The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is saying “Farewell Chicago” after CSS & Seed Expo 2022 is held this December 5-8. After 77 years of holding this event in Chicago, and specifically, 45 years at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 2022 will be the last year that this historic event will be held in that location before it moves to the Hyatt Regency Orlando in 2023.

ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne says it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the Windy City. “There’s two towers in the Hyatt that we use there, we moved in when the first tower was just built,” said LaVigne.

To honor this long legacy, and particularly companies that have been participating in the conference for many years, ASTA will host a special “Legacy Walk.” ASTA is also asking for all previous attendees to send along their stories, memories and photos for a special archive collection that’s being created for presentation during the event. Memories and Legacy Walk sponsorships must be sent in by November 1.

The program this year is packed with important sessions on timely topics. Dan Basse will once again provide his annual Agricultural Economy Report during the first general session on Tuesday, and the final sessions on Thursday include a look at the Global Foresight for agriculture, conservation and foreign policy with former United Nations Ambassador and Indiana farmer Kip Tom, as well as a session on the Political Lay of the Land going into a very busy 2023. “Trying to look at the farm bill as we go forward,” said LaVigne. “We’ve got a midterm election that’s going to impact who’s on the Senate and House ag committees…in the Inflation Reduction Act we’ve got significant money in conservation programs, how does that carry over to the farm bill?”

Learn more about what’s in store for the final CSS & Seed Expo in Chicago in this interview with LaVigne.
ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne previews CSS & Seed Expo 9:58