SA Country Shows Symposium
The 2009 SA Country Shows Symposium held on Friday 10 July 2009 was a great success with more than 60 show organisers and volunteers in attendance.
Last year the format of the Symposium was reviewed resulting in the format of this years Symposium being altered to include an open forum in place of the usual workshop sessions. The open forum enabled delegates to raise important issues and questions, as well as share information amongst each other. Comments from those who attended were positive and the "new" forum format will be repeated next year.
Leigh Allen address attendees on Succession Planning and ways show societies can perhaps encourage young members onto their committees. This topic proved popolar for a number of show societies in attendance. A copy of Leigh's notes can be obtained from the Secretariat.
Marilyn Ward, RA&HS archivist, informed attendees on the importance of retaining show records and photos. She also encouraged anyone who has old RA&HS photos or memorabilia to consider forwarding it to the RA&HS to place in their archives.
Other key speakers included:
- Chalien Bayliss, RA&HS - Competition Organisation & Section Coordination
- Peter Angus, RA&HS - Rural Ambassador & Young Rural Ambassador Award
- Bronia Henty-Smith, AIB - Insurance Matters
- Grant Waterman - Junior Judging Competitions
- Michelle Hocking, RA&HS and Mark Przibilla, City of Victor Harbour Tourism - Marketing
- Sue Piggot, BizBoost - Web Management
- Daryl Girdler - Showmen's Guild of SA
- Malcolm Buckby, Margaret Rankin, Margaret Hurst - Show Competitions
The winner of the two VIP tickets to the 2009 Royal Adelaide Show was Gwen Smart of Maitland. Congratulations Gwen!
The Agricultural Societies Council of SA Executive look forward to seeing you at the 2010 Country Shows Symposium, to be held on Friday 9th July.