Welcome
A Message from the Show Manager
The Western Canada Farm Progress Show is just around the corner. I look forward to seeing the newest technology and companies' exhibits which keep getting more impressive. Farmers keep doing a better job and the wealth of those involved with agriculture production in dry land farming continues to grow. It was recently reported in the Regina Leader-Post that last year Canadian farmers earned $3.6 billion in net farm receipts, of which $1.9 billion were generated in Saskatchewan! I believe a major contributing factor in this impressive number is the technology displayed at the Farm Progress Show.
This year will present the largest Western Canada Farm Progress Show ever produced. Because of the new facilities available to us at Evraz Place, the show now takes nearly 1.8 million square feet of surface area plus an additional 445,000 square feet of onsite parking. Nearly 70 percent of the exhibitors have a new location at the show this year. The new appearance and layout will drive attendance up and positively contribute to future shows.
Growth of this tradeshow is being felt by many of our partners. The Official Show Guide produced by The Western Producer has once again grown in size as well as the Farm Progress Show supplement in the Leader-Post. I would like to thank Viterra. Their faith in this event and contribution have helped the show to continue on a path of growth and to remain Canada's largest agriculture tradeshow.
New Entrance
Using Princess Street entrance, exhibitors and attendees can access a new parking area. This will also be the access point for VIPs, international guests, bus tours, and the shuttle service.
Shuttle Service
Again we will offer a shuttle service from the airport and hotels to the show. Sponsored by the Regina Hotels Association and Prairie Mobile, the service will include 20 vehicles and a city bus. Once the attendees arrive at the show they can use the tram system as transportation. Thanks to Behlen Industries, Sakundiak Equipment and Meridian MFG for their sponsorship and to Kubota Tractor Corporation for supplying the tractors that power the tram system. Kubota also supplied the RTV's that will be used by Guest Relations Committee to help exhibitors each day move items from the parking area to their booth.
Preview Day
Preview Day will happen again this year. June 15 is a day for invited VIP guests from Canada and abroad to have an overview of the show site. It begins with the presentations from Agriculture Manufacturers of Canada Annual General Meeting, followed by keynote speakers and then the official opening. A guided orientation tour of the site will be conducted after the ceremonies. This tour will not stop at individual booths. To wrap up the day the International Reception will be held. Preview Day will be a great day for networking and will give the VIP guests a chance to make an early impression on the best customers available. Thanks to SeedMaster and Meyers Norris Penny for the contribution towards this program.
Seminar Stages
Visitors continue to choose the Farm Progress Show as their first stop to seek agriculture information. Not only do they come to visit at the booths but they also take great advantage of the two seminar stages. This year both stages are fully booked with a wide range of topics. These topics will appeal to both farmers and business people alike.
Other Fun Programs
Our exhibitors are prepared to provide the guests with valuable information and are ready to showcase their products and new technology. Our show management is excited to introduce to our guests an event that has good traffic patterns, high quality services, and unique programs that make the event stand out among other tradeshows. Beside the services and programs I mentioned earlier, we are also bringing:
• Two exciting concerts: Dwight Yoakam and Trooper. Tickets are sold fast, but we do have some concert packages available for exhibitors and their guests.
• A brand new interactive program: SCVNGR hunt. By using a mobile phone to receive clues and text answers, the game will provide attendees a fun way to travel the show site and qualify to win prizes. This program is supported by SeedMaster, AgriCard, and Farm Business Communications.
International Component
The Farm Progress Show is a must visit for international buyers. We are experiencing tremendous growing interest from many countries. To find Canadian manufacturers that can fulfill their needs, foreign buyers continue to choose the Farm Progress Show as their first shopping stop.
2009 was the first year of our new Incoming Buyers Program. The results were outstanding. In a survey conducted by the International Business Committee, 40 new international buyers purchased $100 million at the Farm Progress Show. We extend our appreciation to the Ministry of Western Economic Diversification for the contribution they made to the Incoming Buyers Program.
This year, we will also be introducing a new addition to the international component of the Western Canada Farm Progress Show. Come and check it out on the Preview Day. It is our intention to continue being North America's number one choice for international buyers of agriculture technology.
Show Promotion
The Farm Progress Show has invested heavily in promoting this event in diverse media. With the support of numerous media partners, we have a marketing program value of nearly $500,000. The goal is to ensure the message is being heard: the Farm Progress Show is the best place for farmers to seek the greatest agriculture technology and information, and it is right here in Regina!
Our team has spent the past year planning and preparing for this phenomenal agriculture and entertainment event. We are ready for the 2010 Western Canada Farm Progress Show and we are look forward to meeting you! I anticipate great results will occur during this year's show. See you there!
Rob O’Connor
Show Manager
A Message from the Show Chair
New ideas, new products, new industry trends and innovation are a constant at the Western Canadian Farm Progress Show. Our 2010 show has several new features commencing with our new layout and recently constructed buildings with much of the exhibit display indoors.
Farm Progress in conjunction with Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada will host Preview Day for Equipment Dealers, Foreign guests and the largest 500 Canadian Farmers to kick the show into high gear.
Our International Business Centre reception will welcome these guests to Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s finest cuisine while they network with politicians and Canadian farm experts and intelligencia.
We are exited to bring another highlight, a Demonstration Feature where the farm machinery can be tested “in the field” for the farmers from around the world and for the domestic buyers.
Industry leaders have been requested to be special guest speakers regarding pertinent topics about the farm industry. This will bring timely, value added information so you can make informed decisions about your future in farming.
Keeping in tune with farm and green technologies, our New Inventions and Alternative Energy has a new look to it for 2010.
Also added to the show is an Internet Machinery Auction, featuring both new and used equipment. Other areas of the show including Modern Lifestyles and exhibits, Antique Farm Equipment, and of course top notch entertainment.
Come to our show in June 2010 to be ahead of the curve, to learn, network and to buy the best dryland farm equipment and technology on earth.
All of us at Farm Progress welcome you to
Larry Gregga
Volunteer Chair
