For nearly three decades, Citrus Expo has been the premier event that growers turn to for the latest information and products to run a successful operation. Although the annual in-person event took a hiatus this year to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual event saw tremendous success.
“In these unprecedented times, it was important for us to find ways to still provide growers with the education they need,” says Robin Loftin, president of AgNet Media. “That’s what this industry is all about, continuing to adapt to challenges as they come and finding ways to overcome them.”
During the virtual two-day event that took place Aug. 19-20, over 1,100 participants logged into the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo to view the educational seminar programs and interact with vendors and event sponsors.
“We are extremely thrilled with this year’s turnout,” says Event Manager Josh McGill. “Despite the current situation, we were still able to provide a dynamic show packed with useful resources for the industry.”
McGill notes that by holding the event virtually, it reached its broadest audience ever. Attendees logged into the Expos from 31 different countries.
AgNet Media’s enthusiasm about the virtual event was also met by industry members.
“Congratulations on a fantastic virtual Citrus/VSC Expo. Very well organized and executed! I sure did miss the opportunity to meet and network with others, but since that wasn’t possible, you made the most of it by offering an event that shared timely and valuable information,” said Debra Fitzgerald, market intelligence analyst for ISK Biosciences.
Cacee Hilliard, Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES program coordinator, also offered words of gratitude regarding the event. “I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work putting on a virtual Citrus Expo! I am so pleased with how our sponsorship has been used. I feel attendees will easily see and access our information,” she says.
For those who were not able to tune into the event, the general session, citrus, and VSC seminar programs and accompanying continuing education units will be available through the end of the year on CitrusExpo.net.
The Citrus Expo and VSC Expo team sincerely appreciates the participation of attendees and seminar speakers. A big thank you also goes to the sponsors and exhibitors who invested in the Expos. The annual event cannot happen without their continued support.
Furthermore, the Expo team appreciates the resiliency and passion found in Florida’s agriculture industry. Although it’s been a year unlike any other, growers continue to stand tall and provide for the world amid challenging times.
The 2021 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo are set to take place Aug. 18–19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. We hope to see you there!