If there is one thing that COVID-19 has taught us it is that we can stay connected efficiently by using technology. It has been a lifesaver for many businesses and organisations and at RABDF it is something we are using on an almost daily basis.
Earlier in the year we took the decision to move the annual Women in Dairy Conference online. We have hosted webinars before, but this will be the first time we have held a full one-day conference virtually.
We have a great line-up of speakers and already have a good number of delegates signed up, so it is on track to be a success.
We are also continuing with the social element of the conference too, which will see this year’s winner of the annual Woman of the Year award announced. The quality of the nominations this year have been exceptional demonstrating the skills and excellence women have right across the dairy sector.
It was tough for the judges to get to a final three, but what a trio we have. They are Karen Halton from Cheshire; Abi Reader from South Wales and Hannah Lawrence from Haverfordwest.
As a bonus, all the delegates signed up to attend this year’s Women in Dairy Conference will receive some samples of Quicke’s cheese as part of their delegate pack. More information can be found at womenindairy.co.uk/conference
Because of the success with delegate numbers for the Women in Dairy Conference we are holding a virtual Policy Conference. This will take the form of webinars spread out over a week and, while not filling the gap of the conference as such, it will offer some timely policy advice for farmers. Keep posted on our website for more information.
The Entrepreneurs in Dairying course is also being held virtually. The deadline for applications has just closed and the course will start in October running through to December.
Going virtual has its pluses and minuses. On the upside it makes it a lot more accessible to people as location is not an issue, but on the downside, there is nothing quite like a face to face event or meeting for networking, sharing ideas and having a break away from the farm.
The good news is we are full steam ahead planning the first face to face dairy event to happen in over a year. Dairy-Tech 2021 will be back on Wednesday 3rd February at Stoneleigh Park. Stand sales are now open to existing exhibitors and spaces are beginning to get booked up. From 7th September stand space bookings will open to everyone with an early bird discount rate running until October.
We are doing everything we can to ensure the event will go ahead with social distancing and extra space being factored into our outlines. The event occupies over 6,000sqm allowing us to operate safely and in line with Government guidelines.
I look forward to bringing you more news on our events and how they are progressing in the coming months.
All the best,
Matt