AgTech expo to return in March with new name and initiatives

A leading event dedicated entirely to agriculture technology, AgSmart Connect, will be back this year with a new name, renewed focus and new programs for visitors.

The expo, formerly known as AgSmart, will once again be held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) with seminar rooms for speakers at the centre of the event space and exhibitor stands wrapping around these speaker areas.

A new feature for this year is the addition of an outdoor networking space with food trucks, and a business lounge for exhibitors.

In addition, show organisers, ACM Rural Events, has announced a new partnership with the AgTech Angel Investor Network to set up a new Start-Up Lane which will be a dedicated area of entry-level arcade sites on offer at a start-up rate to businesses that are part of and pitching to the AgTech Angel Investor network.

Included in the offer are ‘Pitch-to Paddock’ opportunities on the main seminar stage and seminar slots will also be live-streamed across all ACM agri-regional sites.

As an additional incentive for potential Start-Up Lane exhibitors, there’s also the chance to pitch to win a $10,000 investment prize.

“We want to show that AgSmart Connect is for every business with an ag-tech focus, whether they be already established and successful companies, or those at the beginning of the journey who are looking to gain a foothold in the sector and climb the ladder from there,” said ACM Rural Events Commercial Manager, Lupe Prada.

“Three years on, we’re more than an expo now, so we wanted to make the information and education seminars the heart of the event,” she said.

“This event is about education and bringing people together. Connecting them through agri-innovation, AgSmart Connect will be a forum for agri-innovation providers to engage with farmers, investors and the agri-curious from across the industry.

“We want to show ag technology innovation is accessible to anyone who wants to grow the profitability and viability of their business. This is about demonstrating there’s no reason to be intimidated by the amazing level of innovation out there, it’s about giving attendees the tools and information they need to employ it practically in their operations.”

An exciting new research project around the adoption of agricultural innovation by Australian farmers will also be unveiled at AgSmart Connect.

The research is currently being undertaken by ACM Agri research agency, Chi Squared, and the results will be presented at AgSmart Connect by ACM Agri Insights Manager Karen Rogers.

“With the rapid advancement of agri-tech solutions, the 'Harvesting Knowledge: Understanding Farmer Literacy and Adoption of Agri-Innovation in Australia' project is aiming to uncover the key factors influencing farmers' understanding and uptake of today’s innovations,” Prada added.

“Ultimately, the results of this research are intended to provide actionable insights for policymakers, agri-tech developers, and agricultural extension services to cultivate a more conducive environment for the widespread adoption of agri-innovations, helping to boost the resilience of our ag sector.”

Location: Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC), Greg Norman Dr, Hillvue NSW 2340

Dates: March 6-7, 2024

Time: 9am to 4pm every day

Admission: (Online) Adults - $15, children (aged 12 to 17) - $7.50, children 11-years and under – free. Purchase tickets online here. (At the gates) Adults - $25, children (aged 12 to 17) - $12.50, children 11-years and under – free