Join us in Winnipeg for the ag retail event of the year – the 2019 CAAR Conference!

This year’s conference promises to be better than ever, with insightful speakers, valuable professional development, networking opportunities and exciting new features like our moderated roundtable discussions. There’s no better place to grow your network, hear from industry experts, check out the latest products and technology than at the only national event dedicated to strengthening the business of ag retail.

Join your friends and peers at the 2019 CAAR Conference – Feb. 12-14, 2019 at the RBC Convention Centre and Delta Hotels Winnipeg. Register today!

Speaker Spotlights

Lesley Kelly: Mental Health Awareness in the Ag Retail Industry
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lesley Kelly is a farmer, blogger and co-founder of the Do More Ag Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation which has been shining a light on the issue of mental wellbeing within the ag community. After a whirlwind first year of promoting Do More Ag online and in person at a variety of events, she is eager to bring the foundation’s message to conference attendees.

“Mental health is something that is part of all of us,” says Kelly. “In the industry, ag retailers play such a key role – whether it’s working with their staff or with their farming customers and clients.”

In her presentation at the CAAR Conference, Kelly will share her and her family’s own story about mental health, what she’s learned on her journey and why mental health is important to the agriculture industry. She hopes that retailers who attend her presentation will walk away inspired to make mental health a priority in their operations.

“Ag retailers have been really big supporters of Do More Ag and this is our first time in front of that audience, so we’re really excited to be out there,” she says. “My presentation focuses on how conversations matter – how words matter – and how we can each make a positive impact on someone today.”

Graham Sherman: Unleashing Your Disruptive Behaviour
Thursday, Feb. 14, 8:10 – 9:10 a.m.

Graham Sherman is a self-professed “high level geek” who has used his love of technology to help him master the craft of brewing artisan beer. He launched the Tool Shed Brewery six years ago with his partner and, in the process, turned the Alberta brewing industry on its head.

Tool Shed now ships to over 1,000 locations in Western Canada from its expansive brewery and packaging facility in northeast Calgary. In 2016, the team behind the brand was nominated for an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award – the world’s most prestigious business program for entrepreneurs and the only global awards program of its kind.

Sherman will be sharing why he believes being disruptive helps businesses stand out and succeed in a crowded marketplace. His passion comes through in every talk he delivers and attendees can expect to come away excited, energized and ready to make a little noise.


Panel Discussion

Mergers & Acquisitions
Thursday, Feb. 14, 9:20 – 10:20 a.m.

Representatives from BASF Canada, Bayer CropScience Inc., Corteva AgriScience, Nutrien and Syngenta Canada will be sitting down to discuss how the industry has been influenced by the recent wave of consolidations and will answer your questions about how you and your customers will be affected in its wake.

Don’t miss this important discussion – it’s a perfect example of the relevant, retailer-focused content that you won’t find anywhere outside the CAAR Conference!


NEW! Roundtable Discussions

More networking! Join the Roundtable discussions
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. 

Start the first full day of the conference with our newest event: engaging, thought-provoking roundtable networking discussions.

These moderated discussions promise to present an invaluable opportunity for delegates to meet, share ideas and gain insight into different aspects of the ag retail business while forging new connections.

“We are excited to expand the networking opportunities for delegates attending the 2019 CAAR Conference,” says Lisa Defoort, CAAR’s event and creative manager. “The meaningful conversations started around the tables are sure to resonate throughout the conference and beyond.”

Participants select their preferred roundtable discussion addressing a key issue affecting agriculture today. Each discussion will be a structured, moderated forum, giving participants equal opportunity to add their voices to the conversation.

Space is limited, so be sure to secure your seat at the table for your preferred session when completing your conference registration online. Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation!


CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet

James Cunningham: CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet Entertainment
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. (following the CAAR’s Choice Awards Program)

You might recognize the multi-talented James Cunningham from his gut-busting appearances on Just for Laughs, Last Comic Standing and Comedy Now, or in your local comedy club. When he’s not performing on stage and at corporate events, Cunningham is the host and producer of the TV series Eat St., which airs on Food Network Canada and internationally and just wrapped up its fifth season. He is also the author of the bestselling cookbook of the same name (Eat St.) and a regular contributor on CTV’s Marilyn Denis Show.

With excellent entertainment, a celebratory atmosphere and delicious food and drink, the CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet is always a great time and a conference highlight. Bring your spouse or partner to the banquet for a memorable evening surrounded by friends and colleagues.

Banquet tickets are not included with your conference pass, so be sure to purchase your tickets when you register online. This is a night that you won’t want to miss!


Remember to watch the #CAARcon2019 hashtag on Twitter for CAAR Conference news.

Related Articles

  • Increasing your company’s brand reputation A well-thought-out brand marketing campaign will help you grow and promote your brand. By Andrew Joseph, Editor A company is often only as good as how the customer or consumer perceives it to be. It doesn’t even...
  • The current state of global agricultural testing Using just-in-time technology to thwart the spread of pathogenic disease in ag. By Shaun Holt, Chief Executive Officer, Alveo Technologies, Inc. Just as pathogens mutate, so does science advance to combat them. S...
  • Strikes—the cost of doing business Another strike means another disruption to the way Canada does business. A look at how legal strikes impact our country. By Andrew Joseph, Editor Canada has seen its fair share of strikes lately—from auto workers...

Join the discussion...

You must be logged in as a CAAR member to comment.