I had the privilege of attending the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference 2024, held in Edinburgh from June 20th to 27th. This conference was a fantastic opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas, and gaining insights to implement at the 2025 Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) Conference.
Day 1: CEO Specific Sessions
The first day was dedicated to CEO-specific sessions, which were highly informative and relevant to our operations:
- Event Centre Design: We explored innovative designs that enhance visitor experience and operational efficiency.
- Risk Management: Discussions centred around identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them effectively.
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Focus: Emphasis was placed on sustainable practices and corporate responsibility in agricultural events.
- The day concluded with an inspiring presentation from the CEO of Glenmorangie Whisky Company, highlighting their journey and the importance of sustainability in the beverage industry.
Days 2 to 4: Combined Sessions
From day two onwards, all delegates attended combined sessions under the themes of Relevance, Adaptability, Sustainability, and Connectivity:
- Relevance: Speakers discussed the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. Topics included modernising agricultural shows and integrating technology.
- Adaptability: Sessions focused on the need for agricultural societies to be adaptable, especially in response to climate change and evolving market demands.
- Sustainability: Sustainable agricultural practices were a key focus, with insights on reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Connectivity: Emphasis was on building connections within the agricultural community and leveraging these networks for mutual benefit.
These sessions were engaging and provided numerous takeaways that we can certainly implement in our upcoming ASA Conference. The discussions and ideas shared by regional and international speakers were particularly valuable in shaping our future strategies.
Social Functions
The CEO and Gala Dinners provided additional opportunities to network and forge new connections within the agricultural show movement. These events were not only enjoyable but also instrumental in building relationships that will benefit our future initiatives.
I am very grateful to the ASA board for providing me with the opportunity to attend the RASC Conference 2024. The insights and connections gained during this conference will be invaluable as we prepare for the 2025 ASA Conference. I look forward to bringing some of these new ideas to life and enhancing our events’ overall impact and success.
Katie Stanley
Executive Officer
