THE AUSTRALIAN Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) is opting for a virtual format this year to bring delegates the latest insights into economies and markets altered by COVID-19.

Being hosted by Grain Trade Australia (GTA), Pulse Australia and the Australian Oilseeds’ Federation on 30 July, the event is being held under the banner of Resilience and Reinvention.

“With travel restrictions in place across the country and globe, this year, instead of coming to us for the Australian Grains Industry Conference, we’re coming directly to you,” GTA chief executive officer Pat O’Shannassy said.

“Like others, we carefully considered whether we should be cancelling or postponing but, ultimately, decided that the way AGIC brings together our industry and its people was just too important to miss right now.”

Real-life opportunities

Using an easy-to-navigate and intuitive software event platform, AGIC 2020 LIVE will provide the same opportunities to connect, learn and engage that delegates have come to know, value and expect.

Pat O’Shannassy

On the plus side, the virtual-only event will eliminate travel time and costs, meaning increased accessibility to all working from offices, homes or out and about on farms.

Connection with peers, industry insights, and engagement with potential customers and suppliers will all once again be part of AGIC in 2020.

Early bird registrations are now open for the immersive AGIC 2020 LIVE event, which includes access for 30 days after the event to give delegates the chance to rewatch speaker sessions or catch those you missed and download resources.

“One of the advantages of this year’s AGIC being online is that it will be even more accessible for multiple members of the same company to attend and get involved.

“Delegates can also come and go as they please throughout the day – attending speaker sessions that interest them in the Auditorium, dropping by the Exhibitor Hall to chat with reps in real-time, and striking up conversations in the Network Hub – weaving it all in around their work day as needed.”

Broad program

Focusing on the topics of Resilience and Reinvention, AGIC 2020 LIVE will offer a dynamic program including keynote presentations, panel discussions and curated workshops from local and international experts.

The AGIC program will uncover what businesses around the world are doing in response to current challenges from COVID-19, climate change, drought, new advances in technology, sustainability and trade relations.

AGIC is now finalising the event program, which will bring together leaders from the domestic and global industry who have risen to the challenge and reinvented the way they approach business and life in uncertain times.

“We know this is going to be a different experience to past years, but we’re genuinely excited that, despite the challenges being experienced the world over,  we can still bring our industry together for this one, very beneficial day.”

The virtual venue on conference day will feature:

• Welcome Lobby including help desk;
• Auditorium for live and on-demand speaker presentations, including live Q&A sessions and polls;
• Exhibitor Hall featuring booths offering the latest from the real and digital sphere, and the opportunity to interact with company representatives in real-time, or schedule appointments;
• Network Hub to connect one-on-one with fellow delegates or drop in to a group chat.

Source: AGIC