GFAI 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show
|
Reimagine The Road Ahead!
February 16-18, 2025 Crowne Plaza Springfield: 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703 Take a trip on Route 66 to Springfield, IL and join us for the 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show! Convention is the perfect opportunity to help you and your company "Reimagine the Road Ahead" through educational sessions, motivational and impactful speakers, networking with others in the grain and feed industry and learning about the latest and greatest products from our exhibitors. |
Scroll down for Attendee Registration, Exhibitor Registration, Speakers, Sessions and Agenda
*GFAI does not sell our attendee lists so ignore emails or phone calls asking for the attendee list or any other information regarding our convention.
All GFAI convention information will be sent out from the GFAI office.
*GFAI does not sell our attendee lists so ignore emails or phone calls asking for the attendee list or any other information regarding our convention.
All GFAI convention information will be sent out from the GFAI office.
Thank You Convention Sponsors!
|
Platinum Sponsors
|
|
|
Gold Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
Silver Sponsors
|
|
|
Bronze Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attendee Registration
Early Bird Registration available until January 24 and then prices increase $40. Early Bird Members: $165; Non Member: $205 Spouse Fee: $85 A pdf form is available to scan and email if you want to register a large group or don't want to register online
|
Hotel Information: Crowne Plaza Springfield
Room rate for hotel is $145 per night. Make reservations online or by calling (217) 529-7777. Last day to book through the GFAI room block is January 23, 2025. Support the GFAI Scholarship Fund!
Don't forget to add a Draw Down Raffle Ticket to your registration to support the GFAI Scholarship Fund! Only 200 tickets sold. 1st place winner receives $2,500. Tickets can be added to your registration or click on the ticket to purchase tickets: $50 a ticket. 
| ||
Exhibitor Information
The exhibitor packet contains all the information needed including set up and tear down times, the Trade Show Layout and Exhibitor Booth Reservation. To reserve an exhibitor booth, email [email protected] or call the GFAI office at (217) 787-2417. Only 10 booths left!
The exhibitor packet contains all the information needed including set up and tear down times, the Trade Show Layout and Exhibitor Booth Reservation. To reserve an exhibitor booth, email [email protected] or call the GFAI office at (217) 787-2417. Only 10 booths left!
|
| ||||
Convention Entertainment!
Scholarship Meet & Greet: Meet the current GFAI Scholarship Recipients at a reception in the trade show. Sunday 4:45 - 5:45 pm at the Scholarship Table inside the Trade Show.
Casino Night: Try your hand at Craps, Blackjack or Roulette and cash in your winnings for tickets to win great prizes. Free for convention registrants. Not a gambler? Stop by to visit and have an after dinner drink and wind down the evening. Sunday 8:30-10:30 pm
Live and Silent Auction: Visit the Silent Auction Table in the Trade Show. Bidding will close on Monday at 4:45 pm.
Scholarship Meet & Greet: Meet the current GFAI Scholarship Recipients at a reception in the trade show. Sunday 4:45 - 5:45 pm at the Scholarship Table inside the Trade Show.
Casino Night: Try your hand at Craps, Blackjack or Roulette and cash in your winnings for tickets to win great prizes. Free for convention registrants. Not a gambler? Stop by to visit and have an after dinner drink and wind down the evening. Sunday 8:30-10:30 pm
Live and Silent Auction: Visit the Silent Auction Table in the Trade Show. Bidding will close on Monday at 4:45 pm.
Sessions and Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Kevin Ochsner, TV Host, Rancher & Agribusiness Consultant
Kevin is the founder and President of Agcellerate, LLC, an agribusiness consulting firm focused on providing strategic planning, keynote speaking and management training services to agribusinesses. Prior to founding Agcellerate in 2014, he spent 23 years with Indianapolis-based consulting company Agri Business Group. In addition to his consulting practice, Kevin also hosts NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, a TV show seen weekly on RFD-TV. He remains active in production agriculture managing a herd cattle, corn, and alfalfa, and helping his wife grow their direct-to-consumer beef business, Ochsner Tender-Raised Beef.
Aligned for the Times
The road ahead for the agribusiness industry is full of twists and turns. From industry consolidation, volatile commodity markets and labor shortages to global trade policy, climate change and shifting political and regulatory landscapes, the agribusiness industry has significant challenges to navigate. The central question for today’s business leaders is: “How can we anticipate and capitalize on these changes while driving our business forward?” In this keynote presentation, Aligned for the Times, Kevin Ochsner will discuss some of the drivers of change in the agribusiness industry and offer suggestions on how to successfully navigate the road ahead. Attendees will leave with new perspectives on key issues and trends facing our industry along with practical insights into how to develop business strategies to capitalize on the opportunities those changes present regardless of the obstacles or detours that may lie ahead. Whether you're steering a small family farm, a large cooperative or a multinational agribusiness, this session will provide the tools to navigate the changing landscape with confidence, purpose, and vision.
Kevin Ochsner, TV Host, Rancher & Agribusiness Consultant
Kevin is the founder and President of Agcellerate, LLC, an agribusiness consulting firm focused on providing strategic planning, keynote speaking and management training services to agribusinesses. Prior to founding Agcellerate in 2014, he spent 23 years with Indianapolis-based consulting company Agri Business Group. In addition to his consulting practice, Kevin also hosts NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, a TV show seen weekly on RFD-TV. He remains active in production agriculture managing a herd cattle, corn, and alfalfa, and helping his wife grow their direct-to-consumer beef business, Ochsner Tender-Raised Beef.
Aligned for the Times
The road ahead for the agribusiness industry is full of twists and turns. From industry consolidation, volatile commodity markets and labor shortages to global trade policy, climate change and shifting political and regulatory landscapes, the agribusiness industry has significant challenges to navigate. The central question for today’s business leaders is: “How can we anticipate and capitalize on these changes while driving our business forward?” In this keynote presentation, Aligned for the Times, Kevin Ochsner will discuss some of the drivers of change in the agribusiness industry and offer suggestions on how to successfully navigate the road ahead. Attendees will leave with new perspectives on key issues and trends facing our industry along with practical insights into how to develop business strategies to capitalize on the opportunities those changes present regardless of the obstacles or detours that may lie ahead. Whether you're steering a small family farm, a large cooperative or a multinational agribusiness, this session will provide the tools to navigate the changing landscape with confidence, purpose, and vision.
Monday Morning Educational Breakout Sessions
Roadmap to Building Strong Teams: HR Insights for the Grain Industry
Cathy Green (Talent Specialist, River Valley Cooperative), Barb Koehnke (CEO, Maplehurst Farms Inc.) and Moderated by Laura Davis (Brandt)
Take a trip with our HR panel as they share their insights on hiring, onboarding, and training new employees as well as other challenges in human resources in the grain industry. This collaborative, panel-style discussion will explore strategies for building strong teams and fostering a positive workplace culture, all while navigating the unique challenges of talent development in agriculture. Join us for a journey down the road to success!
11:15 - 12:00; Ruby Ballroom
Steering Your Co-Op: Governance on the Open Road
Scott Luecal, Owner and Founder of Luecal Consulting
Just as a road trip needs a clear map, this session will help cooperative board members navigate their roles and legal duties, master the principles of good governance, and drive meaningful conversations that keep the engine of your cooperative running smoothly. Scott will also explore the key difference between governing and managing, ensuring that you’re steering your co-op in the right direction. Buckle up for an insightful ride that will help you stay on track and avoid governance detours! This session is perfect for board members looking to strengthen governance and improve their co-op’s strategic direction.
11:15 - 12:00; Emerald Ballroom
OSHA-Prep Manual: Road-Tested Tips for Safety Compliance
Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, OSHA
This session is your roadmap to OSHA compliance! You’ll learn how to navigate the twists and turns of OSHA regulations, including proactive steps to take before a site visit, what materials and information you’ll need to have on hand, and how to avoid costly violations. Brian will share practical tips for grain facilities to stay on track with safety regulations. Whether you’re crossing a few miles or managing operations on a nationwide scale, this session will provide road-tested tips and tools to keep your team safe and your facility compliant with OSHA standards.
11:15-12:00; Governor Room
Monday Afternoon Educational Breakout Sessions
Gear up for Growth: Driving Change with Illinois Agri-Women
Kelsey Neville, President of IAW and Deb Shulz, past President IAW
IL Agri-Women is a statewide organization for women in agriculture from all walks of life, from agri-business women to producers and everywhere in between. Learn about the educational opportunities available through the organization, as well as the networking and connection opportunities that will fuel your journey and accelerate your personal and professional growth. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and keep your career on the fast track, just like a classic road trip down Route 66.
