THERE IS to be a major shake-up in the running and format of the Cereals Event for next year.

A new advisory board has promised root and branch changes for 2018 aimed at making the event even more relevant and technically focussed.

This year a significant number of the usual supporters of the event were posted missing and it faced criticism from the trade that it was becoming less relevant and too expensive to exhibit at.

“Comexposium, the new owner of the Cereals Event, is determined to respond to the constructive feedback we received this year and make substantial changes for next year,” said event director, Jon Day.

“One part of that is to work closely with exhibitors and farmers, ensuring that they too are on the journey with us. We are now part of a portfolio of world leading shows and Comexposium is well positioned to push the show to the next level.”

The board comprises of exhibitors, sponsors and farmers, and from this year’s feedback will develop new ideas for next year.

In addition, there will be a larger feedback group, enabling all stakeholders to comment on and influence the shape of the event.

“We are keen to adopt a more open and collaborative approach with the industry, so there will be plenty of opportunities to provide feedback and input going forward,” added Mr Day.

“It is a tried and tested way of working and how Comexposium – which runs the SIMA event in Paris – developed its other events."

“The development of these groups marks a step-change in the event's development, taking Cereals forward in a new direction that focuses on technology and depth of technical content,” said Mr Day. “Innovation, insight and information will be the pillars of the event and will underpin the changes.”

The advisory board will gather twice a year, with first meetings taking place this September.

* Cereals 2018 will return to Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on June 13-14, 2018. It aims to have more than 64ha of stands and live demonstrations.