GUELPH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/30/08 -- We hear a lot about "innovation". But why are we doing it? Who's doing it and what does it look like and does it hurt?

Tim Nelson Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Council, the conference organizers, says this years annual poultry industry conference will answer these questions and then some. "You don't need to be a poultry producer or even in the industry to get a tremendous amount from this conference" says Nelson, "and because its supported by industry its got to represent the best value for money conference in this region, all year" he said. "Getting some perspective on global issues, getting some ideas and seeing examples of successful innovations is what its all about".

Research and Innovation Minister John Wilkinson MPP will open the conference and reinforce the Governments commitment and the value to Ontario of creating a knowledge driven, innovation savvy economy.

"You've probably heard a fair bit from Derek Burleton, Associate Vice President & Director of Economic Studies TD Bank on the radio recently, he'll be setting the scene at the conference when he delivers his Prospects for Canadian agriculture in 2009: The near-term and longer-term outlook for prices and costs within the sector. We feel very lucky to have someone of Derek's caliber laying down some important external environment issues for us" Nelson said. After that looking through the program, it's clear the conference provides a veritable feast of good ideas from no less than 15 speakers: Jeff Chatterton (Checkmate Public Affairs) will tell us how to communicate our way through the minefield of potential publicity disasters our businesses may encounter. Harnessing nature's bounties (wind and sun), to reduce your farm's power bills is a reality and two farmers who've done it and are making it pay will tell their stories. Feeling the feeding pinch? Optimize performance, Dr. Steve Leeson will explain how by discussing Future Feeds for Poultry production. Dr. Donald McQueen Shaver O.C. - poultry industry icon, Canadian agricultural leader and model global citizen on the way forward for Canadian and world agriculture....."just a few of the stimulating topics and inspirational speakers you'll hear from on the day, and none of them said innovating hurts!" Nelson added.

The Poultry Innovations Conference is on the 10th and 11th November at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener. For details and registration visit www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca, register by fax (see website and download form) or over the phone on 5198370284. Cost is $60-00 for the day includes breakfast and lunch.