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CSS 2008 & Seed Expo | 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference
ASTA's 126th Annual Convention
CORN & SORGHUM AND SOYBEAN SEED RESEARCH CONFERENCE (CSS) & SEED EXPO
This is the largest ASTA event, and is also the largest seed industry convention in the country. It has been located at the Hyatt Regency Chicago for the past 32 years and begins in early December. This is the 63rd year for the Corn & Sorghum Conference, 38th year for the Soybean Seed Research Conference and 31st year for the Seed Expo.
| Duration/Pattern: |
4 days, Tuesday through Friday (registration opens one day prior). Seed Expo: 2-3 days. |
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| Average Attendance: |
2300-2600 |
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| Who attends: |
Executives, agronomists, researchers, sales and marketing teams, operational/logistical employees, and service providers. |
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| What Happens: |
The convention comprises three elements: The Soybean Seed Research Conference, the Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference and the Seed Expo. The two research conferences feature a series of industry and university presentations on contemporary issues related to the corn, sorghum and soybean trade, including biotechnology, management and production, breeding and genetics, pest management and many more. |
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| Exhibitors/Sponsorships: |
The Seed Expo features approximately 115 exhibitors serving all facets of the seed industry and includes several other features and services, including Meeting Suites for business appointments that can be reserved by the hour or for the two days of the Seed Expo. |
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| Special Notes: |
This event is fast-paced and provides a tremendous opportunity to meet with customers. There are many repeat attendees each year. |
VEGETABLE & FLOWER SEED CONFERENCE
Currently in its 48th year, this conference is the fi rst of the calendar year and is held in late January/early February.
| Duration/Pattern: |
4 days, Saturday through Tuesday for the year. Wednesday is reserved for the ASTA Board meeting (invitation only). |
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| Average Attendance: |
500-600 |
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| Who attends: |
Mostly vegetable seed producers and some service providers. |
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| What Happens: |
The conference features cutting-edge industry and government speakers focusing on vegetable and fl ower industry issues, plus a networking reception and committee meetings covering a full range of topics from organic to biotechnology. The Trading Room, which is the focal point of this conference, is constantly fi lled to capacity with all-day networking and business appointments. |
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| Exhibitors/Sponsorships: |
Approximately 25 are present and cater directly to the vegetable and fl ower seed producers, and are part of the heavily-attended Trading Room area. The adjacent Reserved Appointment Table Room allows companies to reserve a table for their exclusive use throughout the days of the conference. |
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| Special Notes: |
This meeting is compact in its layout, making it a hotbed of business activity with all the key players visible in the same area. It also provides an opportunity to meet with a variety of seed companies due to the ASTA Board’s meeting at the end of the week. |
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Currently in its 126th year, this convention is typically held in mid to late June.
| Duration/Pattern: |
5 days, Saturday through Wednesday |
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| Average Attendance: |
475-600 |
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| Who attends: |
All types of seed companies and service providers. |
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| What Happens: |
Plenary sessions feature prominent speakers, both within and outside the seed industry, which complement a new streamlined schedule representing every ASTA standing committee and division, addressing topics such as organic, international, phytosanitary, biotechnology, and more, and covering all seed commodities. Special events, such as the Welcome Reception, Opening Breakfast, and Gala Banquet, provide an opportunity to mingle and meet members and their families. |
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| Exhibitors/Sponsorships: |
Approximately 25 exhibitors, mainly service and technology providers to the seed industry, participate in this convention. The Annual Convention has the most comprehensive sponsorship program of the three, typically featuring over 100 different sponsoring companies. |
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| Sporting Events: |
A golf tournament (approx. 40 participants) and 5K Fun Run (approximately 40 participants) will be held on Sunday, June 21. |
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| Special Notes: |
This convention is the ceremonial event in which the ASTA offi cers are elected, with the installation of the new Chairman of the Board. Participants are encouraged to bring their families to enjoy the hospitality of the host city. |
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