Year after year, attendees rank "networking" as the No. 1 reason why they travel from far and wide to attend the largest potato-networking conference and tradeshow in North America. And, borrowing a term from this year's host city, Las Vegas, Potato Expo 2013 is doubling down on the networking opportunities it offers attendees.
The Potato Expo 2013 Steering Committee has been focused on meeting the needs of attendees who see this event as their one chance each year to meet with high-level decision-makers throughout the U.S. and international potato supply chain. We are pleased to announce that the event, held Jan. 9-11 at Caesars Palace, will feature more opportunities than ever before to meet with peers, friends and potential business partners.
On Thursday, Jan. 10, from 5:30-7 p.m., we are offering three networking receptions for specific members of the industry. Enjoy the big Potato Expo crowds, but worried about getting lost in the shuffle? These smaller receptions will bring together particular groups of industry peers in a more intimate setting.
Choose from a group that includes your peers: Women in the Potato Industry; Young Leaders (for attendees ages 35 and under); or Potato Industry Leadership Institute Alumni, sponsored by Syngenta.
Don't fit into any of these categories? Don't worry. Potato Expo 2013 will continue to include two of our most popular events: the Kick-Off Reception and the Thursday night special event.
This year's Kick-Off Reception, Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 5:30-7 p.m., is co-sponsored by the United Potato Growers of America and John Deere. As always, the reception is the first opportunity for attendees to come together as a group and explore the record-breaking 40,000-plus square-foot Tradeshow, which will showcase the latest and greatest technology, innovations and equipment for the potato industry.
Most importantly, the Kick-Off Reception gives attendees a chance to relax with old friends and new, and enjoy entertainment and refreshments after traveling from across the country-and, in some cases, from around the world.
Of course, no party compares to the Thursday night special event, which is once again made possible through the generous support of Bayer CropScience. The theme of this year's event is "Potato Royale." Attendees will be invited to channel their inner James Bond for a night of games, martinis (shaken, not stirred) and other refreshments, and entertainment for the entire family. We can't wait to see how Caesars Palace will transform one of their ballrooms for a scene of excitement fit for a 007 Secret Agent.
But whether it is for the unrivaled networking events, the business-focused speakers at the General Sessions, or the Breakout Sessions targeting on sector-specific opportunities and challenges, Potato Expo has something for everyone in the industry. Visit www.Potato-Expo.com, for a full schedule of speakers, sessions and events, and make your travel plans today. Potato Expo 2013 is one event you-and your business-can't afford to miss.