26 Jan 2017 Ag Networking Events Calendar
The most significant thing that helped me after college was the network I built while attending. Yes, I had fun. Yes, I learned a lot in regards to material and thought process, but unfortunately, that can only open so many doors. Meeting your next coworker may provide the opportunity to meeting your next employer. Fortunately the agriculture industry has a lot of opportunities available to network and meet your next job.
Whether you are a college student or an industry professional, networking is the best way to access opportunities in your career. You never know what connection will provide the most benefit in the future. Cultivating and fostering new relationships is essential and makes you more competitive. Get out there and network! Join a student organization. Look for internships with companies that peak your interest. Travel to events and conferences and get your name out there!
Every year there are many exciting agriculture focused conferences that bring together industry leaders and provide professionals the opportunity to see what is on the horizon in agriculture.
AgGrad will be represented at IPPE, The Commodity Classic, Ag Media Summit and the National Agri-Marketing Conference this year. Follow us on Twitter and Snapchat to meet up with us while you are there and see what these events are all about. We look forward to meeting you and talking about upcoming opportunities!
Below are a few of the upcoming events for 2017. See you there!
2017 Ag Networking Event Calendar
January – International Production & Processing Expo
January 31st – February 2nd, 2017 – Atlanta, GA
This event is one of the largest trade shows for the poultry, meat and feed industries. Their focus is on innovation, education, global reach and of course networking. With 30,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors you won’t want to miss this event.
Tweet us @aggradjobs to say hello and meet us at this event!
February – World Ag Expo
February 14th – 16th, 2017 – Tulare, CA
Join over 100,000 people from all over the world at the 50th anniversary World Ag Expo. This convention brings exhibitors, producers, and the public together to discuss and experience innovations in agriculture.
Follow along with Natalina Sents (Why I Farm Road Trip) as she takes over our Snapchat channel on February 14th.
March – Commodity Classic
March 2nd – 4th, 2017 – San Antonio, TX
The Commodity Classic is hailed as a “farmer-led and farmer-focused” convention and trade show. Farmers have opportunity to have questions answered and gain access to educational sessions taught by industry leaders. New technologies and techniques are discussed with agribusiness experts.
AgGrad looks forward to meeting you in San Antonio! Tweet us @aggradjobs to let us know if you are there!
April – National Agri-Marketing Conference
April 26 – 28th, 2017 – Dallas, TX
This event highlights the ever-growing world of marketing in agribusiness. It encourages discussion and learning for both working professionals and students. Organized by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) it will bring together industry leaders and create opportunities to learn from the best.
AgGrad will be here too! Tweet us @aggradjobs to learn more!
May – The American Association for Agricultural Education
May 16th – 19th, 2017 – San Luis Opisbo, CA
This is the place to be if you are involved in agricultural education or hope to be someday. Emerging issues are discussed, research is revealed and new teaching techniques and opportunities displayed. This is all done with the purpose of furthering agricultural education. There are many opportunities for recruiting and mentoring if desired.
June – World Pork Expo
June 7th – 9th, 2017 – Des Moines, IA
Over 20,000 attendees can be found walking around this pork-specific trade show. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this event runs the gamut of who’s who in the pork industry. Events include pork focused educational business seminars, breed shows and sales, and hundreds of exhibitors.
June 28th – 29th, 2017 – Salinas, CA
The best entrepreneurial minds from Silicon Valley and global agribusiness converge here to discuss agriculture’s most pressing challenges at the Forbes AgTech Summit. Farmers and investors come together to debate current issues, network and reveal new technologies. This is agriculture at its best on the cutting edge.
July – Ag Media Summit
July 22nd – 26th, 2017 – Snowbird, UT
If you are involved with Ag communications or want to be then this is the conference for you. Known as the largest gathering of crop and livestock media professionals, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity for professional development and industry networking.
AgGrad is looking forward to being there! Tweet us @aggradjobs to let us know what you think!
August – IDEAg Minnesota Farmfest
August 1st – 3rd, 2017 – Redwood Falls, MN
This event is dedicated to connecting the best farmers in the Midwest to industry-leading manufacturers and suppliers. Influence policy and discuss current agricultural topics with those in the field at this convention.
September – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) World Conference
Sept 17th – 19th, 2017 – Washington, DC
TFI’s largest meeting, the World Fertilizer Conference, draws approximately 800-900 delegates from as many as 60 different countries that represent all sectors of the fertilizer industry. This conference provides two days of networking and conducting business with industry leaders.
October – National FFA Convention
Oct 25th – 28th, 2017 – Indianapolis, IN
What a great way to really see how big the FFA is and how it can lead you to a career. As much as I enjoyed attending as a High School student, it wasn’t until I went as a college student that I could appreciate the networking that goes on during this event. I recommend that you make your way to Indy the first chance you get.
November – Agricultural Retailer Association Conference and Expo
Nov 28th – Nov 30th – Phoenix, AZ
Ag retailers supply farmers and ranchers with products and services. These products include seed, nutrients, crop protection products, feed, equipment and technology. Put this one on your calendar if you are interested in any business that would market or sell to farmers directly.
December – National Finals Rodeo
Dec 7th – 16th, 2017 – Las Vegas, NV
You may already attend this event or it is on your bucket list. You never know who you might be standing next to at the local watering hole. Strike up a conversation and see what opportunities present.
What conventions/trade shows have you found to be worthwhile?
Please contribute by leaving other “must attend” events in the comments and I will update the list.
