BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The annual Illinois Specialty Crop Conference will be moving to an interactive, virtual format on Jan. 6-8. The conference provides a platform for education, information and networking for Illinois specialty growers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“Illinois specialty crop growers have faced many industry challenges in the wake of the pandemic,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, Illinois Specialty Growers Association executive director.
“Now more than ever our industry has proven to be adaptive and resilient. The ISGA Board of Directors recognizes the industry need to continue engaging in innovative solutions with our members.”
ISCC will feature two live keynote speakers sharing insights and strategies, a roundtable discussion with attendee chat features, networking opportunities with peers in the industry, and a robust exhibition floor where exhibitors and attendees can share business and industry information.
Registered attendees will have exclusive access to educational video presentations on leading industry topics including:
Jan. 6 — Workshops:
• Produce Safety Training (live)
• Beginning Farmer
• Pollinators
• Berries and Beyond
• Tomatoes and Peppers
• Digital Business
Jan. 7-8 — Tracks:
• Produce Safety Training (live)
• Vegetable Production
• Tree Fruit Production
• Herb and Flower Production
• Agritourism and Agritainment
• Business Development
• Of Special Interest
The platform’s password-protected login will allow attendees to watch and learn in the comfort of their home or on the go. For the first time, participants will be able to attend all the educational sessions rather than having to choose only a few.
All the sessions will be recorded and available anytime during the conference.
In addition, there will be fun and interactive activities including virtual games, a scavenger hunt and a virtual swag bag full of materials and giveaways.
“Members and partners need this opportunity to connect, learn and share,” Scavuzzo said. “COVID-19 has strengthened our commitment to each other and to our communities. A virtual conference is an opportunity to connect every segment of the specialty crop supply chain, including growers, shippers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and partners. We are united to address our industry challenges and find solutions.”
The conference price was reduced to help ensure these vital educational workshops are easily accessible to members. ISGA members receive an exclusive rate of $15 and any non-member can register for $100. As a reminder, ISGA membership is open to everyone and anyone joining will have access to the reduced fee.
All attendees of the virtual conference also will have access to the online conference library on the ISGA website following the conference.
Conference details and registration can be found at www.specialtygrowers.org/iscc2021 with preliminary information and sneak peeks in the coming weeks. Contact ISGA at 309-557-2107 or [email protected] for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
