More than 120 societies, from throughout Victoria, south-east South Australia and southern NSW, were represented at the 12^th annual Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention at the weekend.

Convention committee chairwoman Claire Bibby said the event was a huge success.

“It’s a chance for us to grow our shows through sharing ideas and working together,” she said.

“Some of the key things we covered were livestock, insurance, craft and cooking.”

This year there was a renewed focus on technology.

Think Digital’s Tim Gentle spoke about social media and communication in the digital age and software developer Brian Retallick spoke about what computer software was available for societies.

2011 Victorian Rural Ambassador Rose Harris spoke about communication and improving show exposure.

“It is important we keep on top of the latest information, not only from a society level, but as a way to network with other shows,” Miss Bibby said.

“The main challenge we face is attracting the next generation of volunteers.

“Societies are aging and we need to get the young ones to come and help out.

“We also must keep shows relevant to what our patrons want.

“Then there are things like occupational, health and safety and insurance, which are constant challenges.”

The final for the junior rural ambassador competition was judged at the convention.

Competition winner was Mildura’s Katarina Blekic and runner up was Wangaratta’s Erin Ritchie.

“We also had the state finals for carrot and date muffins and carrot cake,” Miss Bibby said.

“Young Horsham teenager Matthew Ough came second in the under-18s category.”

Horsham author Nkandu Beltz spoke at the convention.

“She was fantastic and she shared her story about growing up in a small town in Zambia,” Miss Bibby said.

“She left us, and the rural ambassadors, with some good messages and advice about community support.”