We are excited to make this announcement today on The Big Show. Here is the letter going out to exhibitors today of the Iowa Ag Expo, from Executive Director Tom Junge:
This past week I traveled to Vermillion, SD to observe the DAKOTA Farm Show, the first ag show of the new year. The second farm show of the new year will be in Sioux Falls. While there I talked to over 20 exhibitors that will also be attending the Iowa Ag Expo and got great feedback. Everyone had positive comments on the event and the attendance. Attendance was a little lighter, as expected, but exhibitors said the quality of the attendees was good. I left Vermillion with renewed energy, feeling that we can get a good farmer turnout.
Here are the latest updates as we move forward with Expo preparations:
COVID protocol highlights include wider aisles, proper sanitation and added cleaning, handing out of masks and hand sanitizer at all entrances and information booths, suggested advance-ordering of box lunches delivered directly to exhibitor booths along with larger eating areas logically dispersed around the Expo for proper social distancing while eating lunch. The complete list of protocols was emailed last week.
Early registrations have been steadily coming in from producers from Iowa and the surrounding states. A lot of these early registrations have been from larger farming operations. It’s likely $4.90/bu. corn and $13.30/bu. soybeans will continue to motivate producers to attend the Expo.
Digital, social and print promotion of the show has already begun. And radio commercials will follow in just over a week. WHO Radio’s “The Big Show” is very excited about the event and is anxious to talk it up for us. This year we are adding a new texting service to communicate the event to 9,550 previous attendees along with emails going out to 14,400 farmers from Iowa and beyond.
The U.S. Custom Harvester’s Annual Convention, Jan. 21-23 is a go and is also held at the Iowa Events Center. If any Iowa Ag Expo exhibitor is interested in exhibiting at their convention, contact Mandi at office@uschi.com or 620-200-1381. Annual membership is required but will be waived this year. Reach two audiences at one venue. For those bringing equipment, arrangements can be made so that you can leave it in Des Moines between the events. For more information about their group, see http://uschi.com. Space is limited!
The U.S. Hemp Growers will be having exhibits in the ballroom. They will be also be providing seminars to educate producers on the opportunity in the industry to grow hemp.
·he newest proclamation from the Iowa Governor increased attendance limits at high school athletic events through February 7th which is a good sign for our event.
There has been some confusion regarding the free service offering electronic distribution of literature and videos. This can be used IN ADDITION to handing out literature if you would like. Handing out of promotions and candy is still acceptable. We will send more information on that service later this week.
Now is the time to book your rooms and order electricity (early bird deadline January 21st) and furnishing (early bird deadline January 15th). NOTE: Freeman Decorating will be servicing the event from their Chicago warehouse, so place order for items you need in advance, as items may be limited for ordering at the event.
We will begin sending move-in and other show information later this week. Move-in will be from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday January 31st and 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1st. If you need your information sooner, please call me.
We look forward to seeing you in 3 weeks! If you have any questions, change in your travel plans or just want to discuss the event, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Tom Junge
Expo Director
Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association
8330 NW 54th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131
c 515-238-4822 | o 515-223-5119 | iowaagexpo.com
They have also issued specific Covid-19 guidance, as well as direction for new exhibitors, and you can find that here: