The Agriculture & Food Council of Alberta is putting an innovative twist on its 2014 annual general meeting.
The non-profit organization, whose members come from the agriculture and food industry, is holding a Sept. 24 and 25 event in Olds.
Entitled Summit Up!, it will focus on four themes: local living economies, advancing innovation, enterprising non-profits, and leading collaboratively.
Bryanna Kumpula, the council’s executive director, said the organization’s AGMs have typically taken place over one day and featured a speaker. This year, organizers want to encourage participants to interact and learn.
“What our members have said to us is that they really appreciate the opportunity to talk to other people within the industry, make connections and network, and also talk about what’s working and what’s not working.”
Not only will participants at Summit Up! have the opportunity to attend sessions on each of the themes, there will be a variety of other activities.
These include a run/walk through wetlands, morning yoga and a tour of Innisfail Growers.
“So there are all kinds of interactive, different elements that you wouldn’t typically see,” said Kumpula.
There will be an informal networking opportunity the evening of the Sept. 23, and a kick-off dinner the following day to celebrate the council’s 20th anniversary.
That will include a tour of the Olds College brewery.
Summit Up! will take place at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites at the Olds College campus and is open to everyone.
Additional details, including registration information, can be found online at www.agfoodcouncil.com (click on Summit Up!) or by contacting the council at 1-855-469-3714 or info@agfoodcouncil.com.
Early bird registration rates are available until Aug. 24.
The Agriculture & Food Council of Alberta works to promote growth, sustainability, competitiveness and profitability in the agriculture and food industry.