The Potato Demo Day concept

The event wants to be a platform for the benefit of the potato sector. Optimally responding to consumer needs is the starting point of all activities. That can only be achieved through a joint initiative based on the interest of the sector. Dissemination of knowledge, initiating and promoting processes, are important aspects. Bringing parties from the chain into contact with each other is an essential step. Consequently, a moderate form of individual company profiling is strived after. The idea is to limit the costs for participating companies and to make it clear that individual company interests are secondary to collective sectorial interests. The event has a commercial services character. This means that the aim is to keep the financial aspect budget-neutral.

Cooperation essential

In view of the objectives, cooperation is expressly sought after in organising and realising the event in order to save costs and to generate broad support. Moreover, this starting point is very beneficial to the PR. Participating parties have a role in giving wide exposure to the developed theme. Number and type of participating companies may differ each year. Starting point is that participating companies are complementary in so far as possible and do not unnecessarily compete with each other.

Focus on theme

Every edition is based on a different theme. The theme is then detailed and parties from the chain are asked to contribute to the Potato Demo Day. In addition, the theme is starting point in the cooperation with the various trade journals. These trade journals timely inform visitors about the Potato Demo Day.

Elements of the Potato Demo Day

• Generating and presenting research data
• Demonstration fields aimed at the theme
• Lectures with technical and policy backgrounds by various people from the chain
• Indoor and outdoor demonstrations revolving around the theme
• Technical trade fair, indoors (stands) and outdoors (mechanisation park)
• Acting as a 'carrier' for potato-specific projects
• Various articles in different trade journals during the preceding period
• Meeting place of the potato sector

Organisation

The organisation is made up of the Dutch Organisation for Potato Merchants (NAO) and Applied Plant Research (PPO). The required labour and expertise can be procured from third parties. Starting point is a lean organising committee that can operate quickly and effectively at limited costs.

Site and realisation

The PPO site at Westmaas is a broadly accessible site that can offer ample room for all elements to stand out. All elements remain within walking distance (all within one square kilometre). The sites are suitable for giving a variety of demonstrations. The knowledge and expertise available guarantee a neat layout of the potato demonstration fields.