In 2019, New York State expanded its initiative to attract start-ups to its Finger Lakes, Central, and Northern Tier regions and launched Grow-NY, a food and agricultural summit and competition. With Cornell University leading the development of the program, the institution hired Eventique to produce the inaugural event: a culmination of high-level conversations, exhibitions, and an awards ceremony.

Held over two days at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Grow-NY included 700+ attendees, 80 exhibitors, and 18 finalists from all over the world competing for the $1 million-dollar prize. The experience included a symposium for insights in the food + ag industry, a 25,000sf exhibition floor that included sponsor booths, a Finalist Zone for meet-and-greets, and a side stage with IMAG. Eventique’s technical, creative and stage management teams worked closely with the client in developing Grow-NY’s first-ever awards ceremony and calling the show, including all the finer details from suspense music to awards handouts. Keynotes from Danny Wegman and Lieutenant Governor Cathy Hochul preempted a confetti moment celebrating the grand prize winner.