Unlock the Value of the CAAR Conference

We are so excited to be back in the heart of the Prairies this February to host the CAAR Conference. The reception to the quality of programming we have offered in the past few years tells us we are on the right track with this event, bringing unique and tangible value for our retailer members. We have taken this year’s program up another notch to make sure you come away from the conference prepared to excel in 2016.

This year’s theme – Unlock Your Potential – is intended to uncover a deeper understanding of your customers and what they expect from you. Experts Dr. Allan Gray from Purdue University and Justin Funk from the University of Guelph will share insight into what farmers expect from agri-retailers, and compare those customer expectations to what agri-retailers think their farmers expect. I think you’ll find there are some surprising gaps that can point you in a better direction to connect with your customers.

Emerson Csorba of Gen Y Inc., will do double duty in helping you to understand the next generation of employees and customers, sharing insight into what motivates and engages Generation Y (also known as millennials). In the next 10 years, 75 per cent of the workforce will be from Generation Y, which makes it even more critical to start now in building a corporate culture and sales process to hire and inspire today’s youth. These three experts will also come together in a discussion panel that will dig even deeper into the knowledge they will share, and begin to explore strategies on how to build your business.

We are also thrilled to host Nishan Majarian, CEO of Agrian. He will share some fascinating insight on the potential future of agri-retail, to help our members raise the awareness of the impact their decisions have on the direction of their business. When I saw Majarian speak in the summer of last year, I couldn’t make notes fast enough on the information he shared that would be of value to our membership. I’m very excited he agreed to join us and share his message directly with you.

Finally, we have two special guests that are the highlight of what I hope will be a tremendous event. Adam Growe, host of TV’s Cash Cab, will host The Adam Growe Quiz Show after the CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet, where our dinner guests will have a chance to go on stage and win cash! To close our event, world-renowned sales trainer Tony Chapman will train attendees in the latest and most effective sales techniques of engaging customers by sharing your story. Stop Selling, Start Storytelling will empower us all to better tell our story – whether to engage our customers or simply advocate for the amazing things we do in agriculture every day.

If you haven’t already registered, it’s not too late to call or email our office and secure your spot. Even one of these sessions will be worth the investment. 

I look forward to seeing you in Saskatoon!

Delaney Ross Burtnack
President & CEO