Several sessions at the 2017 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit will explore strategies and tactics for how individual farmers, companies and associations can engage with consumers and other key influencers most effectively. The 2017 Summit, themed “Connect to Protect Animal Ag” will be held May 3-4 in Kansas City, Mo. Early registration and hotel discounts end Monday, April 3.
The first panel, titled “Consumer Confidence in Agriculture,” will focus on consumer confidence research conducted in the dairy industry and how the industry is using this knowledge to better connect with the “moveable middle” segment of consumers. Panelists include Rex Martin, senior vice president, owner relations and Scott Wallin, director of consumer confidence, both with Dairy Management Inc.
The second panel – “Implementing an Influencer Tour” – will help attendees prepare for hosting influencers on farms and other agricultural operations. Speakers will share what they have learned from three years of hosting influencer farm tours, including tips for planning logistics, finding the right attendees, developing a budget, evaluating the program and working with strategic partners. The panel will feature Meagan Cramer, director of communications and marketing, Kansas Farm Bureau; Jancey Hall, program manager, Kansas Soybean; Stacey Forshee, Kansas grain and beef farmer; and LaVell Winsor, Kansas grain farmer.
“Engaging with consumers and influencers is essential to fostering understanding of animal agriculture,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “Our expert panelists will offer unique advice and insights to the Summit audience, allowing everyone to come away with fresh ideas and tips for implementing them. If your business depends on grocery shoppers, food or other retail company decision-makers, legislators or other stakeholders understanding of our industry, these panels will be immensely valuable to you.”
Be sure to check the Alliance website for the most up-to-date Summit information. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA17 and #ActionPlease2017 for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the Summit please contact [email protected] or call (703) 562-5160.
