Potato Expo 2013

Washington potato growers will soon be joining other producers from around the country at the fifth annual Potato Expo January 9 through the 11 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Networking is a primary focus of the expo and the National Potato Council has made sure that networking includes the international community as well. David Fraser, U.S. Potato Board’s Vice President of Industry Communications & Policy, comments on the networking aspect of the expo.

FRASER: Networking opportunities are tremendous. If the grower has never been to a Potato Expo, by all means you need to go. It’s money well spent. Everybody is there, and as we say in the promotional materials, if you miss the Potato Expo, you’re going to feel like you’re out of the loop for the rest of the year. There’s a lot of stuff going on plus just good solid information.

At this year’s expo that information will include breakout sessions focusing on the fresh, processed, chip, and seed industries, along with separate networking receptions for women in the potato industry, young professionals under 35, and Potato Industry Leadership Institute Alumni.
More than 130 companies will also be there demonstrating the latest in equipment, innovations and technology for the potato industry. And for the first time interactive and education panel discussions of industry experts, growers and consumers will be held directly on the trade show floor.

Of course, the Potato Expo won’t be all work and no play. On that Thursday night Bayer CropScience will be sponsoring Potato Royale, a special event with a James Bond theme that will have attendees enjoying 007 inspired games and entertainment.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.