More than 50 exhibitors participated in AgNet Media’s Florida Citrus Show on April 3 in Fort Pierce. The event took place at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory. The vendors showed their support for the state’s citrus and vegetable growers.
Mike Adrover, service sales manager for DEUTZ Power Center Florida, one of the show’s exhibitors, described growers as the lifeline of the state and his business.
“They definitely keep us in business, so it’s very important that we’re out here supporting and making our presence known,” said Adrover.
He was not alone in sharing that philosophy of supporting local farmers.
“We support agriculture in a ton of different ways — through this show and in any way possible,” said Jeremy Nipper, agricultural sales manager for Everglades Equipment Group. “The beauty of these shows is you get your customers together in one spot. When you have them here in this atmosphere, they’re here to talk about business and they’re here to mingle. It makes it easy to shake hands and sell hello.”
Vendors showcased their products and services as well as some tasty treats during the tailgate-style trade show. The format provided a unique opportunity for exhibitors to interact with attendees in a relaxed setting.
Adrover said the trade show was enjoyable because it was like a cookout that creates community with everyone sharing food.
Nipper added, “I feel like attendees hang around a little more instead of just moving on. They stay here and socialize more than they do in an inside environment.”
When attendees were not mingling with exhibitors, they were listening to informative seminars designed to educate growers about pertinent topics that will impact the industry. The program included a general session as well as citrus and vegetable breakout sessions.
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