A view from above the trade show floor at the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio Texas. Photo Credit: Bill Schuermann

With more than 7,300 total attendees, the 2014 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, which took place last week in San Antonio, Texas, shattered previous records for the landmark event.

“We knew it was the biggest event ever, but the numbers really surprised us as we saw them rolling in over the course of the event,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chair Rob Elliott. “San Antonio was such a perfect venue for our growers, and Commodity Classic had so much to offer this year. We’re thrilled with the numbers and the great feedback we had from our growers.”

Total attendance was 7,325, representing an 18 percent increase over last year's record-breaking number of 6,214. Other records broken were the number of growers, at 3,874, a 16.5 percent increase over 2013’s record-breaking number of 3,324; and the number of first-time attendees, at 1,261.

“It’s amazing the number of first-time attendees we saw at this year’s classic,” Commodity Classic Co-Chair Wyatt Whitford said. “This means not only are we reaching a wider farmer audience, but will continue to do so as these attendees spread the word and encourage even more to see what Classic is all about next year.”

ASA CEO Steve Censky, Chairman Danny Murphy and President Ray Gaesser chat with Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden at the ASA booth at Commodity Classic. Photo Credit: Jordan Lanham

Commodity Classic is a joint venture between the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association, with affiliates including National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers.

The record attendance comes as Commodity Classic looks forward to two landmark events in 2015 and 2016. Next year in Phoenix, Ariz.,  the 20^th annual event takes place in the city where it all started. In 2016 in New Orleans, Commodity Classic welcomes a new affiliate alongside NAWG and NSP, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.