By John Rozum, AEM Senior Director of Industry Sectors —
North America’s premier agricultural and educational experience is just a few short weeks away…
Commodity Classic is a trade show created for farmers and by farmers, and AEM is proud to play an active role once again in making it come to life. Known for providing all the answers, solutions, information, and insights farmers are looking for to ensure long-term efficiency, profitability, and improvement, the 2024 edition of the show is poised to build upon its reputation as a uniquely valuable ag experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.
Farmers in attendance at Commodity Classic demand a high-quality trade show, featuring new and innovative products, as well as first-class educational opportunities. This year’s event, set for Feb. 28-March 2 in Houston, will deliver that and much, much more.
The show’s organizers took advantage of some unique characteristics of the floor plan at the George R. Brown Convention Center to expand Commodity Classic’s footprint to more than 325,000 square feet, or about 25% larger than the previous record. But a large show footprint is only as valuable if it offers plenty for attendees to see, hear, and experience. I’m proud to say there will be no shortage of new product offerings and cutting-edge technology on display in Houston this month. Trade show attendees want to see the latest and greatest up close and in person, and Commodity Classic exhibitors will no doubt deliver. Historically speaking, the show is one companies tend to wait for to unveil and debut products and services, making Commodity Classic the place where ag’s present and future collide.
To me, though, the most unique characteristic of Commodity Classic is it is an industry trade show – quite literally – owned and operated by ag member associations. The partnership between the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and AEM is a powerful one, and the ongoing collaboration between these organizations has allowed Commodity Classic to evolve and grow into the successful farmer-driven event it is today.
Farmers and growers sit on the Commodity Classic management board and play key roles in the decision-making process for the show – influencing everything from where Commodity Classic is held to what attendee entertainment to feature at the event. These ag leaders are truly invested in future of the show, as well as and the success of its participants. With such a strong level of commitment and support from Commodity Classic organizers and stakeholders, it’s no surprise why the show is widely viewed as a one-of-a-kind, can’t-miss ag trade show.
AEM’s is proud to leverage its experience and knowledge in running trade shows to support Commodity Classic and help further meet the needs, wants, and preferences of exhibitors and attendees. And with another edition of the show right around the corner, I want to share a few reasons why I’m excited to head down to Commodity Classic this year:
- Countless exhibiting companies are ready to unveil and discuss new and innovative products on the show floor.
- High-quality education sessions will provide valuable information and insights to help farmers in attendance do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
- AEM – along with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) – is proud to present the Davidson Prize to three breakthrough and innovative products in the areas of agriculture, food, and biological systems engineering.
- The association is also proud to sponsor the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) Spring Plugfest, which is being held in conjunction with the show.
AEM and its show partners recognize Commodity Classic brings tremendous value to its stakeholders. We’re seeing more exhibitors bring customers, dealers, and other stakeholders to the show to see what’s new and exciting. With that fact in mind, what better way is there for exhibitors show confidence in their own products than to bring customers out to see what the competition has to offer?
Commodity Classic is a special event, and the farmer-driven partnership between AEM, NCGA and ASA has the show positioned for sustained success. The future of the show is bright, and AEM looks forward to helping make the premier commercial farmer conference in North America an even better overall experience and gathering place for all segments of agriculture.
About Commodity Classic
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused educational and agricultural experience. The show is presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers and AEM.
Exhibitors looking for additional information should check out Exhibitor FAQs. For general show information, visit commodityclassic.com or contact AEM’s John Rozum at jrozum@aem.org.
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