With nearly a quarter more attendees compared to last year, the 2016 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, which took place last week in New Orleans, shattered many previous records for the landmark event.

“We had a great show in New Orleans, with terrific weather and a fantastic location,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chair Wesley Spurlock. “As it was the first time in that venue, and with a new affiliate – the Association of Equipment Manufacturers – we were expecting a great event and got what we expected. A lot of smiling faces and growers who left town more informed, engaged and energized as we head into planting season.”

Total attendance was 9,770, compared to 7,936 in 2015. Another record set was in the number of growers attending, at 4,596.  Additionally, the trade show featured an all-time high of 433 participating companies, including 128 first-time exhibitors. These exhibitors filled a record 253,300 net square feet of booth space, 49 percent more space 2015’s trade show in Phoenix.

“The 2016 Trade Show was definitely a highlight for many growers, with one-and-a-half times the space as last year,” Commodity Classic Co-Chair Sam Butler said. “The strong presence of new exhibitors, especially when it comes to farm equipment, combined with the new AG CONNECT Main Stage and longer hours for growers, made it a key destination for Commodity Classic.”

The 22nd annual Commodity Classic will take place March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, produced by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

For more information, visit www.CommodityClassic.com.