Fieldays 2020 goes digital
THE NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL FIELDAYS SOCIETY WON’T LET A virus stand in its way. The Society is pioneering an entirely new experience of Fieldays as visitors take part in a digital event this year.
Following the Government’s announcement on Monday 16th of March, to cancel all large gatherings of over 500 people, the Society had to look at other options. Traditional aspects such as the Future Focus talks and Innovation programme will still be included.
“We understand the economic ramifications would be extensive if Fieldays was cancelled entirely, hence why we’ve decided it’s a chance to be innovative in this time of global uncertainty. We’ll still be delivering a world class event on the world stage – albeit a digital version,” says Society CEO, Peter Nation.
“The NZ agricultural industry is one of the most innovative and dynamic of its kind in the world. Crises are not new to the primary sector. We had M.Bovis a few years back, droughts, the GFC. These are all things farmers and communities have had to endure and ride through. Uncertainty has paved the way for innovation in times where there was no other choice otherwise,” he adds.
Digital visitors will be able to pick and choose what they wish to view and at whatever time and pace they wish to do so. The technology will allow for visitors and exhibitors to still connect.
“The beauty of a virtual experience is that people can enjoy the elements of Fieldays minus the health risks dictated by the current environment,” says Mr Nation.
The Society has partnered with Satellite Media to deliver the online event experience. “We started talking about what the future could look like for Fieldays at an early stage. Like many, we were devastated to think the event could not go ahead,” says Nick Lowe, Managing Director of Satellite Media.
“By going online we can increase our reach, provide new ways for people to connect and, as we are discovering, create new benefits for both the exhibitors and visitors. The format allows for all exhibitors, agencies, content producers and suppliers to create opportunity around this new ecosystem and we invite everyone on this journey in the hope of creating jobs and delivering economic benefit. It’s really encouraging how fast Kiwi businesses, both large and small, have jumped at the chance to support NZ’s primary sector at this time,” says Mr Lowe.
NZL