Nearly 1600 fertilizer industry representatives from 17 countries have pre-registered for the 79th annual Southwestern Fertilizer Conference (SWFC) coming up later this week in San Antonio.

Combined with the 200-300 attendees expected to register onsite, that is expected to make it the largest gathering of the fertilizer industry on record, according SWFC Executive Director Pat Miller. “It’s an exciting time to be in the fertilizer business and the number of registrations we’re seeing is a reflection of the optimism and opportunity that exists in the industry,” Miller added.

Sales and networking are the primary attractions at the conference, but education is also a focus. Speakers this year include Christopher Jahn, president of The Fertilizer Institute, Tony Will, president and CEO of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., and Lauren Williamson, editor of the Argus FMB North American Fertilizer publication.

The Southwestern Fertilizer Conference will be held at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio from July 19-23. Find out more here.