PHOENIX, Ariz. — With about six weeks left to go, the 20th edition of Commodity Classic – the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show – is expected to be a record-breaker, with early registration ending Jan. 15 and hotels booking fast, according to officials.

“We expect to break a number of records in Phoenix in terms of both attendees and exhibitors as Commodity Classic returns to its roots,” said Sam Butler, New Hope, Ala., soybean farmer and Classic co-chair.

The 20th annual Classic is slated for Feb. 26-28 at the Phoenix Convention Center, which will house all Classic events, including the Opening Reception, General Session, Evening of Entertainment, Trade Show, Learning Center Sessions and “What’s New?” sessions. Registration is now open for the three-day event.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is produced by the National Corn Growers Assoc. (NCGA), the American Soybean Assoc., the National Assoc. of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers. Starting in 2016, the Assoc. of Equipment Manufacturers joins Commodity Classic as its newest affiliate.

“We’re looking forward to a great show as we celebrate the 20th Commodity Classic in the city where it all started,” said Bart Schott, NCGA Classic co-chair. “This is going to be a terrific event where growers can blaze a trail to success with numerous opportunities for networking, education and up-close experience with innovative technology.”

Recently, the newest version of the Classic app for smart phones and tablets was released, enabling attendees to plan their entire schedule during Commodity Classic. “With the new Commodity Classic app, attendees can easily keep track of the tremendous line-up of educational sessions, outstanding speakers and a huge trade show,” Butler added.

“And this year, we’ll be adding a number of special events and activities related to the celebration of the 20th Commodity Classic.

“With the new app, people planning to attend Commodity Classic can begin creating their schedule right now.”

In addition, the app will be updated automatically and continually between now and the Classic, with new information on sponsors, trade show floor events, locations for sessions and exhibits and other up-to-the-minute information.

According to officials, Commodity Classic hotels are within walking distance or provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the convention center. Full Commodity Classic registration includes:

•Trade Show access, including lunch on Thursday and Friday and a mid-morning snack on Saturday

•General Session

•Educational Sessions

•ASA or NCGA banquet (based on space availability, and not guaranteed)

•Evening of Entertainment

If you are a grower, grower-family member, media or state staff, full registration also includes the Opening Reception. The 2014 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, which took place earlier this year in San Antonio, Texas, shattered previous records for the landmark event with more than 7,300 total attendees.

For a complete listing of the 2015 educational sessions, conference information and to register online, visit www.CommodityClassic.com