Agrilink 2016 updates free mobile app for visitors

The Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development (FRLD), in cooperation with Tetra Consulting Corporation (TCC), has upgraded the Agrilink N a v i g a t o r, a n i n t e r a c t i v e m o b i l e application for Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink the country’s largest and internationally recognized trade exhibit on agriculture, food and aquaculture. The triple exhibit will be held from October 6 to 8 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

On its 23rd edition, the event will highlight the strengths and innovations of the agricultural industries of the Negros Island Region (Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental) through crop diversification and focus on enhanced agribusiness value chain — from production inputs, the use of modern yet appropriate technologies, market diversification, and strategic product development, retailing and marketing.

TCC’s president Nervy C. Santiago, DVM explained, “Agrilink is the first trade exhibition in the country to have a dedicated application for mobile devices. Now on its fourth year, we have further refined its features to make it easier for our visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders to navigate their way around the exhibit. This year’s Agrilink Navigator is no longer just an event map and booth finder — it now has an in-app registration feature to make event registration simpler and easier for all attendees.”

Antonio V. Roces, president of FRLD, added, “Agrilink attracts more than 26,000 local and international visitors — farmers, fisherfolk, agribusiness enthusiasts, agriculture researchers and scientists, policy makers, private stakeholders and consumers. TCC has designed and developed an intuitive mobile application to help reduce the long queue in our registration areas and facilitate access to the exhibit.”

Agrilink Navigator’s in-app registration enables the users to register their attendance to the event through their smartphones or tablets. Similar to web/online check-ins, the in-app registration feature can be used by visitors anytime and anywhere. The in-app registration’s interface has been made user-friendly, making it easier and faster than filling up forms.

S a n t i a g o e x p l a i n e d , “A g r i l i n k Navigator’s in-app registration creates individual QR (Quick Response) code for every visitor. QR Code is a conventional matrix code that holds data such as contact information, promos, documents and website links. It can be scanned using smartphones and other mobile devices.” The information typed in by the visitor on Agrilink Navigator’s inapp registration form will be integrated in a unique, personal QR code that will be generated for the visitor. The event will have a specially designated area manned by TCC from which users can scan the QR code, and will only take seconds. Additionally, registering via this Navigator can be done even without internet connection.

It also retains its original architecture, with interactive event maps, exhibitors’ list and contact information together with scheduled notifications for seminars, workshops and other activities. The app also has a built-in camera functionality where visitors can directly upload and share their photos via Agrilink’s Facebook page.

Agrilink Navigator is a free application for visitors and guests with Apple (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) and Android OS devices, which can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

TCC, which developed the application, is a leading firm focused on servicing the technology requirements of feed, food and agribusiness companies and institutions, some of which include the Bureau of Animal Industry, SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Alterna Verde Corporation, Ratski Agri-Commodities Enterprises and GiGAvet, Inc. With regional offices in Thailand, Singapore and Philippines, it is also engaged in animal health, agroforestry, marketing, advertising, financials, operations and business management, information technology and manpower outsourcing and an active member of Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Also supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its allied agencies Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Bureau of Agricultural Research, DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and 30 other major Philippine food and agribusiness organizations, the three-day event will feature free seminars, live animal and plant display and other special activities that will also underscore the most up-to-date and ground-breaking inputs, technologies and alliances. Log on to www.agrilink.org or facebook. com/agrilinkPH.