There seems to be some concern and misconception among some who have become accustomed to free exhibit space at Citrus Expo, about the new “Comp†exhibit policy for 2007. The details of this new policy along with lots of other information can be found at the Citrus Expo website . Please get the facts at the website. For those who want a few more thoughts on the matter, read on…
Efforts of the Steering Committee and Southeast AgNet to keep Citrus Expo strong and successful into the future are clear. The new policy on free exhibits provides for a letter of application and review process to allow the Steering Committee to better justify these requests, and yes it is likely even those who qualify will be asked to pay at least some amount toward covering the overhead for their space and their people to be included in the show.
Also, in response to exhibitor input, the Steering Committee has created a policy prohibiting business solicitation at Citrus Expo by non-registered sponsors or exhibitors. The Steering Committee agrees it is unfair to exhibitors and sponsors to allow their competitors to “work the show†without supporting it in some way. Many affordable sponsor levels are available that can accommodate any budget to allow vendors to support and attend without exhibiting if they wish.
The Steering Committee includes growers and executive directors of Gulf, Highlands and Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Associations, the director of University of Florida’s Citrus Research & Education Center at Lake Alfred and another IFAS person, and three commercial exhibitor representatives. Most of what is raised from exhibit and sponsor sales is reinvested into Citrus Expo and if anything is left over it is shared with the grower groups and the University’s Citrus Research efforts.
We at Southeast AgNet believe it is important to have a widely attended event catering in particular to grass-roots growers of all acreage sizes and statures no matter where they might be located. Indeed, citrus growers everywhere can benefit from Citrus Expo. In 2006, citrus growers from eleven different countries were among the crowd. We hear a lot of people in Florida citrus say “we’re all in this together” and we agree that timely information with ongoing delivery and availability is key to growers and the industry in overcoming the challenges facing them.
The 2006 Citrus Expo was a smashing success, and already two-and-a-half months prior to this year’s Expo the trade show has surpassed last year in booth reservations; there’s a new silent auction with something for everybody; another great complimentary lunch is planned; and the seminar program is right on target thanks to the Steering Committee’s dedicated work.
The 16th annual Citrus Expo August 22 & 23, 2007 is stacking up to be one of the biggest and best ever. If you’re a grower, grove owner, citrus production manager or grove decision maker, or if you do business in the citrus business in any way, we hope you’ll join us at Lee Civic Center in Ft Myers and support the show! Again, get the facts at the Citrus Expo website and you can pre-register there too…DO IT TODAY!
Sincerely,
Gary Cooper, President
Southeast AgNet