Inaugural ARC–DALRRD Conference
Science Transforming Food Systems for a Better Future
ARC · Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Project overview
From 12–14 February 2024, the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development held their inaugural joint conference at the ARC’s Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants campus in Roodeplaat.
Context and challenge
The conference focused on agricultural research, climate-smart technologies, soil and water conservation, One Health and biosecurity, agricultural value chains, and the use of big data and emerging technologies.
It connected researchers, policymakers, farmers, government representatives and other agricultural stakeholders — audiences with very different expectations of the same scientific content.
Strategic approach
Strategic event planning and coordination across two institutions.
Communicating agricultural research and scientific innovation to audiences beyond the scientific community.
Joy’s scope of responsibility
- Communications leadership in planning and delivering the flagship event.
- Integrated marketing and communications.
- Event branding and exhibition visibility.
- Media relations and stakeholder communication.
Execution and stakeholder coordination
Coordination of a multi-day, multi-stakeholder programme alongside the scientific, programme and logistics teams of both institutions.
Outcomes and significance
The first joint conference of its kind between the two institutions, establishing a shared public platform for agricultural research.
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