Potato Expo 2020 Breaks Attendee and Exhibitor Records
Potato Expo 2020 Breaks Attendee and Exhibitor Records
More than 2,000 U.S. potato growers and industry members from a dozen countries turned out for Potato Expo 2020 at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., to do business and prepare their operations for the future.
Now in its 12th year, the annual Potato Expo has become the largest meeting of its kind in North America. The Potato Expo 2020 broke previous records with 2,019 attendees and 189 exhibitors covering more than 90,000 square feet in the Expo Hall.
Check out the highlights...
Chef Rock Claims Title of 2020 Top Spud
The Throwdown included Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Las Vegas’ Chef Daniel Stramm, Chef Robert 'Stew' Stewart from the OWN Network’s 'Raising Whitley' and Food Network's 'Guy’s Grocery Games' and 'Cutthroat Kitchen,' and winner of Season 3 of 'Hell's Kitchen' on FOX, Chef Rock Harper.
The Throwdown was won by Chef Harper with his dish featuring Patatas Bravas.
Headline Speakers Focus on Technology, Trends and the Future
Technology and digital expert Erik Qualman discussed the habits that effective leaders use to thrive in today’s digital era.
Mike Lee, co-founder and co-CEO of Alpha Food Labs and founder of The Future Market, shared his perspective on consumer behaviors that are shaping the future of food.
David Parker, executive vice president of FLM Harvest, described current agribusiness trends and disruptors, and their implications on the future.
The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) launched at Potato Expo 2020
Shelley Olsen of LJ Olsen, Inc. in Othello, Wash., and Potato LEAF chair:
“Like most family farms, developing the next generation of leaders is part of our DNA. But as family farms become more complex, the demands upon our leaders become more intense.”
“I’m pleased to see the industry come together to launch the Potato LEAF organization dedicated to growing leaders who will thrive in the competitive global marketplace of the future.”
Potato Research Poster Session
The poster session is coordinated by the Potato Association of America.
The Potato Talks on the Expo Stage
“The Potato Expo provides us the opportunity to expose our next generation of farm leaders to the entire industry. They pick up new ideas and make new connections, helping to broaden their understanding of the opportunities available in the potato business.”
“The Potato Expo is a great event to network with growers, suppliers and others in the potato industry. Very organized and efficient way to get a lot of work done.”
“Always one of the most productive weeks of the year. Best single meeting spot for the potato industry in North America. Highest value of travel dollars spent every single year.”
“It’s the what’s happening now social event of the year for the potato industry.”
“There is no other chance for potato growers from all over the USA to meet, talk and exchange ideas. We should all try to be a part of this every year.”
“The Potato Expo 2020 in Las Vegas was a great success for the potato industry participants to come together to learn more ways to satisfy changing customer demands for potatoes in a growing and evolving market.”
“The Potato Expo has become the premier place to gather, network and socialize with colleagues across the globe. If you have not attended, I would encourage you to do so!.”
“Fantastic, one stop place, to meet up with current and new customers in a relaxing atmosphere. Very educational too!!.”
Potato Expo 2021