Mid-South Farm and Gin Show Cancels In-Person Event, Goes Virtual for 2021
January 25, 2021 
The annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will not be an in-person event in 2021 but will move solely to its new online virtual show site for this year.
The decision, announced by show organizers on January 25, was made following months of work with the City of Memphis and local and state health officials to plan a show that would meet health and safety requirements under current COVID-19 guidelines.
“We tried our best to have an in-person show,” according to Tim Price, show manager, who noted months of meetings and planning. “We considered many factors including feedback from exhibitors and past attendees, many of whom showed strong interest in attending in person. However, we have decided that it’s in the best interests of our exhibitors and attendees to move the show into a virtual format for this year.”
Price encouraged people to register for the February 26 and 27 show.
“This is an inaugural experience,” he said. “We see online shows being a part of trade shows of the future, and this as an investment in the future of the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show. Not only will we be able to attract an audience that cannot travel to Memphis, people will have year-round access to the show and its content. This is a very attractive feature of a virtual format.”
The virtual format in development is designed as a foundational piece of this and future Mid-South Farm & Gin Shows. Beginning this year, people from around the world can register to log into the site and interact with exhibitors, plus take advantage of Ag Outlook seminars and other educational workshops.
“We will also honor the heroes of our industry through the Southern Cotton Ginners Association awards – Ginner of the Year, Memorial Scholarship, A.L. Vandergriff Pioneer Award, and Ag Achievement Award,” Price said. “The awards presentations, along with all seminars and workshops associated with the show, will be available for viewing during the two days of the show and on-demand after the show closes.”
Price praised City of Memphis officials for their efforts to accommodate the 2021 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show. “We so appreciate the City of Memphis and its diligent and tireless work to help us conduct this annual event,” Price said. “In the end, there was no guarantee we could safely hold our event.”
Price said a key component of planning with the City involved ensuring those who would normally attend the show could take advantage of the City of Memphis and all its hospitality. That experience, which has been a trademark of the show, simply can’t be guaranteed this year.
Price recognized the hotel community throughout the City and County for its understanding and support during this decision-making phase. “The hospitality industry has been wonderful to work with during this time. We appreciate their understanding and look forward to hotels having a full house in 2022.”
Price also thanked the many companies that committed to exhibiting in person, as well as those companies that chose to participate in the virtual platform.
“We know this has been an up and down process, and we appreciate the patience and flexibility companies have shown,” said Price. “We also respect the health and welfare concerns of companies who have restricted travel of their employees. We look forward to welcoming all companies to the newly-renovated Renasant Center for the 2022 in-person show.”
Individuals must register to gain access to the virtual show website to interact with the more than 200 companies that will be exhibiting and to enjoy the awards and prizes associated with the show. “We will have cash prizes available, as we would at an in-person show,” noted Price. “I encourage everyone to register so they can be eligible to win.”
To register for the 2021 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, visit the show website and click on “Attendee Registration.” For additional information or questions, contact Price by calling (901) 947-3104 or by email at tim.price@southerncottonginners.org.
Based on information provided by the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
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