Ray Allison has been involved with running 32 Indiana State Fairs and will be the keynote speaker at next month’s Agricultural Show Conference on the Gold Coast.
A United States expert on fairs and agricultural expositions will be one of two keynote speakers at next year’s Agricultural Shows Australia Conference to be held on the Gold Coast from Thursday, February 13 to Sunday, February 16.
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International Association of Fairs and Expositions second vice-chair Ray Allison will provide valuable insights from his experience in running 32 Indiana State Fairs.
Mr Allison, who is also the fair’s chief development and strategy officer, is expected to address how agricultural shows are evolving to meet customer demand while remaining true to their agricultural roots.
“Agricultural fairs and shows matter, arguably today more than ever,” Mr Allison said.
“This interactive presentation will highlight the significance and impact of fairs/shows globally over the last 200 years.”
The Indiana State Fair debuted in 1852 in Indianapolis, making it the sixth oldest state fair in the US, and welcomes nearly one million visitors each year.
“We’ll look at the history and traditions we all hold so dear and explore how and why they still matter today,” Mr Allison said.
Agricultural Shows Australia executive officer Katie Stanley said Mr Allison would bring enormous experience and insight to the stage in his keynote session titled Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future which will explore the continuing relevance of ag shows in today’s marketplace.
“His keynote (address) will offer invaluable insights into how state fairs and agricultural shows can continue to thrive and evolve,” Ms Stanley said.
“As he puts it: ‘The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today’, a perfect sentiment for the … 2025 theme of ‘Reimagining an Icon’.”
Heather Ellis is a community leader, social worker and changemaker, who will facilitate the leadership session for emerging leaders.
Australia holds 582 agricultural shows each year, ranging from small towns to capital cities.
The conference will be hosted by ASA and its Emerging Leaders Committee and is the pinnacle event for the broader agricultural shows’ communities.
A highlight of the conference will be the gala dinner, sponsored by the Royal Show associations of Queensland, NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania is one the conference’s sponsors.
Three renowned industry professionals will share their expertise and insight on the first day of the national gathering of Australia’s 582 agricultural shows.
Tecala general manager Shaun Leisegang will present in simple and practical steps how AI can be used to streamline key tasks for show organisation, from administrative processes to managing logistics.
Australian Centre for Regional Events co-founder Linda Tillman will draw upon her experience in development and delivery of more than 100 regional events to help attendees understand what does and doesn’t work in delivering successful show events.
BlueWren Connections founder and director Heather Ellis will facilitate a leadership session for emerging leaders, drawing upon real-word examples and practical exercises.
