Maximizing Your Experience at Conferences and Industry Events: Essential Tips for Farmers
- Lauren Oehme
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Right now at Nanobubble Agritech, it feels like our calendar is bursting with industry events and conferences. The timing is no coincidence; as farmers move out of their busiest summer months and into the winter period, now is a great time to take stock, reflect, and look ahead to the next season, considering any changes, upgrades or improvements to be made.
Attending conferences and industry events can be a game-changer for farmers looking to stay ahead of the curve, make valuable connections, and discover new tools and technologies that can improve operations. Whether you're looking to learn about the latest advancements in agritech, seeking inspiration for new operational strategies, or simply keen to connect with other local farmers, these events offer unparalleled opportunities. However, without the right strategy, it’s easy to miss out on the full potential these gatherings provide.
Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your next industry event or conference:
1. Set Clear Goals Before You Go
Before you even step foot on the event floor (or grass!), take some time to set clear, specific goals for what you hope to achieve. Are you attending to network with other farmers? Do you want to discover new equipment or technologies that can streamline your processes? Or perhaps you're hoping to get hands-on with new innovations in sustainable farming?
Setting a focused goal will help guide your actions throughout the event, ensuring you don't waste time on things that aren't aligned with your needs. Create a checklist of people to see, or a list of objectives to achieve, and use it as a reference to stay on track.
2. Plan Your Schedule Wisely
Most conferences and industry events have a packed schedule with various workshops, panels, and speaker sessions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices.
Review the schedule in advance and pick the sessions that align with your goals. Pay attention to event app notifications or printed materials that provide updates on schedule changes and speaker availability.
Make sure you leave time for networking and exploring the exhibition floor as well. Some of the best opportunities come from informal conversations with vendors, other attendees, or exhibitors.
3. Engage with Exhibitors and Vendors
The exhibit hall is often a hub of innovation at any event. From new equipment to cutting-edge software and tools, this is where you’ll find the latest products and technologies designed to help improve farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
Take the time to visit booths that interest you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, request demos, and gather product information. If you’re interested in a specific solution, ask for a follow-up meeting to dive deeper into how it might fit with your farm’s needs. Remember, the vendors are there to help, and they’re often eager to discuss how their products can make a real difference for your operation.
At Nanobubble Agritech, we recommend booking follow-up meetings on-farm in the few days after the event. This allows us to dive deeper into the farmer’s particular operation and provide 1:1 advice outside the hustle and bustle of the event itself.
4. Network with Fellow Farmers
One of the most valuable aspects of attending industry events is the opportunity to connect with other farmers. Conferences are a unique space where you can share insights, experiences, and challenges with others who genuinely understand your world. Networking isn’t just about making contacts—it’s about building relationships with those who may have valuable advice or who might be facing similar challenges.
Attend networking events, grab a coffee with fellow attendees, or join lunch and dinner gatherings. Keep an open mind and listen to others' stories. You’ll likely walk away with new perspectives on issues you might be facing or ideas that you can implement on your own farm.
5. Attend Workshops and Breakout Sessions
While keynote speeches are inspiring, the real value often comes from the more hands-on, in-depth breakout sessions. These workshops provide practical, actionable advice on everything from soil health to marketing and scaling your business. Whether it’s learning how to apply the latest data-driven strategies or discovering new operational techniques or practices, these smaller, interactive sessions are where you can gain the most value.
If the event offers sessions on topics you’re unfamiliar with or have yet to explore, take the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Even if the topic isn’t directly related to your current farm operation, it might open the door to new opportunities or challenges that you haven’t yet considered.
6. Stay Active on Social Media
Most industry events are now live on social media, with hashtags and interactive platforms connecting attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. By following and engaging with the event’s official hashtag or joining in conversations on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram, you can extend your network and learn from others’ experiences in real time.
7. Take Advantage of Post-Event Resources
After the event, the learning shouldn’t stop. Many conferences provide access to recordings, slides, and other resources post-event, allowing you to revisit the material at your own pace. Take the time to review the content and integrate what you’ve learned into your operation.
If you had discussions with vendors or other farmers about new tools or practices, follow up to explore those ideas further. It’s hard to muster the energy to do this at the end of a big event, but we find it best to try and follow up straight away – otherwise, you risk forgetting who you spoke to, and about what! Try to capitalise on the momentum and energy of the day.
Also, make sure to connect on social media or via email with the people you met at the event. A quick note or LinkedIn connection can turn a brief interaction into a lasting professional relationship.
8. Evaluate What You’ve Learned and Apply It
The true value of attending a conference or industry event comes from what you do after the event. Reflect on the knowledge and insights you’ve gained and think about how to apply them to your farm. Whether it's adopting a new technology, adjusting your marketing strategy, or implementing a new operational practice, the key is to take action.
Consider putting together an action plan based on your key takeaways from the event. Prioritize the changes or innovations that will have the greatest impact on your operation and set measurable goals to track your progress.
Final Thoughts
Industry events are an excellent opportunity for farmers to learn, grow, and connect with others in the field. By setting clear goals, planning your schedule, and engaging actively throughout the event, you’ll ensure that you walk away with the tools, knowledge, and relationships needed to take your farm to the next level.
Remember, it’s not just about attending; it’s about making the most of every opportunity available. So, the next time you’re gearing up for a conference or industry event, use these tips to help you maximize your experience and turn new insights into actionable improvements for your farm.
No time to get off the farm and into a conference? Curious about how nanobubble technology can increase yields and reduce water use? Check out our case studies here, or get in touch to schedule a quick, 15 minute introductory call to take the next step towards a more productive, profitable irrigation season.
Comentários