ONTARIO – For 175 years, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) has been adapting to change, and this past week was no exception. For the first time in the organization’s history, their annual Convention has “Gone Virtual,” which ran from Monday, February 15 until Saturday, February 20.
Despite the challenges of the rural Ontario internet, approximately 800 delegates participated in the Virtual Convention. The seminars covered topics as varied as risk management, post-COVID protocols for the safe staging of fairs and events, strategic planning, fundraising, and board governance.
The OAAS Convention offered entertainment, family showcases and the Tradeshow in a virtual format that allowed delegates to view them at their convenience during the week – having it delivered virtually provided an exciting opportunity for increased attendance at the over 30 seminars and allowed for prerecorded “Quick-Tip” videos throughout.
The Convention concluded with the OAAS Annual General Meeting where over 400 delegates representing close to 180 agricultural societies were in attendance. The OAAS is pleased to have been joined by Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister MacLeod and Senator Rob Black, bringing their greetings, congratulations and continuing support to the OAAS and their Agricultural Societies.
Introducing the 2021 OAAS Executive:
Beth Howell-Vervaecke, President (Paris Agricultural Society), Liz O’Gorman-Smit, 1st Vice President (Russell Agricultural Society), Glen Syme, 2nd Vice President (Almonte Agricultural Society), Brian Slaughter, Past-President (Forest Agricultural Society).
