Annual Meeting Highlights
Over the years, Western Growers has established a high standard of excellence for its Annual Meeting. The 97th Annual Meeting at the 5-star Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa raised the bar even higher with timely and relevant educational sessions, dynamic and visionary speakers and fun-filled activities and networking events. With record sponsorship and near-record attendance, the strength of the Western Growers ‘Ohana was on full display in paradise. In recognition of the extraordinary role sponsors play in supporting the Annual Meeting, every level of sponsor received extensive brand recognition throughout the event, including name or logo placement on signage and in the conference guide and mobile app. Additionally, Silver Sponsors and higher earned marquee billing at an event of choice, with Diamond Sponsors being recognized at each event. The 2023 Annual Meeting began Sunday evening with an extended format two-hour Welcome Reception hosted in the Ilima Garden overlooking the picturesque Keoniloa Bay, where Western Growers members mingled with industry partners – rekindling old friendships and forming new ones – in the warm tropical breeze. Now a yearly tradition, the first full day of the Annual Meeting featured a thought-provoking Kickoff Keynote from Temple Grandin , professor, best-selling author, animal behaviorist and autism self-advocate, who shared insight into different ways of thinking, making the case that the world needs all kinds of minds. Going from one impactful speaker to the next, the PAC Luncheon was headlined by author, environmentalist and two-time candidate for California governor, Michael Schellenberger . A self-styled “eco-modernist,” Schellenberger presented the thesis that while climate change is happening, it is not the end of the world, and advocated for the use of technology to address environmental challenges. Monday afternoon concluded with a Featured Session titled: What Does Artificial Intelligence Mean for Agriculture and Food? Moderated by tech maven Seana Day (Culterra Capital), the deeply knowledgeable panel included Thorsten Schwindt (Bayer Crop Science), Kyle Cobb (advanced.farm), Eric Morgan (Braga Fresh) and Chase Schapansky (Guss Automation). Day led the panel in a far-ranging conversation discussing the current and anticipated impacts of AI on crop protection and inputs, automation, data and recordkeeping and more.
Prior to the Monday evening festivities, the top tier of sponsors had the opportunity to network with the Western Growers Board of Directors during an energetic VIP Sponsor Reception on the Ilima Terrace. The relationships developed during this exclusive function have proven invaluable for Annual Meeting sponsors over the years. Each sponsor in the Diamond, Platinum and Gold tiers was recognized in a special presentation by Chair Albert Keck. An Annual Meeting favorite, the Party with the Partners in the Ilima Garden lasted well into the night with fun Hawaiian-themed activities for the entire family. After enjoying food and drinks infused with local Island flavor, revelers made their way to the dance floor, bopping to the Aloha sounds of the Greenstone Project, a premier Hawaiian band. Not even a brief rainstorm could dampen the jovial mood! Tuesday morning began with the second invite-only sponsor event, the Diamond Breakfast recognizing the highest level of Annual Meeting sponsors. During the meal, representatives from Bayer, Farm Credit, John Deere, Nutrien Ag Solutions and RDO Equipment took the stage to address the Western Growers Board of Directors. The event concluded with Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia presenting each representative with an award symbolizing the deep bonds shared between the association and each Diamond Sponsor.
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