Product launches, demos, speakers, giveaways to keep crowds busy
Visitors are getting in early to secure their tickets for this year’s Aon AgQuip and exhibitors are making final plans for their sites, with a broad range of activities, attractions, launches and seminars on the schedule for the 2024 event.
Ticket sales have been strong since going on sale earlier this month, and exhibitor sites are now at capacity with more than 2500 businesses to be present over the three days. The AgSmart Connect Hub, highlighting the latest start-ups and agtech innovations, is also taking shape with more than 50 exhibitors confirmed, along with almost a dozen presentations as part of the AgSmart Talks.
Major sponsor Aon says it’s a sign that Australia’s biggest field day continues to maintain its reputation for bringing the latest and best ag products and services to the nation’s farmers.
“Our team is well and truly on the countdown to this year’s event, and are looking forward to meeting both existing and new customers, with key insurance experts joining us on-site, a number of customer functions planned, complimentary insurance health checks for site visitors, and competition prize giveaways equating to more than $8000,” said Tim Trandafilu, national practice leader for agribusiness at Aon. “Aon AgQuip has built an enviable reputation over more than 50 years, and we’re proud to be part of that legacy.”
Kawasaki Motors Australia is the sponsor of the popular motorbike demonstration zone, and is taking the opportunity to launch two all-new side-by-side models: the RIDGE HVAC and MULE PRO-FX, both of which will be put through their paces over the three days.
Key to exhibitors and attendees getting the most out of the event is the parcel pick-up service organisers run each year, this year sponsored by lender Bizcap which is promising fast-tracked business loan applications for Aon AgQuip attendees, making obligation-free conditional offers with no up-front credit checks in as little as three hours.
“So if there’s something you see at the event that you’d like to buy, we can secure you the funds you need in time to make that purchase before you go home,” said Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director Abraham White. “Bizcap is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of Aon AgQuip because we're committed to empowering farmers and agricultural businesses at times of exciting growth or financial need.”
The Inspector–General of Water Compliance (IGWC) will also be onsite, providing farmers with the important opportunity to have their say on Basin-wide water resources and how they’re managed.
“Visiting our site will be your chance to share what you’re concerned about as community members of the Murray-Darling Basin, and my staff who live and work throughout the Basin are all ears,” said Inspector–General of Water Compliance, Troy Grant. “It’s a great chance to have your say on compliance, water management and the Basin Plan so my office can act on the information you give. People visiting our site can also contribute to shoulder period research for our annual community sentiment survey.”
Education is always a key component of the event, and organisers are conscious of allowing visitors to hear from some of the sharpest minds in the agribusiness world.
Karen Rogers is the Australian Community Media (ACM) Agri Insights Manager and has been leading the agricultural research remit for ACM for more than 27 years. Earlier this year she officially released the results of an inaugural research project exploring the complex relationship between farmer literacy and the adoption of agricultural innovations, and at Aon AgQuip 2024 she’ll be presenting the key findings and outlining the key challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Karen said Harvesting Knowledge: Understanding Farmer Literacy and Adoption of Agri-Innovation in Australia was aimed at revealing the key factors influencing farmers' understanding and uptake of innovations, with hopes the findings will help cultivate a more conducive environment for the widespread adoption of agri-innovation.
Executive Manager for Health and Agriculture at nbn, Robert Hardie, will be among one of the presenters of the AgSmart Talks,
“We’ll be discussing how the nbn network has increased speed and availability of fast broadband internet across Australia, and how it’s forecast to lift Australia’s GDP by a further $399 billion by 2030. I’ll also be outlining the local improvements that are taking place across the New England and North West, including our local fibre upgrades,” Robert said.
The INCYT demonstration truck will be on display.
INCYT returns to Aon AgQuip, the company specialising in the provision of remote monitoring sensors and trackers that enable farmers to drive increased profitability, improved efficiency and reduce risk. They’re bringing a specially fitted out trailer showcasing a variety of on-farm solutions and is also hosting guest speaker Simon Blyth, to discuss the current state of agtech in Australia and its future.
“Simon will consider the disparities in opinion between producers and 'the agtech industry', as well as how producers see the agtech industry, and the ‘big and important’ innovations that are next to be rolled out,” said Reinder Prins, INCYT Head of Marketing.
Aon AgQuip 2024 runs from August 20 to 22 and has something for the whole family, with the popular lifestyle pavilion featuring again, alongside activities for the kids and a range of food and beverage suppliers. Tickets are available at www.agquip.com.au and anyone purchasing their tickets before the event will enjoy a 30% discount.
Businesses still interested in exhibiting at Aon AgQuip can complete the exhibitor enquiry form at www.agquip.com.au phone event organisers ACM Rural Events on 02 6768 5800 or email the commercial team at sean.mckeown@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Tickets can be purchased at www.agquip.com.au