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Explore New Sales Channels at Convention

You are invited to the biggest event of the year for bringing together shortline manufacturers with equipment marketers.

The 2019 Marketing and Distribution Convention in St. Louis will again provide opportunities for manufacturers to strengthen relationships and form new ones with wholesalers and independent representatives. This joint convention with the �鶹app Marketing & Distribution Association connects these two links of the supply chain through social events, structured meet-and-greets, and the tools, space, and time to schedule one-on-one meetings.

Take a look at the speaker lineup, and stay on top of who’s registered from both associations at FarmEquip.org.

Building an Influential Brand

John Hall is an entrepreneur, speaker and author who has been rated by Forbes magazine as a No. 1 “must-see” speaker. He brings expertise on how to stay top-of-mind with customers, gain their trust, and influence their decisions. Hall will explore strategies for shortline manufacturers seeking to raise their visibility with farmers and farm equipment dealers.

State of the Industry: What’s Ahead for Ag?

Neil Caskey is vice president of communications for the National Corn Growers Association. Caskey’s career began on Capitol Hill, and through roles as employee or consultant, he has worked with organizations such as the American Soybean Association, Monsanto, and the USDA. Caskey will offer his assessment on the state of the agriculture industry and what lies ahead.

The Future of Digital Marketing

Dustin Johansen and Steve Kozel with Osborn Barr will discuss what’s ahead for digital marketing specific to research tools, data analytics, content trends, and influencers. Osborn Barr focuses exclusively on marketing for agriculture and rural America. Johansen is a vice president for the firm, which he joined after 18 years guiding sales and marketing at Caterpillar Inc. Kozel brings expertise in key customer segments in equipment sales and go-to market experience with major dealers.

Ask the Lawyer: Workplace Policies on Social Media, Marijuana 

David James is a labor and employment attorney with Nilan Johnson Lewis, a partner firm to this Association. James will explore answers to frequently asked legal questions related to employees’ social media use and, as marijuana becomes legal in more states, how employers should respond.

Panel: In Pursuit of the Autonomous Farm

If the traditional tractor is sidelined on the farm of the future, what might the equipment that has been traditionally hitched behind the tractor look like? The convention brings together a panel of ag tech pros to discuss the various pathways to autonomy and offer insights into the implements of the future.

John Anderson is founder and president of JCA Electronics, which he began in his parents’ garage in 2002. He is an engineer with a background in mobile equipment design. JCA collaborates with manufacturers in developing complete control systems, from the physically installed components to software for equipment.

Cory Beaujot is managing director of marketing, sales and communications at SeedMaster Manufacturing and Dot Technology Corp. He is also an owner with the rest of the Beaujot family. SeedMaster features a line of application equipment from the Nova Cart to seeders that use metered seed flow rate, load cells, and controlled tank distribution. The Dot Power Platform is an autonomous farming apparatus designed to operate in conjunction with a variety of farm implements. Beaujot also will speak to the Tillage Council.

Colin Hurd has founded two agriculture companies. His first company developed the planting product TrackTill. He more recently founded Smart Ag, which offers plug-and-play systems for users in the field who are able to flip a switch for autonomous operation of their current tractors. Smart Ag also provides a software package to monitor and control autonomous grain carts.

Moderating the discussion will be Emily Smith, a customer service and marketing manager at Art’s Way Manufacturing. She is focused on spreading the news about machinery solutions that improve farm operations. Prior to joining Art’s Way, Smith worked with her dad developing farm equipment and entering new markets. 

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Bring Your Better Half!

Spouses and guests who register for the convention are invited to join the speaker sessions, receptions, breakfasts, and meet-and-greet marketing sessions. The convention hosts have planned a little something extra as well. These optional tours cost $75.

Forest Park/History Museum (Wednesday)

Forest Park, the “heart of St. Louis,” claims nearly 1,400 acres and is home to some of the region’s highest-profile cultural attractions.

Participants will tour the park by bus, then stop at the Missouri History Museum for a tour of “Pulitzer Prize Photographs.” The group then will lunch at the Gamlin Whiskey House in the trendy Central West End. Gamlin is a steakhouse that offers an extensive collection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch. It has been named one of USA Today’s best bars for whiskey lovers and has been listed in Zagat’s 2016 list of “50 States, 50 Steaks.”

 St. Louis Zoo (Thursday)

This docent-led tour promises an up-close-and-personal experience with wildlife from around the world and conversations with the staff who care for them. Beyond this small-group tour, participants will be able to explore the zoo on their own by train. This tour is expected to sell out quickly.

Register at FarmEquip.org.