MAGIE 2014: A ShowStopping Event
August 8, 2014 It’s hard to believe, but another Midwest AG Industries Exposition (MAGIE) is almost here. This year’s show takes place August 20-21 at the fairgrounds in Bloomington, IL. For many in the ag retail business, this typically marks the end of the normally slower summer season and the beginning of the drive toward autumn’s activity.
For me, it’s even harder to believe that this will be my 13th MAGIE. I know that I’ve mentioned before that my first MAGIE was the one that occurred just after the events of 9/11 took place. However, despite this being my first MAGIE memory, it’s not my favorite one.
Loading ...To me, the best MAGIE memory I’ve been a part of was the first presentation of the annual ShowStopper Award. Given to that one product at the show that literally “stops traffic,” the ShowStopper is now entering its eighth year. Now, companies regularly compete for the honor to win a ShowStopper.
But that first one was special because no one knew what to expect. MAGIE 2007 exhibitors went about their business at the show, trying to entice visitors to stop by and look at their products to (hopefully) make a sale. When, at the end of the night, I announced that Hagie Manufacturing was being honored with a trophy, the look on the company representative’s face was priceless — a mixture of surprise and joy.
So I’m looking forward to again seeing joy on the faces of the 2014 ShowStopper Award winning company reps at this year’s show. And seeing old friends. And making new ones. And looking at the latest equipment (which should be quite numerous based upon the number of new product releases I’ve seen so far).
All in all, it should be another wonderful event on the fairgrounds in Bloomington. I hope to see you there!
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