NEW ORLEANS, LA – When the farm economy is under pressure, like it is right now, many businesses instinctively look for places to cut costs. Trade shows can seem like an easy line item to trim, but for companies serving agriculture, and specifically the rice industry, events like the USA Rice Outlook Conference, December 7-9, 2025, remain a smart investment and good use of your limited time and resources.
Trade shows provide something that no email, brochure, or cold call can replicate: face-to-face connections with decision-makers. In just a day and a half, exhibitors have the chance to meet hundreds of rice farmers, millers, merchants, and allied industry leaders—many of whom would take months of travel and scheduling to reach individually. Those conversations often spark new relationships, solidify existing ones, and uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
In times of economic uncertainty, visibility matters more than ever. Exhibiting signals to customers that your company is committed to the industry for the long haul. It shows resilience, reliability, and a willingness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and stakeholders navigating tough conditions. That credibility pays dividends when buyers are deciding which partners to trust.
Additionally, trade shows are not just about selling. They’re about listening—hearing firsthand the challenges growers face, learning about emerging trends, and gaining insights that can guide product development and customer service. Those lessons are particularly valuable when every dollar is stretched, and solutions must deliver real value.
The USA Rice Outlook Conference isn’t simply an event—it’s the rice industry’s annual gathering place. For businesses, the return on investment goes well beyond booth space: it’s about building the connections and credibility that drive growth, especially when times are tough.
To learn more about this year’s conference, reserve your exhibit space, or request a custom sponsor/exhibitor package, visit
www.usarice.com/outlook.