The 31st Annual Cambridge Potato Conference is scheduled for 15 and 16 December this year. After much discussion and planning by the CUPGRA Executive Committee, it has been decided, owing to COVID-19 restrictions, to go ahead with a hybrid real-virtual conference to continue the unbroken run of 30 successful CUPGRA Cambridge Potato Conferences.
The organizers say they have secured a great line-up of speakers and the event looks set to maintain the high standards of previous years, albeit without the networking and dining opportunities that the real conference offers.
Within the theme of the overall title – Potato growing and supply: reset post COVID and Brexit – speakers will discuss subjects including nutrition, climate science, future retailing, education, labour, soil and water resources, research strategy, breeding and storage on Day 1.
On Day 2, there will be two workshops: one on zoning field operations and the second one on virus control. Delegates will be able to participate in both workshops.
The presentations on Day 1 will be filmed live and go out online. Delegates will be able to access the video feed via a password supplied after registration. All delegates need is the ability to view video on a PC, laptop or phone.
Day 2 will be run as a Zoom event, with speakers presenting remotely. With the use of facilitators for each workshop, the organizers hope to allow verbal questions as well as written. Similar to Day 1, a remote login and password will be supplied to registered delegates.
The organizers say in the event of further restrictions imposed by COVID regulations, they will run the same programme, but with all the speakers and Chairs being in remote locations and no real audience.
Go to this site for further information on the event, including a full programme and registration details.