1:30- 2:15; Emerald Ballroom
Aeration Roadblocks and Pot Holes
Tom Nealy, Founder of AGRI Engineering, PLLC and Warren Odekirk, Project Manager at GROWMARK and AGRI Engineering
In this session, we’ll navigate the common aeration challenges that can throw you off course, just like unexpected roadblocks on Route 66. We will demonstrate how fines impact airflow, how over-spaced ventilation can derail efficiency, and the effect of fan run time on energy use and grain quality. Whether you're troubleshooting or optimizing your system, this session will provide practical insights to keep your aeration systems running smoothly – no detours necessary!
1:30-2:15; Governor Room
TBD--3rd Session in Ruby Ballroom
Roadmap to Building Strong Teams: HR Insights for the Grain Industry
Cathy Green (Talent Specialist, River Valley Cooperative), Barb Koehnke (CEO, Maplehurst Farms Inc.) and Moderated by Laura Davis (Brandt)
Take a trip with our HR panel as they share their insights on hiring, onboarding, and training new employees as well as other challenges in human resources in the grain industry. This collaborative, panel-style discussion will explore strategies for building strong teams and fostering a positive workplace culture, all while navigating the unique challenges of talent development in agriculture. Join us for a journey down the road to success!
11:15 - 12:00; Ruby Ballroom
Steering Your Co-Op: Governance on the Open Road
Scott Luecal, Owner and Founder of Luecal Consulting
Just as a road trip needs a clear map, this session will help cooperative board members navigate their roles and legal duties, master the principles of good governance, and drive meaningful conversations that keep the engine of your cooperative running smoothly. Scott will also explore the key difference between governing and managing, ensuring that you’re steering your co-op in the right direction. Buckle up for an insightful ride that will help you stay on track and avoid governance detours! This session is perfect for board members looking to strengthen governance and improve their co-op’s strategic direction.
11:15 - 12:00; Emerald Ballroom
OSHA-Prep Manual: Road-Tested Tips for Safety Compliance
Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, OSHA
This session is your roadmap to OSHA compliance! You’ll learn how to navigate the twists and turns of OSHA regulations, including proactive steps to take before a site visit, what materials and information you’ll need to have on hand, and how to avoid costly violations. Brian will share practical tips for grain facilities to stay on track with safety regulations. Whether you’re crossing a few miles or managing operations on a nationwide scale, this session will provide road-tested tips and tools to keep your team safe and your facility compliant with OSHA standards.
11:15-12:00; Governor Room
Monday Afternoon Educational Breakout Sessions
Gear up for Growth: Driving Change with Illinois Agri-Women
Kelsey Neville, President of IAW and Deb Shulz, past President IAW
IL Agri-Women is a statewide organization for women in agriculture from all walks of life, from agri-business women to producers and everywhere in between. Learn about the educational opportunities available through the organization, as well as the networking and connection opportunities that will fuel your journey and accelerate your personal and professional growth. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and keep your career on the fast track, just like a classic road trip down Route 66.
1:30- 2:15; Emerald Ballroom
Aeration Roadblocks and Pot Holes
Tom Nealy, Founder of AGRI Engineering, PLLC and Warren Odekirk, Project Manager at GROWMARK and AGRI Engineering
In this session, we’ll navigate the common aeration challenges that can throw you off course, just like unexpected roadblocks on Route 66. We will demonstrate how fines impact airflow, how over-spaced ventilation can derail efficiency, and the effect of fan run time on energy use and grain quality. Whether you're troubleshooting or optimizing your system, this session will provide practical insights to keep your aeration systems running smoothly – no detours necessary!
1:30-2:15; Governor Room
TBD--3rd Session in Ruby Ballroom
General Session Speakers
Monday Afternoon
The Road Ahead: Shaping an Ag-Centric Transportation System
Todd Main, Director of Market Development, IL Soybean Association
Join Todd Main from the Illinois Soybean Association as he takes us on a "road trip" through the future of Illinois agriculture. With Illinois leading the U.S. in soybean production, maintaining strong transportation infrastructure is key to driving growth. This session will cover the state’s aging roads, rails, and waterways, and maps out a path for resilience and expansion. Learn about efforts to enhance capacity, open new export routes, and ensure sustainable growth, all while keeping Illinois on the fast track to global competitiveness.
