Armidale is preparing to host more than 150 delegates from across New South Wales as AgShows NSW brings its annual “Celebrating AgShows Conference” to town from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June.
With over 45 show societies already represented and registrations still open until midnight on 15th June, the 2025 Conference is expected to be one of the largest and most dynamic in its history.
Thanks to the support of the Armidale and New England Show Society and the Armidale Visitor Information Centre, Conference attendees are being encouraged to extend their stay and explore the region. Some are bringing family and friends, turning the conference into a weekend getaway. The program includes a heritage bus tour showcasing many of Armidale’s historic features on Friday afternoon, a major gala dinner and Awards presentation on Saturday night, and a Sunday morning “Big Brekkie” at Dumaresq Dam, hosted by Armidale Show Society.
“Events like this offer a real economic and social boost to our host communities,” says AgShows NSW President Jill Chapman.
“Delegates often travel with family or friends, stay in local accommodation, dine out, and shop. Many also plan return visits to spend more time enjoying what the region has to offer.”
The importance of the conference extends well beyond the local economy. It is the only time in the year that representatives from Agricultural Shows across the State gather to share ideas, learn, network, and celebrate success. Sessions will focus on innovative event management, committee leadership, youth involvement, and strategies to ensure agricultural shows remain relevant and resilient in a changing world.
The ‘Celebrating AgShows’ event started post pandemic and is highly regarded by the 150+ people which attend and those who benefit from the knowledge and energy the delegates bring back to their Show Societies. Shows are struggling to focus on their core objectives due to the ever-increasing compliance and risk management requirements. Volunteers wear many hats to ensure their Show’s success, and this event aims to strengthen and support these Shows.
Several keynote speakers will provide inspiration to attendees in future-proofing Agricultural Shows across NSW. Notably, Jim Stewart from Stewart Media will speak on the use of emerging AI technology to ‘Supercharge Your Show’. Claire Hewat from Associations Forum will motivate future leaders in ‘Leadership Lessons for Committee Success’, while Julia Spicer from Engage and Create Consulting will challenge traditional thinking in her presentation ‘Innovative Agricultural Shows’.
Panel sessions and the newly introduced Yarn Circles format will give participants’ the opportunity to bounce ideas around on a number of topics. Then the crowd favourite, “The Great Debate,” will tackle the idea of whether the primary purpose of today’s shows is advancing agriculture or a community event.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our shows,” said Conference Convenor Lyndsey Douglas.
“This event gives them tools, encouragement, and connection to take back home. Our goal is to ensure every delegate returns with fresh energy and practical ideas.”
A Gala Dinner at the Armidale Servies Club on Saturday evening will also honour outstanding volunteers from across the State, recognising their dedication to keeping the AgShow tradition alive in their local communities.
The New England region received several nominations across the five Award categories. Guyra Show Society stalwart Dorothy Lockyer as well as Wendy McNair from Narrabri Show Society received nominations for their long-term commitment and hard work in the ‘Living Legends’ category. Show Society up and comers Chad Williamson (Guyra), Briony Looker (Armidale) and Emily Scrivener (Walcha) also received nominations for their commitment to the future of regional agricultural Shows in the ‘Rising Stars’ category.
The successful introduction of the ‘Hoof and Hook Lamb Show and Sale’ event by Guyra Show Society was also recognised with a nomination in the ‘Innovation – Event or Project’ Award.
With over 1.2 million people attending a local show in NSW each year and nearly 19,000 volunteers involved in running them, AgShows NSW continues to play a vital role in fostering community pride, promoting agriculture, and driving regional vibrancy.
“Celebrating AgShows isn’t just about recognising our past,” says Mrs Chapman. “It’s about preparing our shows and our volunteers for the future.”
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