How to resolve AdBlock issue? CAAR Conference 2016:
The Agri-Retail Round Table
The 2016 CAAR Conference offered attendees three days of insightful information and valuable connections.
The Retail Management Workshop
Retail managers and owners know their stuff: applications, supply and demand, customer service and agronomy. These are the skills and areas of expertise that help the agri-retail industry thrive.
But there are some factors that can be silent obstacles for a successful business: team dynamics, employee benefits and HR systems, new customer perspectives and even emergency plan support. With these oft-overlooked concepts in mind, CAAR crafted a day-long pre-conference workshop intended to help retail locations address these opportunities for improvement within their operation.
In an independent business, we don’t always have the resources that a large corporation does. I think the templates that are being presented here (Humaniqa HR resources presented by Glenn Kehrer of Group Benefits) might be a big timesaver for us.
Icebreaker Reception
Two hours of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at The Sheraton Cavalier provided the perfect setting for a whirlwind of catching up and cultivating new connections amongst attendees.
Icebreaker Survey
An informal survey at the Icebreaker Reception revealed some of the primary points of interest for the coming days, and that CAAR Conference attendees were ready to take full advantage of the collaborative and educational benefits the event provided.
We’re here to network with industry players and to deal with customers we’ve known for years. I’m one of the die-hards – I’ve been coming here for a long time.
Speaker Sessions
Dr. Allan Gray, Emerson Csorba and Justin Funk kicked off the conference speaker series on Wednesday.
The speakers’ topics, designed to pinpoint hidden opportunities and fresh perspectives on customer service and engagement, gave new food for thought to attendees looking to help their business rise above the crowd.
Justin Funk
Emerson Csorba
Speakers’ Discussion Panel
Wednesday’s three featured speakers took the time to delve deeper into the topic of customer loyalty – what influences it, and how it is changing with the shift towards a new generation of customers.
I thought it was really interesting to see how a farmer differentiates between the brand and the retail influence, and between the different sectors – seed, crop protection and fertilizer.
This event is a really good opportunity to network with a lot of like-minded people in this industry. This is an excellent group to work with.
Tradeshow
CAAR’s conference trade show was abuzz with activity and filled with enthusiastic exhibitors ready to share exciting products and innovative technologies with conference delegates.
It’s really interesting to see different people’s perspectives on these issues. For example, in the panel discussion there was a mix of ages, and there were some differing opinions. It’s important to explore all those angles.
CAAR Pro-Ag Investments Auction
This year’s auction, held on the tradeshow floor and led by auctioneers Dallas Matsalla and Sheldon Baille, was once again a flurry of bid calling, laughter and cheers of victory.
They’re good products; we use these products every day and they come from companies we know. And we need to support these companies, just as they’re supporting CAAR.
CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet
The 2016 CAAR’s Choice Awards were handed out during dinner on Wednesday – bestowing much-deserved recognition (and even one standing ovation!) to this year’s group of winners.
What an incredible evening. Getting to celebrate some of the standout achievements of this past year with this solid, supportive group of people was so rewarding.
The Adam Growe Quiz Show
Adam Growe of Cash Cab rounded out the evening with a knee-slapping performance and a few hilarious trivia questions and tasks.
Final Speaker Sessions
The final day of the CAAR Conference welcomed two esteemed presenters: Nishan Majarian of Agrian, and keynote speaker Tony Chapman. Majarian asked attendees where their business’ unique selling proposition will lie in the years ahead – as providers of product, or an integrated component of their customers’ operations?
Closing Keynote: Stop Selling, Start Storytelling
Finally, Tony Chapman took the stage to tell a familiar tale in a brand new way. In agri-retail, as in all sales environments, the only thing that’s really being sold is the story a retailer has to offer. Chapman asked attendees an important question: “Who is the hero in the story of your business?” Contrary to popular assumption, it’s not the retailer: it’s the producer – and an agri-retailer’s job is to help them achieve their happily ever after.
It’s important for the ag industry to be upfront and tell our stories, and not let others tell our stories for us.
Sponsors’ Essential Support
Without the support of this year’s sponsors, the 2016 CAAR Conference would not have been possible. Thank you to our new sponsors, our returning supporters, and to each and every organization that contributed to the success of this event.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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Save the Date for the 2017 CAAR Conference!
Click here for more information and to book your hotel room early.
