ASA volunteers will be out in full force for the 2025 conference as the full program of 580 agricultural shows is revealed
The Agriculture Shows Australia 2025 Conference will be held on the Gold Coast Queensland from 13 to 16 February 2025, and attended by the most active volunteers from local communities across the country. Register here.
The membership of the ASA is made up of capital city Royal Agricultural Societies and state-based Agricultural Show bodies, together representing over 580 agricultural shows, with a combined economic value of $965 million annually.
There are an estimated 6 million rural people, over a quarter of the population – who attend Agricultural Shows each year, including 50,000 volunteers.
The reasons are clear why exhibitors should support ASA agricultural shows as they significantly impact local rural economies, with the volunteer-based income fed back into vital services.
Executive Officer of Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA), Katie Stanley said Paul will bring more than 25 years of experience and insight, and a hotly sought-after lucky door prize, to the stage in his keynote session, ‘Growing with tradition’ on Saturday 15 February.
RM Williams CEO Paul Grossman will be a Keynote speaker. “Just like agricultural shows, R.M.Williams honours its history while embracing innovation to stay relevant in a changing world,” Katie Stanley explains.
“R.M.Williams is also known for its iconic boots, and there’s a pair of these legendary boots up for grabs as a lucky door prize.”
Paul will share the journey of R.M.Williams, a brand rooted in Australia’s rural heritage, and now a global icon of quality and craftsmanship.
Attendees will hear how the company aims to balance tradition with evolution, offering inspiration for agricultural shows to celebrate their legacy while adapting to meet modern expectations and future opportunities.
Paul Grosmann joined R.M.Williams as Chief Executive Officer in November 2021, shortly after the brand was brought back into Australian hands by Andrew and Nicola Forrest. He previously worked with several global brands including Nike.
The 2025 ASA Conference is bringing big, bold ideas and innovations to the Gold Coast stage in February with three unmissable sessions on AI that will create inclusive show experiences while unlocking leadership potential.
Adding AI to the Show Movement
Simplifying Operations for Better Focus, Shaun Leisegang, General Manager at award-winning technology services provider, Tecala, will show attendees how AI can streamline key tasks in the show movement.
Heather Ellis, Founder and Director of BlueWren Connections, and community leader, social worker and changemaker, will facilitate a session for emerging leaders, drawing upon real-world examples and practical leadership exercises.
Linda Tillman, co-founder of the Australian Centre for Regional Events, will draw upon her experience in over 100 regional events’ development and delivery to help attendees understand what works when it comes to delivering a positive show experience for guests – and what doesn’t.
ASA Conference 2025
The ASA conference will run from Thursday 13 February through to Sunday 16 February 2025. It will be held at The Island Gold Coast 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard Surfers Paradise Queensland
Registration for the ASA Conference 2025 is through the ASA website at this link:
Commencing with a welcome function on Thursday evening, the main Conference program will take place across two full days with a Gala Dinner on Saturday evening.
A new addition to the conference program is a Sunday Networking Breakfast, which will be the perfect occasion to create or cement friendships, connections and event knowledge before returning home.
Gallagher is the proud platinum sponsor of the third ASA National Conference, while other sponsors include Localtix; The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania; AgShows NSW; SA Country Shows, Queensland AgShows, Australian Show Ribbons; Showorks; and Showday Online.
The Agricultural Shows Australia 2025 Conference, hosted by ASA and the ASA Emerging Leaders Committee, is a pinnacle event for the broader agricultural shows community.
