(Image Credit: Westerner Park)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Repositioning the Event

AgSmart to return in 2027 with expanded vision, stronger national focus

Feb 10, 2026 | 2:14 PM

Officials with AgSmart, a smart agriculture educational expo focused on the role of data and technology in modern agriculture, say the event is entering a new phase of redevelopment.

In 2026, Agri-Trade, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and key partners will focus on strengthening the event’s direction and design to ensure it delivers greater value and deeper connections across Canadian agriculture. Organizers say AgSmart will return in summer 2027.

Officials say the decision to pause AgSmart in 2026 reflects a deliberate and strategic effort to regroup, realign and reposition the event. They hope the planned pause will enable AgSmart to return in 2027 with a renewed vision and a stronger, more intentional platform dedicated to exploring data and technology-driven solutions in agriculture with farmers, industry, government and researchers.

“This strategic pause allows Olds College to support Agri-Trade to reimagine AgSmart as a national agricultural learning conference with a strong emphasis on applied research and real-world impact,” says Todd Ormann, Vice President, External Relations & Research at Olds College, in a media release.

“AgSmart is where collaboration turns into action,” adds Shelly Flint, Director, Agri-Trade. “With Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, we’re building a stronger national platform that brings farmers, industry and applied research together around practical technology and data-driven solutions that can be used in the field.”

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Held at Olds College, officials note, AgSmart has historically been a three-day showcase of industry expert speakers, live demonstrations of agricultural technology, education and an interactive trade show.They say past events attracted hundreds of producers, agri-business professionals, educators and innovators from across the country and beyond.

Officials at both Agri-Trade and Olds College say they remain committed to the future of AgSmart and are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. Planning is said to be underway to ensure AgSmart 2027 delivers a revitalized, impactful experience that reflects the pace of innovation in agriculture and supports the sector’s continued growth and sustainability.

Meantime, the Red Deer District Chamber says it is proud to join Westerner Park and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in announcing the expanded vision for AgSmart.

As a long-standing champion for agricultural commerce in Central Alberta, the Chamber says it fully supports the decision to relaunch AgSmart in 2027 as a premier national platform for innovation.

According to Chamber officials, the new direction for AgSmart represents a commitment to ensuring Central Alberta remains the heart of Canada’s agricultural future. The Chamber says by focusing on a stronger national scope, the event will bridge the gap between cutting-edge education and real-world application, creating a direct benefit for producers and the regional economy.

“As we look toward 2027, our focus is on ensuring Central Alberta remains a vital, dynamic force in the global agricultural landscape,” says Frank Creasey, CEO of the Red Deer District Chamber and Director, Agri-Trade. “By evolving AgSmart into a national-scale event, we aren’t just following industry trends, we are acting as a catalyst for the change and innovation that will define Central Alberta’s economic legacy for the next decade.”

Chamber officials say AgSmart’s evolution into a high-level learning conference reinforces the region’s reputation as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, ensuring that the latest industry advancements are accessible right here in our own backyard.

The Chamber says this shift provides its members and local producers with the world-class tools and networks necessary to lead in an increasingly datadriven global market.

“Agriculture is the cornerstone of our regional economy, and AgSmart 2027 represents a bold step forward in securing that foundation,” adds Matt Wear, Board President of the Red Deer District Chamber. “We are proud to work with our partners and stakeholders to bridge the gap between applied research and field-ready solutions, ensuring that the prosperity generated by these innovations stays right here in Central Alberta while being leveraged to drive growth at a national level.”

In collaboration, the Chamber says it is dedicated to making AgSmart 2027 a catalyst for regional growth.

“Together, we are positioning Central Alberta at the forefront of global agricultural trade and sustainability, ensuring our community leads the way in the innovations required to secure the food future for Canada and the world,” reads a statement from the Chamber.