PAS goes online

BC’s biggest agriculture show is going online in 2021.

Scheduled to take place January 28-30 at Tradex in Abbotsford, the Pacific Agriculture Show will adopt a virtual format in 2021 with plans for the 2022 event to return to Tradex, says show manager Jim Shepard.

“We’ll be pivoting and producing a world-class virtual show,” he says. “There’s all kinds of reasons for doing it.”

An online portal will allow visitors to explore the trade show floor, which will reflect the usual layout at Tradex. They’ll be able to visit booths, have private chats with vendors, access product information and even enjoy the virtual petting zoo.

The education dimension will also continue, with the show’s partner conferences also moving online. The Horticultural Growers’ Short Course, Cannatech West and Ag Innovation Day have all agreed to run their programs.

Shepard is excited about the opportunities the virtual space provides, including inviting attendees from around the world as well as the short course’s usual presenters.

“We’re curious to see, in terms of expanding our attendees and speakers too,” he says. “Great opportunities for us to expand our reach and our influence.”

Shepard expects packages outlining the event and explaining registration opportunities will be sent to show exhibitors in mid-September.

“Everyone seems pretty keen to make this a success,” he says. “We’re going to have virtual farm tours, virtual demonstrations, all highly interactive and in real time.”