The Queensland Ag Shows conference at Gatton on the weekend, hosted by the Next Generation committee, brought together show society committee members from around the state for a wide variety of information and entertainment.
It also received interest from throughout Australia, with other state organisations taking part, making for close working relationships around the country.
Using a theme of Connect, Protect and Represent – Queensland Ag Shows – For the Community, by the Community, it featured panel discussions, a networking mixer, and an agri-gala evening to celebrate all that shows contribute to their communities.
Keynote speaker, Rockhampton-born author, Anna Daniels, entertained and enlightened conference attendees, reminding the room to look back on past achievements and inspiring attendees to never stop ‘astounding themselves’.
Speakers from a wide range of disciplines currently influencing the agricultural show movement conducted informative and entertaining sessions, providing options and strategies for agricultural shows of all sizes.
Day one sessions included utilising media platforms, creating clarity around constitutions, workplace health and safety, and communicating with community stakeholders.
The greatly anticipated agri-gala was held on the Saturday night, leaving guests in awe of the atmosphere, remarking on the delicious food, and dancing the night away to a live band, Midnight Curfew.
In addition to the festivities, the Queensland Shows awards were announced.
Sponsored by Sandstream Etching, Toowoomba, the awards acknowledge the contributions of not just the show societies and events hosted, but the people whose tireless efforts embody what the agricultural show movement is all about.
They encourage teams and individuals to innovate and maintain their commitment to achieving excellence.
Shows award organisers, Jessica Kerr, Charleville, and Kaitlyn Shultz, Mudgeeraba, said nominations had doubled for these prized titles.
Queensland Shows award winners
Emerging leader:
- Winner – Stacey Heidenreich (Emerald Show Society)
- Runner Up – Bradley Smith (Dalby Show Society)
Best Innovation in a Local Event:
- Winner – Gatton Show Society Dairy Show Case
- Runner Up – Boonah Show Society Show Ed
Outstanding Individual Contribution:
- Winner – Steven Hancock (Mitchell Show Society)
- Runner Up – Keith Edwards (Gatton Show Society)
The final day of the 2018 conference did not disappoint, when attendees were treated to sessions such as crowd control and eliminating risks, managing volunteer fatigue, utilising local schools within the show, and re-inventing show entertainment.
Queensland Next Generation president, Kerri Robertson, closed the conference with a heartfelt message thanking Queensland Ag Shows board and staff for their support over the past twelve months, as well as the Next Generation management committee who had worked tirelessly to ensure the 2018 Queensland Ag Shows conference was a successful event.