Inaugural combined show scheduled for March 2016 in New Orleans

The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers, the National Corn Growers Assn. and the American Soybean Assn. announce a new collaborative venture that joins two leading industry trade show experiences — Commodity Classic and AG CONNECT Expo & Summit — to provide an even better world-class experience and gathering place for all segments of agriculture.

Commodity Classic is a joint venture owned by the National Corn Growers Assn. and the American Soybean Assn., with National Assn. of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers participating as affiliates. The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) owns and produces AG CONNECT Expo & Summit.

The inaugural event will be held March 3-5, 2016, in New Orleans. The Commodity Classic shows scheduled for 2014 and 2015 will take place as planned. The AG CONNECT experience will join Commodity Classic 2016 and the new combined show will continue to meet on an annual basis.

"We are looking to put focus on the 2016 show, and so we will not host an AG CONNECT show in 2015," said Charlie O'Brien, AEM senior vice president.

 “We have great respect for the professional approach the Commodity Classic has brought to the industry and feel it is consistent with the vision AEM members have designed into the AG CONNECT experience. Great things can happen in the industry when leaders work together, have a long-term vision and stay focused,” said O'Brien.

“Commodity Classic and the AG CONNECT experience are two outstanding events for our audiences,” said NCGA President Martin Barbre, an Illinois corn grower. “We recognize how our programs can complement and extend the value for our members, exhibitors and attendees.”

“We both value the power of education and of top-quality interaction among attendees and exhibitors on the show floor,” said ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean grower in Mississippi. “Commodity Classic will remain a farmer-led and farmer-focused event as it moves forward with our new partner. The timing is now right, and our new event will deliver even more value to all show participants.”

The two shows are known as offering valuable education sessions, innovations exhibited on the show floor, and unparalleled peer-to-peer networking - these values will not be merely maintained by the collaboration, but will be better than ever. More details will be provided in the coming months.

Commodity Classic is the annual convention and trade show for the American Soybean Assn., National Corn Growers Assn., National Assn. of Wheat Growers, and National Sorghum Producers. Visit www.commodityclassic.com.

The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) owns and produces AG CONNECT Expo & Summit, and is the North American-based international trade group for the off-road equipment manufacturing industry (agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility). Visit www.aem.org.