Visitors will once again see an increase in the number of exhibitors, following a trend that has continued every year since the first show in 2011. By keeping down the cost of exhibiting, the organisers of Agri-Expo have built the event into a major one-day showcase for an impressive range of agricultural businesses, and in recent years many manufacturers and their dealers have used the event both to showcase the best equipment and technology available and to launch new products.

The show has received strong interest from European machinery manufacturers this year, something which confirms the importance of the South East as an important gateway into the UK for some major names in agricultural equipment.

The Duke of Kent opened the brand new £1.5 million state of the art Maidstone Exhibition Hall at The Kent Showground in the summer of 2014, underlining the Kent Event Centre’s position as one of the largest and most flexible venues in the South East. The new venue will enable Agri-Expo to utilise 3000m2 of clear span exhibition space.

With a five metre high cargo door, not only will all the indoor exhibitors be under one roof, but there is now the facility to site much larger machinery and equipment inside as well as out – as visitors will discover.

Headline sponsor Sprint Fuels will once again be at the heart of the show to demonstrate the comopany’s road fuel and biomass supplies and services and discuss how it can support agricultural and rural businesses and help them grow.

An addition to the show this year will be an exciting new seminar spot. “Women in Farming” has been jointly organinsed by South East Farmer magazine and BTF Partnership and is supported by Brachers, Gullands and Partners in Produce. Please come along and listen to case studies as well as benefiting from some practical advice).

It can be difficult for farmers and growers to evaluate the benefits of new equipment just by looking through a catalogue, and shopping around is difficult if you need to visit several different dealerships to compare what is on offer. As well as tackling this issue, Agri-Expo also offers an extra dimension in the area of professional services, where visitors have the opportunity to talk to rural planners, agents, contractor and law firms.

Being able to chat to an expert about a new project without making a formal appointment to go and see him or her is really useful. Visitors can not only see the latest releases and machinery developments and discuss all aspects of their farming and, rural business and restock the workshop all at the same time.

As well as giving exhibitors an opportunity to promote their businesses, Agri-Expo (SE) is keen to promote education, training, business development, diversification opportunities and collaborative projects. So do enjoy your day with us and talk to any member of the organising team about your ideas that would help the continuing development and growth of Agri-Expo. After all, this is your show, so come and tell us what you would like to see next year.

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