May / June, 2003

How long have you been doing Ag Expo?

"This is my third year coordinating Ag Expo. I enjoy the variety of work that needs to be done. One thing I particularly like is the interaction with our exhibitors."

What was your first impression of Ag Expo?

"I was impressed with the amount of work that needed to be done behind the scenes. It took a lot of organization and energy from many individuals to put on the show. After all the effort, it was very satisfying and a relief that it all came together as nicely as it did. It was awesome."

When do you begin to plan for the next Expo?

"We start planning for the following year the day after the current Expo. We think about ways to improve the next show, what we can do differently to make it better for both exhibitors and visitors."

What is involved to coordinate a show of this size?

"Letters of invitation are sent in January to encourage new exhibitors. We also mail space applications to our past exhibitors reminding them to reserve their spaces for the coming year. After we receive a commitment from exhibitors, lots are assigned, contracts go out and money is handled. We make a huge effort to accommodate all requests. Many departments and businesses are contracted to provide the services needed during the show. Our figures and databases are checked and rechecked for accuracy. Program guides are printed, and many meetings are set-up to make sure that Expo comes off without a hitch. This is just a small sampling of what happens to make the show run smoothly."

How many people does it take to run the show?

"When you go to Expo you see the colorful tents, equipment displays, demonstrations, places to eat, and educational booths. You don't see all the experts behind the scene like journalists, photographers, the VIP breakfast coordinator and her helpers, electricians, phone contractors, concessions employees supplying food and drink, tent contractors, students, custodial and ground workers, heavy equipment operators, technical specialists. There are people who spray the roads, mow the lawns, departments helping with the demonstration sites, and tractor shuttle drivers. The week before and after the show, many of our ag engineering faculty and staff members and students take on responsibilities to ensure that jobs are done correctly. Without all the MSU departments and outside contractors, we couldn't make Ag Expo happen."

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This year's event is set for July 22- 24 and will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. All Ag Expo events and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free. For more information about Ag Expo, call 1-800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.

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Tim Harrigan, Ag Expo Director
Silvia Calanchi, Ag Expo Coordinator

Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
A.W. Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720

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June 3, 2003