Stay on top of trends and ahead of the curve at Canada's premiere agri-retail event.

Producers turn to their agri-retailer for advice when making decisions about their farm equipment, inputs and production. Agri-retailers are their trusted experts, and a source of essential information that helps them stay efficient, effective and safe.

To build on that trust and strengthen that relationship, it is essential for Canada’s agri-retailers to stay on top of trends and ahead of the curve. The CAAR Conference is where agri-retailers come to enhance their expertise and expand their knowledge of the latest industry innovations and information, in order to continue to deliver exceptional value to their farm customers.

Agenda Sneak Peek

This is a preliminary agenda. All times and speakers are subject to change. To view the latest and complete version click here.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

• Pre-Conference Workshop
• Icebreaker Cocktail Reception

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

CAAR AGM

• ‘Understanding Farmer Motivation’ – Speaker: Kevin Hursh
• Speaker Panel: ‘Be the Expert: Build Your Business While Supporting Industry Initiatives’
• Innovation Showdown
• CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet – Comedian Darrin Rose

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

• Breakfast on the Tradeshow Floor
• Celebrating the 1st Annual Canadian Agriculture Day
• ‘The Economic Factors Driving Agriculture Today’ – Speaker: Jean-Philippe Gervais
• ‘Take the Lead with your Customers’ – Speaker: Michelle Ray

Speakers

Speakers may be subject to change.

Kevin Hursh

Kevin Hursh is one of the country’s top agricultural commentators. He is an agrologist, journalist and farmer. Kevin and his wife Marlene run Hursh Consulting & Communications based in Saskatoon, and own and operate a grain farm near Cabri in southwestern Saskatchewan, growing a wide array of crops.

Darrin Rose

Darrin Rose is a stand-up comedian, best known for hosting the Canadian remake of Match Game and co-starring on CBC’s Mr. D.

Jean-Phillippe Gervais

J.P. Gervais is the chief agricultural economist at Farm Credit Canada, with over 20 years of experience analyzing domestic and international agricultural policies and markets. He has frequently been a featured speaker at conferences, addressing global trends and the linkages to agri-food markets.

Michelle Ray

Michelle Ray is an international business keynote speaker, entrepreneur, author and educator who demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of self-leadership in business and in life. In her 20 years as a business conference speaker, she has addressed groups for notable clients such as Proctor & Gamble, Shell and Xerox.

Registration Fees

Earlybird CAAR Member: $375 (before December 2, 2016. Online registration opens October 24, 2016)

Non-CAAR Member: $675

CAAR's Choice Awards Banquet Tickets: $145

Liquor Tickets (pack of 5): $47.62

Key Dates to Remember

CAAR's Choice Awards Banquet

Celebrate the achievements of your industry peers at the CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet. The awards dinner recognizes the accomplishments of some of the best and brightest in the agri-retail sector.

Tickets for the banquet will be available after October 24, 2016.

Submit your nominations for the CAAR’s Choice Awards – email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Submission deadline is December 2, 2016)

Accommodations

Plan early for a great conference experience by booking your hotel room today at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. CAAR has negotiated room blocks at an exclusive price for conference attendees.

Click here to book your hotel room today.

Rates start at $209/night with daily self-parking for $20. The reservation deadline is January 22, 2017.

NEW! The Innovation Showdown

Exhibitors will have the chance to compete for audience favour and the ultimate bragging rights at this all-new game show-style session! Each contestant will be given two minutes on stage to convince the crowd that their product, offer or service is the greatest with a fun, creative and dynamic presentation. The sky is the limit!

Click here for more information on the Innovation Showdown.

Banff Shuttle Service

Receive a 20% discount on the Banff Airporter’s scheduled shuttle service between the Calgary airport and Banff. Simply visit www.banffairporter.com and use the promo code CAAR2017, or call 1-888-449-2901 and mention you are a CAAR Conference attendee, to receive the discount.

Exhibitors

Promote your business, grow your network and get a direct connection to Canada’s agri-retailers by exhibiting at the 2017 CAAR Conference Tradeshow. Exhibitors will look forward to an inclusive tradeshow floor layout and dedicated time for client meetings.

Exhibitor Registration Fees:

• 8’ x 10’ Premium Booth Space: $1,395
• 8’ x 10’ Standard Booth Space: $1,295

Exhibitor registration is now open and is over 85% sold.

Click here to learn more and become an exhibitor today.

Want detailed information on the conference agenda, registration, workshops and more?

Look out for the 2017 CAAR Conference Registration Guide - arriving in mailboxes in October!

Click here to visit the 2017 CAAR Conference homepage for detailed and up-to-the-minute information.