Leader's Letter
Game Changers!
By Greg Ruehle, IPSA
Mid-February finds Association leaders and staff "watching tape" following a successful 23rd Annual Conference, and beginning to scout what is key to another memorable Annual meeting next January in Tucson. More details on both can be found below.
Another Success!
The 23rd IPSA Annual Conference in Indianapolis was a resounding success by any measurement - strong attendance figures and huge support from Associate members as sponsors and vendors, and did I mention the high quality speakers available throughout the week? I can't say too often how thrilled I am with the caliber of this year's meeting.
The recently-completed exit survey confirms what I heard time and again from our attendees - strong speakers, an outstanding venue and a logical agenda make the IPSA Annual Meeting a unique opportunity for seed companies and vendors alike. It seems that each year the bar is set higher, and the results continue to satisfy attendees.
I want to give a huge shout-out to the IPSA Business Development Committee and last year's Chairman, John Hennenfent, who spent countless hours developing another outstanding IPSA Annual Conference. Without their insight and service to IPSA, this conference would represent only a shred of its current value.
I would also be remiss if I did not recognize those who help with every last detail in making this Conference a success. Jennifer Hospodka is an invaluable component to this Conference and to the Association in general - while she tends to stay in the background and make everyone else look good, her effort is deserving of all our recognition. And on game day, we would not pull things off without help from Danielle Darrough and Linda Crane at Darrough Consulting, who contribute their time and talents to making IPSA the best it can be.
A New Venue
The revamped Business Development Committee, this year under the direction of Head Coach Chuck Cornelius, has already begun planning efforts for a unique 24th Annual Conference next January. Here are a few details for your consideration while the agenda is being more fully developed.
First off is the location - the Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson - with breath-taking views of the desert landscape and downtown Tucson, the facility offers attendees with a great ‘oasis' during the Midwest's typically cold January weather. Tucson and nearby Phoenix are both served by several airlines, keeping airfares reasonable and flights regular.
Secondly, the conference dates have been moved one week earlier (January 8-10, 2013) to help resolve conflicts with other seed and ag-related meetings and with winter production activities. The earlier date also affords attendees with a great hotel rate ($129/night for up to four guests) and no resort fees, providing value to every attendee. This rate is also available on the weekends before and after the IPSA conference, if you choose to extend your stay in Tucson.
A third incentive is that IPSA will again be partnering with GreenLeaf Genetics to tie their Winterfest meeting into the beginning of the week's festivities in Tucson. While schedules are not yet firm, several attendees have indicated that a tighter schedule filled with relevant business programs are key to ensuring attendance, and I am confident that message will be heard loud and clear.
I would encourage each of you to take time to begin planning your January 2013 travel to include the IPSA Annual Conference - please do not hesitate to contact the office if we can assist in any way.