Farmers interested in attending the 2021 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show will, as of this writing, have two options: attend in person or log on to the online platform. “Either way, farmers will be able to take in the 2021 show,” according to Tim Price, show manager and executive director of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association.  

Price said plans are being evaluated by the City of Memphis to ensure compliance with all COVID-related policies for events. “We are in daily contact with City officials regarding our plans and our desire to hold an in-person show where exhibitors can interact with attendees in the Renasant Convention Center,” Price said. “We understand farmers and other attendees are interested in planning their visit to the show and we are working very hard to be able to conduct that in-person interactive show. We are also happy to be able to provide the virtual platform for this year’s show.”  

The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is sponsored by Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press. The show is scheduled for Feb. 26-27, 2021, at the Renasant Convention Center, Memphis. The Renasant Center is recently remodeled and offers a modern event space with a fully-updated interior. “We are excited to be able to offer this space to our exhibitors and attendees for the 2021 show,” Price said. “It is really a magnificent space and will be very friendly to our event.”  

Exhibitors are completing applications and are being placed in the Convention Center space. Show floor space is new and the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will have a different configuration, Price said. “Traffic patterns will be different from previous years, but we are confident attendees and exhibitors will find the show a welcoming event.”  

Individuals who don’t attend the 2021 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in person, can take advantage of the virtual platform, which will be available in late February. The platform includes live streaming, recorded messages, links to exhibitor and sponsor websites, and more, Price said. Specific details and agendas for the live streams and other activities will be provided soon. “One of the advantages of the virtual platform is the content will be available long after the show ends,” Price said. Content will be available for up to one year following the Feb. 26-27 show.  

Download app

Individuals can download the show app, which has become a familiar tool for attendees. The app, which can be accessed on any mobile device, will feature show floor maps, exhibitor lists, speaker biographies, and agendas. “We have come to realize that many attendees use the app to schedule their participation in the show,” Price said. “Attendees can create their own schedules to attend seminars and visit with exhibitors, identify exhibitor locations in the Renasant Center, and share feedback over social media channels.” The app will be available for download from app stores in mid-February.  

Registration for the upcoming Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will be available soon. Details will be provided in Delta Farm Press and other Midsouth publications. Details can also be found on the show website – farmandginshow.com.  

“There is a lot of interest in having a show in which people can be face-to-face with exhibitors and catch up with others they may only see once a year at this show. We’re planning on that in-person show at this time,” Price said. “We are also very aware of the partnership we have with the City of Memphis and the various hotels and businesses in the Memphis area, as well as the changing COVID virus environment. 

“Our priority is to be able to hold this event safely, within the guidelines of the City of Memphis and the local and state health departments,” Price said. “I encourage people to check the website frequently for any announcements about the show that may occur. And, to keep in mind participating in the 2021 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is also available on the virtual platform, which will provide a robust experience in an online environment.”  

For more information about the show, visit the website: farmandginshow.com, or contact the Southern Cotton Ginners Association at 901-947-3104.