May/June 2022 - 9

during 2020-21, " Raybould said. " In a
short amount of time, Hollee led the
effort to take a multi-day convention
and turn it into a virtual event that
delivered valuable information to
growers and kept our industry partners
engaged. She turned around in 2022
and pulled off a successful, in-person
event, despite last-minute hiccups.
" Hollee's service reflects so many of
the things we value as potato growers.
She continually looks for ways to do
more for the industry, solve problems
and lift up her colleagues. I remain
incredibly grateful that I had the
opportunity to work with Hollee for so
many years. "
Prior to the creation of Potato Expo,
the NPC had separate meetings for
various segments of the industry, such
as chips and tablestock. Members
complained of having to attend too
many meetings, so the idea was formed
to create sort of a one-stop shop for
growers and other industry members
to see more people and get more done
with less travel.
" The first year, we were hoping for
500 attendees, " Alexander recalled. " We
got 800. The second year we got 1,100.
Then it was 1,300. Now, we're getting
about 2,000 attendees a year. "
The first part of planning a show is
deciding on a location and securing its
availability - Expo occurs in early to
mid-January to coincide with farmers'
off season. The process for this starts
years in advance. For example, Potato
Expo 2023 will be held at the Gaylord
Rockies Resort and Convention Center
in Aurora, Colorado, just outside
Denver. That site was picked and
booked as early as 2020.
" We look at venues that are a good
size, of course, but we want it to be
when the potato industry gets there,
it takes over. We want to be the big
fish, " Alexander said. " Coming up here
in 2023, we'll basically be taking over
the entire property. So, everybody that
you see there, in the hallways, in the
marketplace, in the restaurants - they'll
all be related to the potato industry. I
think that's where people get the biggest
value in attending. "
Once the site is determined,
Alexander and the NPC team start
working on the trade show and
Alexander works closely with NPC members to coordinate events and meetings that further
the council's mission of representing the potato industry. Photos: NPC
The Hollee Alexander File
Job: Vice President of Industry Relations and Events for the
National Potato Council.
Hometown: Alexander, nee Stubblebine, was born in the
Netherlands into a military family. Her family settled in
Virginia by the time she was in elementary school.
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from Old
Dominion University.
Family: Husband, Andy, and daughters Rylee, 14, and Finley, 11.
Hobbies: Biking and traveling with her family.
Favorite way to eat potatoes: Baked with a little oil, salt
and pepper.
Spudman * May/June 2022
9
May/June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May/June 2022