2:45-3:30; Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms
Tuesday Morning
Highways and Hurdles: Political Shifts in Ag for 2025
Anthony Reed, Partner, FGS Global
In this session, we’ll explore the shifting political climate and its impact on the agricultural industry, taking you down the road to understanding the future of trade, environmental regulations, and more. Just like the iconic Route 66, the landscape of agriculture is always evolving, and the recent election has paved the way for new political priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared, and ready for the journey ahead!
“Who’s Driving the Car?!?”
Chuck Benson, Market Intelligence Lead – BASF US Agricultural Solutions
With four active generations in the workplace that all have different motivations and experiences, creating an environment that works for everyone can be challenging. Join us as we unpack those differences that make these groups unique, and, more importantly, ideas to develop cross generational teams that work.
“From Customer Service to Customer Experience: Lessons from Route 66 on Building Loyal Customers”
Greg Martinelli, Founder, Ag Sales Professionals
Since 1926, Route 66 has become the iconic road trip avenue for America. Even after a competitor (Highway 40) was built in 1956, Route 66 still holds a special place in our hearts. Greg will cover some of the methods businesses along Route 66 used to build it into the brand that it is. More importantly, he will share examples of how these strategies can be applied to grain origination and sales and more at your company. Route 66 wasn’t just concrete and center lines; it signified the freedom of the open road and encapsulated the American experience and way of life. Join Greg as he discusses how you can use these methods in your grain facility, feed mill, or agribusiness to gain and retain more customers.
The Road Ahead: Shaping an Ag-Centric Transportation System
Todd Main, Director of Market Development, IL Soybean Association
Join Todd Main from the Illinois Soybean Association as he takes us on a "road trip" through the future of Illinois agriculture. With Illinois leading the U.S. in soybean production, maintaining strong transportation infrastructure is key to driving growth. This session will cover the state’s aging roads, rails, and waterways, and maps out a path for resilience and expansion. Learn about efforts to enhance capacity, open new export routes, and ensure sustainable growth, all while keeping Illinois on the fast track to global competitiveness.
2:45-3:30; Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms
Tuesday Morning
Highways and Hurdles: Political Shifts in Ag for 2025
Anthony Reed, Partner, FGS Global
In this session, we’ll explore the shifting political climate and its impact on the agricultural industry, taking you down the road to understanding the future of trade, environmental regulations, and more. Just like the iconic Route 66, the landscape of agriculture is always evolving, and the recent election has paved the way for new political priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared, and ready for the journey ahead!
“Who’s Driving the Car?!?”
Chuck Benson, Market Intelligence Lead – BASF US Agricultural Solutions
With four active generations in the workplace that all have different motivations and experiences, creating an environment that works for everyone can be challenging. Join us as we unpack those differences that make these groups unique, and, more importantly, ideas to develop cross generational teams that work.
“From Customer Service to Customer Experience: Lessons from Route 66 on Building Loyal Customers”
Greg Martinelli, Founder, Ag Sales Professionals
Since 1926, Route 66 has become the iconic road trip avenue for America. Even after a competitor (Highway 40) was built in 1956, Route 66 still holds a special place in our hearts. Greg will cover some of the methods businesses along Route 66 used to build it into the brand that it is. More importantly, he will share examples of how these strategies can be applied to grain origination and sales and more at your company. Route 66 wasn’t just concrete and center lines; it signified the freedom of the open road and encapsulated the American experience and way of life. Join Greg as he discusses how you can use these methods in your grain facility, feed mill, or agribusiness to gain and retain more customers.
Convention Agenda
|
Sunday, February 16
Exhibitor Set Up & Registration 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Trade Show Open 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Scholarship Meet & Greet 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm Reception in the Trade Show 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Exhibitor Lightning Talks --NEW! 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Casino Night at Hotel 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm *Free event to all convention registrants |
Monday, February 17
Registration 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Legislative Council For Better 7:30 am - 8:30 am Government Breakfast (ticketed event) Trade Show Open 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Breakfast 7:30 am - 9:00 am General Session, Annual 9:00 am - 11:00 am Meeting, Live Auction Educational Sessions 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Lunch in the Trade Show 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Educational Sessions 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Break in the Trade Show 2:25 pm - 2:45 pm Afternoon General Session 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Reception in the Trade Show 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Draw Down Raffle Drawing 4:30 pm Silent Auction Closes 4:45 pm Exhibitor Tear Down 5:00 pm |
Tuesday, February 18
Breakfast 7:00 am - 9:00 am Closing General Session 8:00 am - 10:30 am |