78 / SEEDWORLD.COM JANUARY 2019 ON TUESDAY, DEC. 4, the American Seed Trade Association kicked off CSS 2018 & Seed Expo in Chicago, Ill., with more than 2,300 indi- viduals in and servicing the seed industry and representing more than 37 countries. The show boasts the largest seed industry tradeshow floor in North America with more than 100 exhibiting companies and informational ses- sions on everything from an economic outlook (see page 72) to phytosanitary issues, and from digital tools to genetic diversity. In addition to serving as a connection point for those in the industry to do business, learn and network, it’s also an opportunity to bring young professionals into the mix. The benefits are two-fold, explained Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and CEO. Attendees get to meet and hear from up-and-coming talent, and young professionals get not only exposure, but also experience in sharing research and networking in a professional environment. As part of the tradeshow, students had an opportunity to present posters highlighting their research. Participating students included: • Kevin Falk, Iowa State University, explores soybean diversity in root system architecture through genomic, phenomic and machine learning approaches. • Jacob Pekar, Texas A&M University, evaluates interactions of aflatoxin production between diverse hybrid germplasm and atoxigenic strains of aspergillus flavus. • Amruta Bapat, Iowa State University, is develop- ing a molecular model for the ga1 locus in maize genotypes. • Miguel Lopez, Purdue University, reveals natural diversity and genetic architecture for photosyn- thesis and water use efficiency in soybean. • Felipe Fadel Sartori, The Ohio State University, looks to shed light on fungicide seed treatment translocation in soybean seedlings. •  Laura Manerus, University of Guelph, navigates ASTA Convention Connects People, Links Businesses and Spotlights Issues. Julie Deering, Marc Zienkiewicz SPOTLIGHT ON ASTA IN CHICAGO PHOTO: ZIMMCOMM A Purdue University student, Miguel Lopez presented his research on photosynthesis and water use efficiency in soybeans.