Last week, Rivergum Communications attended the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC20) – from the kitchen. Normally, this event is an opportunity for the grains community to come together and discuss global supply and demand, the value chain and innovations in production and processing. It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up, engage and collaborate with …
MoreLast week, Rivergum Communications attended the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC20) – from the kitchen.
Normally, this event is an opportunity for the grains community to come together and discuss global supply and demand, the value chain and innovations in production and processing. It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up, engage and collaborate with colleagues and industry members across what is a geographically dispersed sector.
As the COVID pandemic has swept the world, we’ve all adjusted our behaviours to comply with new rules and restrictions as we endeavour to beat the virus. Individuals, businesses and industries are navigating their way through a minefield of ‘new normal’ practices such as working from home, remote learning for schools, social distancing and mask wearing.
It is now August. State borders are closed, airlines are grounded, and group gatherings are banned.
For the Ag sector, this time of year is usually booked up with conferences and field days – it’s relatively quiet on the farm, and a good time for catching up with friends, reflecting on the past and making plans for the future before the spring flourish.
In 2020 however, most events are cancelled and we are all staying at home.
Agriculture is one industry that cannot stop still. Continuity of food supply is key to surviving this current crisis. They say that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and so it was for AGIC20.
Celebrating its 20th year, the event’s organisers were left with two choices: cancel or apply a ‘COVID-twist’. They chose the latter and employed the latest digital tools to deliver a virtual experience for attendees.
AGIC20 was delivered as an online event and featured keynote speakers from across the globe, interactive sponsor hubs, and a depth of information and services that may have been missed at an in-person event.
More than simply converting the conference to a series of video meetings, attendees navigated their way through the virtual entry of the venue, to online auditorium presentations and concierge assistance, the digitally simulated exhibition hall, and networking zones.
COVID-19 may have grounded the fleet, but thanks to the enormous range of digital tools available, we were able to connect with each other in new and improved ways.
It is a great example of what is possible when businesses keep an open mind and are adaptable. Face to face contact is now strictly limited, and territory sales managers are confined to the office or home. It is time to think laterally and utilise digital tools.
Apply the power of social media to drive consumer behaviour and generate authentic interest for your products and services. At the same time, it’s back to basics with an emphasis on phone calls, emails and follow up services.
And always, always make sure that the information you’re sharing is of value to your audience. People will adapt and embrace new ways of engaging provided you’re adding value to their day.
It may not be the same as usual – it might even be better – but it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
