One of Australia’s oldest and best-loved events is set to receive a 21st century makeover, thanks to a new partnership designed to bring the benefits of digital technology to the classic agricultural show.
Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc. (QCAS), which represents 129 affiliated agricultural show societies in Queensland and supports a number of northern New South Wales shows, has partnered with Sunshine Coast-based tech start-up company Epicuest to provide a digital marketing and communication software platform to its members.
The new partnership will allow participating QCAS show societies to modernise their patrons’ show experiences through the use of apps and proximity-based beacon technology. Attendees will be able to use the beacons to easily navigate showgrounds, access special content and offers, and receive reminders about the events and programs they want to see.
QCAS CEO Mark Bryant said the new move was part of an ongoing commitment to providing vibrant, community-focused shows across Queensland by tapping into the kinds of technology people use in their everyday lives.
“Our shows have been providing great family fun and showcasing the best of regional Australia for more than 150 years,” Mr Bryant said.
“Recently we’ve been thinking about how we can improve that experience for our patrons, and share the beauty of our shows with younger generations.
“This new partnership means that show-goers will now be able to easily plan their show experience, and access information and value it in a way that’s natural and convenient for them.”
The Epicuest platform has been developed by Scotty Thomas and Billy Bowyer of Sunshine Coast-based digital agency EON Digital Labs.
Mr Thomas said the new partnership with QCAS was a natural progression from a sponsorship deal the two parties formed in early 2015.
“After we redeveloped and relaunched the QCAS website last year, it became evident that the software platform Billy and I have been developing over the past 18 months was a perfect fit to further enhance the show experience, and help ensure the future success of the agricultural shows within Queensland,” Mr Thomas said.
“The QCAS team is so passionate about supporting regional Queensland and encouraging our rural communities to thrive, so we’re really excited to apply our own technology to assist them to engage and connect with young people throughout Queensland.”
QCAS successfully trialled the new technology at the 2016 Maleny and Emerald Agricultural Shows, with positive feedback received from patrons, competitors and committee members.
Many thanks to the Queensland Chamber of Ag Societies for this publication