The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) is gearing up to host the annual conference of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) on 13-15 November.

150 delegates will gather in Norfolk to discuss the state of the UK agricultural show industry.

According to industry figures, six million people visit agricultural and country shows in the UK annually – approximately 10 per cent of the population. There are more than 400 ASAO members’ organised events each year, including major national and county shows, specialist agricultural, horticultural, equine and country sports shows.

The RNAA is keen to explore the reasons behind agricultural and country shows’ popularity. Delegates to the conference will be able to take a tour of the Norfolk Showground and listen to keynote speakers as part of the conference. The showground’s flagship show, the Royal Norfolk Show, attracted more than 80,000 visitors last year.

“It’s a great privilege to be hosting this year’s ASAO conference and we have put together an exciting programme of speakers and panel sessions on topics that affect our industry at both the strategic and tactical levels,” said the RNAA’s chief executive Greg Smith.

“It’s a busy marketplace and though it’s tough, keeping a finger on the pulse and offering visitors a value for money, quality experience is an ongoing challenge for agricultural shows, fairs and country events. The industry conference offers a unique opportunity to do just that.”