ASAO Welsh Regional Conference 2022

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) hosted the Welsh Regional Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) conference on Friday 29^th April 2022, at the International Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground.

The ASAO represents the UK’s many agricultural, horticultural, equine and countryside events and works to share best practice between agricultural societies and related organisations. The daylong conference was a great opportunity for members of the association to meet once again face-to-face and to talk about the upcoming agricultural shows in Wales.

The conference was opened by Mared Jones, RWAS Head of Operations and Welsh representative for the ASAO, who welcomed members back to the Showground for the first in person regional ASAO conference in Wales since the coronavirus pandemic. ASAO Chair David Tite and Secretariat Paul Hooper OBE provided an update from ASAO, outlining the various issues members are facing and changes in regulations.

There was an update from Heledd Williams from Visit Wales on how agricultural shows and events support the visitor economy in Wales, followed by LANTRA rural event training from health and safety consultant, Cathy Ricketts.

Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales joined the conference virtually via Microsoft Teams to provide an update on animal welfare and avian influenza. Delme Harries, Director of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society also joined via Teams to speak about the continuation of agricultural shows after the pandemic, and the changes the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society have taken on in order to reduce expenditure and ensure financial stability for the future. Delyth Brown from Welsh Government provided an update on Livestock ID and movements.

The conference concluded with a presentation from RWAS Chief Executive Steve Hughson where he spoke about the future for agricultural shows, the opportunities we have in the modern world, and how the next 10, and 100 years may look for agricultural organisations.

The ASAO Welsh Regional Conference was a successful day for members to hear important updates and to ask questions and share knowledge amongst each other. RWAS Head of Operations, Mared Jones said, “It was great to welcome Welsh Agricultural Shows back to the Royal Welsh Showground once again at our annual Welsh ASAO Conference. It was an opportunity for everyone to see each other face to face, network, share and learn.  We wish all the organisers a successful show season this Summer.”