Building on past successful collaborations the host organizations, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and Hawaii Department of Agriculture, are pleased to present Ag 2006, Maximizing Your Bottom Line, a full day all ag conference. Attendees will learn to take advantage of opportunities more rapidly, get around obstacles with greater agility and take decisive action to fulfill personal and company goals. There will also be a trade show and an awards luncheon. All activities will occur at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Special room rates at the Hilton have been arranged. The Ag Conference 2006 is on Thursday October 26 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. You may register online at www.agconference.org.

This year’s keynote speaker is Brent Warner, an internationally renown direct marketing specialist, and is sponsored by Kamehameha Schools. In 2005 Mr. Warner conducted a significant study of North American farmers and ranches that resulted in insightful and provocative recommendations for enhancing business success. In his keynote address, Brent will apply these findings to Hawaii's agricultural sector. In 2002, he co-authored a progressive marketing guide for farmers, Marketing on the Edge and was the recipient of the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association Outstanding Leadership Award. He has traveled across the U.S. and Canada to share his insights on family farm survival and ways to thrive in business.

Breakout sessions during the conference will include topics that address air and sea transportation costs and water and energy efficiency. Business coaching, computers and technology will help young companies grow into their potential. As always, there will be several marketing sessions including: new markets in grocery and retail stores, export and organic opportunities, energy and tourism trends and product makeovers. Mr. Warner will present more information that expands on the hot topic of marketing. One farmer from Washington will share his personal story that demonstrates several cutting edge practices that has made him an award winning model farm. He also will discuss the importance of active community involvement. And a floriculture specialist from Florida will illustrate the success of the multi-commodity cooperative paradigm. With so many excellent topics, we suggest you bring 2 or 3 of your staff or business partners to this jam-packed day so that all relevant sessions can be covered.

The popular luncheon will feature 100% local food prepared to perfection by Executive Chef LaGarde and his culinary team. Join us to celebrate and honor, not only the bounty Hawaii has to offer, but the commitment by The Hilton Hawaiian Village to support local farmers and food producers by making it a priority to use local products. Treat your special clients to this unique celebration while you enjoy an entertaining and informative multi-media awards presentation.

Interested in marketing your products, services, and agricultural innovations to over 500 farmers, managers, and agricultural industry professionals from Hawaii? We invite you to participate in the Ag 2006 Tradeshow. Tradeshow exhibit booth opportunities are available for $500. Exhibit booths are limited, so sign up today! (808 864-9812 or www.agconference.org)

This event will bring together both national and local industry innovators and is especially designed for leaders with a vision for agriculture, innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, ranchers, contractors, architects, nurserymen, their employees, golf course superintendents, and the professionals supporting the industry in universities, state and county governments, and non-profit organizations. Please join us!

E-mail inquiries to info@agconference.org or call 808-947-2914 (Oahu).