By Clint Thompson

The upcoming Florida Ag Expo event, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, will feature a new format for attendees.

Instead of a typical trade show, the one-day Expo will host a tailgating experience for participating exhibitors and those attending the event. It was a concept that was well received at the Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Josh McGill, show director at AgNet Media, believes it will play well at this year’s Expo.

“This is a new fun idea for us. We did try it back in our April show, the Florida Citrus Show, for the first time. It was where we turned the trade show into more of a tailgating format. Exhibitors pulled their trucks in and prepared food right at the back of the truck,” McGill said. “Anything from burgers and hot dogs to chips and dip to people even making paella fresh on site. It was a really fun atmosphere.

“There was a lot of interesting food that was shared. Some exhibitors really got into it and really brought their ‘A’ game to showcase their cooking abilities. It made for a better environment where they got to have engaging conversations with the grower attendees. Exhibitors and growers all seemed to love it. We’re excited to present this format at Florida Ag Expo.”

This year’s Expo will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. The tailgating experience will be held in conjunction with educational sessions that are still being finalized.

“The exhibitors are really looking forward to it. I think they want to see some new life at this event, especially in the trade show portion of it. There are always great field tours and seminars, but this is something to really revive the trade show portion,” McGill said. “They’re excited to fire up the grills, bring out their best food and share conversations with some good growers.”