"When Pigs Fly" — Jolene Brown

During this eye opening presentation we will:

• Examine changes in Agriculture today and review five factors that influence today's purchasing decisions
• Take a close look at our behaviours — people must "buy you" before they "buy from you"
• Gain new ideas to provide greater value to your deserving customers.

Opportunities abound for agriculture once we realize that the pace, the people, the process and the products have all changed. Have we? Learn how to embrace change by taking a close look at five critical factors that influence today's purchasing decisions. With lots of insight and interaction, you will gain new ideas to provide greater value to your deserving customers.

Q & A with the BC Minister of Agriculture and Lands

This is a wonderful opportunity to ask Minister Steve Thomson questions that are important to you. Email your questions to conference@bcfarmersmarket.org.
Note: Both registration and questions must be received by February 26th in order to be considered.

"Show and Tell" — Jolene Brown

The Show and Tell segment will give participants an opportunity to bring their business or industry to floor. Meet producers, processors, buyers and suppliers at the Marketing Caravan Trading floor, the perfect way to move your idea, product or service to the next level.

This is your turn to bring your business or industry to fellow attendees. You have 2 minutes to share one an item of interest from your business (value added product, something that has you excited); a fact about your industry or business (current market focus, innovative change); or a concern in your industry. Come prepared!

"Get the Media talking about your Agri-business" — Annemarie Pedersen

In this informative, hands-on segment you will:

• Learn the basics for working with the media. Discover ways to enhance your message to build interest in your agri-business.
• Learn how to identify reporters in your region and work with them to tell your story.
• Learn how to build your key messages and pitch your story to local, agricultural and other media outlets.
• Learn the dos and don'ts of media relations.
• Leave with a guide to creating your own media relations plan.

Learn how to build relationships and opportunities with media to increase your visibility and profitability. The media relations session will provide ideas and tools for agribusinesses to use to promote their product or service through the media to key audiences, the local community and others. From who, what, where, when and why through to learning the ins and outs of writing a news release you will leave well equipped to garner the media attention to tell your story!

Keepers and Questions — Jolene Brown

Identify what you will do differently from attending the workshop or something you will share with others who couldn't attend. Take the opportunity to ask questions to the presenter or participants.