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Alexandria, Virginia
April 9, 2009
 The
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is proud to unveil a
newly-reformatted
Annual Convention
for its 126th year, bringing a wealth of
intensified educational sessions and networking opportunities
for attendees
at the June 20-24 event, to be held at the Hyatt
Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in
Scottsdale, Arizona. A preliminary
registration form
was added to the convention Web site in advance of the debut of
a new online registration system. An invitation for online
registration will be sent to ASTA members and previous attendees
within the week.
The ASTA Annual Convention offers a unique opportunity to come
together and learn the issues affecting the industry as a whole.
It is the only ASTA convention which brings together
representatives of every ASTA division, including corn, sorghum,
soybean, vegetable, flower, lawn and farm seed, in addition to
representatives from supplier companies and international
partners. The convention theme, "Brighten Your Future with
ASTA," is meant to help "illuminate" the important concept that
you truly derive from ASTA what you put into it - the more you
participate, the more benefit you receive. Immediately, you
see the broadening of valuable industry contacts. But also, your
presence at the table provides your voice in directing the
future strategies and activities of ASTA. These processes were
established long ago by the founders of the association, and
through ASTA's members, we continue the tradition to move the
seed industry forward through one of oldest trade associations
in the U.S.
Educational Sessions
Responding to the economic climate and the needs of its
membership to maximize value for business travel expenses, ASTA
has geared its programming to deliver essential industry and
economic information within an expanded educational program. The
former two general sessions have been expanded to four, with an
additional panel discussion on intellectual property rights.
Topics
range from agricultural credit markets to global economics to
the state of agribusiness and sustainability, all surrounding a
new "Networking Hot Spot" to help you get months' worth of
business done over the course of just a few days. The
schedule
has also been punctuated with a series of educational breakout
sessions on intellectual property rights, phytosanitary issues
and the return of the popular State and Regional Associations
Workshop.
Networking Opportunities and Special Events
A number of new networking opportunities have also been created
within the convention schedule to offer attendees a chance to
interact with representatives from every facet of the seed
industry. The new "Networking Hot Spot" features exhibitors, a
central wireless Internet access area, cyber café, hosted
business center, refreshments and more. The Networking Hot Spot
will be located in the "central artery" of the convention space
to maximize your opportunities for one-on-one conversations. A
"Special Evening of Arizona Agriculture" kicks off the
convention programming on a new night, with an evening tour of a
local olive mill and dairy farm, with presentations by three
local agricultural experts, a delectable olive oil tasting
reception and an evening BBQ picnic with farm-made ice creams
for dessert. All ASTA attendees are invited to take part in this
event, being held on the evening of Saturday, June 20 and hosted
by the Seed Trade Association of Arizona and the Arizona Crop
Improvement Association. Special events continue with the
traditional ASTA welcome reception, this year titled, "Saguaro
Welcome Fiesta," being held Sunday, June 21 at the Hyatt Regency
Scottsdale, featuring the sights, sounds and foods of Arizona's
neighbor, Mexico, with a special misting area to keep you cool
and a wealth of activities for the whole family. In keeping with
ASTA tradition, the Reception and Gala Banquet then caps off the
special events program with a semi-formal evening to celebrate
the rotation and installation of ASTA officers for the year,
featuring a gourmet meal and dancing.
Exhibits
and
Sponsorship Opportunities
Opportunities are still available to bring more prominence to
your company at this unparalleled ASTA event through placing an
exhibit in the Networking Hot Spot or serving as a sponsor for
the convention. Newly reformatted sponsorship opportunities at
ASTA now include the use of product logos in addition to company
logos for selected sponsorships, offering better value than ever
before. |
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