Potato conference starts today

1. More photos here

KENNEWICK - The Washington-Oregon Potato Conference runs from today through Thursday, at Kennewick's Three Rivers Convention Center.

The three-day event features industry related training, workshops, equipment and speakers.

The trade show began at noon today and lasts through Thursday.

General admission is $5 per person.

The convention center is located at 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick.

"It's pretty similar. We have a very winning format," said Dale Lathim, trade show chairman and a Washington State Potato Commission board member.

One change is moving sponsorship banners from the wall to video screens.

This change provides sponsors more exposure, he said.

Another change is the amount of vendor numbers, which are up from last year.

"We thought we were full before," he said. "We had to squeeze in  six more booths and have a waiting list of 20 companies waiting to get in."

The event also offers more equipment outside this week.

People are telling him that attendance should increase from last year.

"I have the feeling we should be up in the 10 to 15 percent range above last year, which was also high," Lathim commented.

Attendance for the Washington State Potato Conference was 1,451 people in 2009.

The combined Washington and Oregon event attracted 173 more people in 2010, with 1,624 attendees.

Lathim said he is looking forward to the event.

"The conference is something I've been involved with for 17 years now," he commented. "I'm very proud with how it has grown and developed."

It's been a highlight of his year to see how it has come together, he added.

During past years, visitors have come from as far away as Australia, Chile, all parts of Canada, throughout the U.S. and Europe.

"Every year, we seem to get someone from an exotic foreign location growing potatoes," Lathim says.

"It's just an excellent, excellent show," he commented. "It's the best run show in North America."

For a full event schedule, visit www.potatoconference.com.