The American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) 58th annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference wrapped up this week. According to Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, this year’s event provided the perfect spot for this global industry to gather.
Over 900 attendees from more than 30 countries filled the Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. The event included subcommittee meetings, several industry speakers and a trading room where companies exhibited and conducted business. “(The turnout) really shows the importance of the networking opportunity (and) the policy development we do here at this meeting,” LaVigne says.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Disney World nursery, which provides the plants for the parks and resorts. The nursery was gearing up for the upcoming Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, so attendees were able to see the magic in the making.
LaVigne adds that having attendees from around the globe brings multiple perspectives on key issues. A big part of this event is addressing the issues that impact attendees’ daily business. “The seed industry is a global industry these days. We (ASTA) have to be ready to assist our companies when they’re doing business in places like South America, Asia and Europe, and making sure that we represent those core things that impact them,” he explains.
ASTA’s 59th annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference will take place Feb. 1-4, 2020, in Monterey, California.
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