IA 2021 Irrigation Show, Education Week underway

The Fairfax, Virginia-headquartered Irrigation Association’s annual Irrigation Show and Education Week has commenced, boasting informative sessions, new product and technology showcases and networking opportunities from Dec. 6-10 in San Diego. This year stands as the IA expo’s grand return after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

From Dec. 6-8, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers/IA 6^th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium will take place. The symposium offers opportunities to learn about the recent progress and status of irrigation research, extension, planning and management activities. Over 75 ag and landscape presentations will be available.

IA University will offer a range of industry-wide classes from Dec. 6-9. The program offers core curriculum for irrigation professionals to ensure they have the fundamental and practical skills necessary to design, install or maintain an irrigation system, as well as the business skills to manage a small irrigation company. The classes feature beginner, intermediate and advanced levels all taught by experts in the field. The classes are priced separately and are not included in the show registration fee. Attendees also have the option to take a certification exam and become IA certified, showing a commitment to attaining the highest level of expertise and knowledge.

From Dec. 8-9, 190 exhibitors specializing in over 100 product categories will span the show floor, ready to show off their offerings. New to the show floor is the Innovation Hub, which will serve as the presentation area in the exhibit hall. This hub will feature a variety of product demos and contest winners. The winners of the 2021 New Product Contest will be announced in the Innovation Hub Dec. 9, and the competing products will be on display in the new product contest section of the show floor.

Also new this year is Innovation Row, which will host startup irrigation technology companies looking to promote their tech to the industry. These companies will go head-to-head in a Pitch Competition in the Innovation Hub Dec. 8, where attendees can learn more about new technology.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit the show’s website.