The 2023 World Ag Expo saw a 10% increase in attendance over 2022. World Ag Expo photo

The World Ag Expo recently wrapped its 56th run, reporting a 10-year high in show attendance with 108,233 people turning up at the International Agri-Center in Tulare.

Attendance was up 10% compared to last year’s show with 98,387 visitors. The 2022 show was the first to be held in-person after going virtual in 2021 due to the pandemic.

The event ended on Feb. 16 with a reported 1,225 exhibitors on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Attendees represented 49 states, the District of Columbia and 56 countries.

 

The event started with a roar as fighter pilots form Naval Air Station, Lemoore, performed a flyover. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy delivered an address for opening ceremonies and took part in a Farm Bill listening session with other Congressional members, including newly elected John Duarte in District 13.

The full session can be viewed at https://bit.ly/WAE23FarmBillSession.

With more than 40 exhibitors offering test drives or demonstrations, attendees were ready to learn, try and buy, according to a World Ag Expo news release.

“World Ag Expo brings the right customers to the show,” said Taylor Smith of Case IH. “We were able to have good conversations on future products with high-impact customers.”

More than 100 educational seminars, demonstrations, and workshops were held over three days and covered topics ranging from irrigation to dairy and innovation to international trade. Classroom seminars were recorded and will be available for free online viewing beginning March 14. Viewers can explore the seminar list and plan their viewing at https://bit.ly/WAE23Seminars.

 

“This year exceeded expectations,” said Jerry Sinift, CEO of the International Agri-Center. “Crowds were strong every day, even with wind on Tuesday. To be able to host the Speaker of the House and a House Ag Committee listening session in the same year was amazing.”

The 2024 World Ag Expo will be held Feb. 13-15. Space renewals are now being accepted by 2023 exhibitors. Potential exhibitors can begin requesting space on March 1 at worldagexpo.org.