural Shows Australia 2025 Conference on today in Gold Coast

Agricultural show leaders and volunteers from as far afield as Freds Pass in the Northern Territory and the Copper Coast in South Australia, as well as communities across Queensland including Monto, Mudgeeraba and Malanda descend upon the Gold Coast today to 'reimagine an icon'.

The humble agricultural show is an institution in Australia, dating back over 200 years in some communities. Some 592 agricultural shows are run year-round from tiny outback towns to major cities, collectively welcoming 1 in 4 Australians through their gates for a day of agriculture, heritage, entertainment, rides, community and competition. 

Agricultural Shows Australia is delighted to invite members of the media to join us today for the highly anticipated 2025 conference, commencing on 14 February 2025 at The Island. Key highlights include:

Friday, February 14:

• International keynote (9:00am-10:00am): Ray Allison, Chief Development Officer of Indiana State Fair, presents "Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future" - exploring how agricultural shows remain relevant in today's marketplace while preserving their 200-year heritage.
• AI innovation in agriculture (3:30pm-4:15pm): Shaun Leisegang, GM of Tecala Automation, reveals how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing agricultural show operations and enhancing visitor experiences.
• Access and inclusion initiative launch (4:15pm-4:45pm): Elise Kennedy introduces "Access Ag Shows" - a groundbreaking program improving accessibility at agricultural shows nationwide.

Saturday, February 15:

• Critical debate (9:30am-10:15am): featuring well-known agshow leaders Lachlan Johnson,  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.
• Future of rural industries panel (1:00pm-1:45pm): High-profile panel including National Farmers Federation Chair David Jochinke and AgriFutures COO Belinda Allitt discuss balancing traditional and modern approaches in regional development.
• R.M.Williams CEO keynote (1:45pm-2:45pm): Paul Grosmann shares insights on maintaining heritage while driving innovation, drawing parallels between the iconic Australian brand and agricultural shows.

Interview opportunities available with all speakers. Photography and filming permitted during sessions. For media inquiries and to confirm attendance, please contact: Katie Stanley execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au 0402127001

We look forward to welcoming you to an event that promises to inspire, engage, and celebrate the very best of Australian agriculture and community events.