Now that the dust has settled on the first CropWorld event to be held at the ExCel Centre, London it is time to reflect on the progress made and changes since the former event – the BCPC Congress and Exhibition.

“Response to the rebranded event now organised by UBM in association with BCPC – and the move to London – has been very positive,” says BCPC’s chairman Dr Colin Ruscoe. “Delegates were particularly impressed by the breadth of topics covered by this year’s programme, and there was a particularly good line-up of speakers including Jim Paice MP, UK Minister of State for Agriculture and Professor Sir John Beddington, UK Government Office for Science, who gave the closing address.”

“Historically the Congress has always focussed on research and development and new product introductions and innovations. This focus has followed through into the CropWorld event which saw a noticeable increase in new product and technology announcements,” said Dr Ruscoe.

Running for two and a half days, at the beginning of November, delegate and visitor numbers reached 1,473, up nearly 70% over the 2009 event that took place at the SECC in Glasgow. “It was encouraging to see an increase in delegates from the USA, which is a major change from previous years,” said Dr Ruscoe. “There was also a good representation from all the agrochemical majors and an increased presence from the fertiliser and plant nutrient industries.”

With over 90 hospitality and exhibition stand bookings – up 35% on 2009, and re-bookings for the 2011 event – up 50% on 2009, the future bodes well for CropWorld Global, which is to be held at the ExCel Centre, London, from 31 October to 2 November 2011.

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