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Open to members of EMDA's Board of Directors and invited guests.

FEMA's Executive Committee and invited guests.

FEMA Services Corporation Board and invited guests.

FEMA's current Board of Directors, former presidents, spouses and guests.

Meet staff, pick up name badges, get directions, and ask questions.

A place to meet up with other convention attendees.

FEMA Board, former presidents, and invited guests.

Grab a coffee or snack and meet other convention attendees.

12:30-1:00 Vi By Visorpro Leveraging AI to Provide Service Support- Condesa 2 1:15-1:45Henderson, Texas Role in Your Onshoring Journey- Condesa 2

This committee provides a focal point for leaders of all existing Association product councils to discuss topics of common interest and share a common voice in promoting issues that affect the agricultural equipment industry. A representative from ASABE will be on hand to answer questions and provide updates.

Elected Board and invited guests.

Panel presentation and Q&A for manufacturers looking to sell products in North America.

A forum to discuss new technology in ag equipment and manufacturing. Attendees have the opportunity to become aware of new technology that could be integrated into implements.

EMDA President, Shannon Soparlo will do a presentation on Adair Sales and Marketing.

For New Members and Mentors

A reception for FEMA members attending the convention for the first time. Get to know one another and ask questions.

Everyone is invited.

Meet and reconnect with other FEMA attendees.

For EMDA Past Presidents, the Board, and their guests.

Pick up name badges, get directions, and ask questions.

A place to meet current or prospective industry partners.

Jimmy Yeary is the rarest of speakers. Because his content is filled with instantly recognizable moments, audiences are quickly taken to a high level of energy. For well over a decade, he has influenced millions of people–how they think and what they think about–on a daily basis. Jimmy Yeary is not only a highly sought-after speaker, he is a hugely successful songwriter and his music is all around you. Jimmy Yeary was writing songs long before becoming the lead singer of the Grammy Award winning supergroup SHENANDOAH. These were years that saw Jimmy performing #1 hits like Mama Knows, Somewhere In the Vicinity of the Heart, and Sunday in the South. Today, in Nashville and Los Angeles, one of the most common calls in the music industry is from an artist’s representative to Sony Publishing requesting availability on songs from Jimmy Yeary’s catalogue of music. It’s not surprising. Jimmy has written more than two-thousand songs, many of which have been featured on albums selling millions of copies–Grammy winners, gold and platinum awards among them. Nine of Jimmy’s songs have been certified “Number 1” hits as singles by Billboard Magazine. Recently, both the CMA and ACM awarded Jimmy Yeary with “Song of the Year” for I Drive Your Truck–the inspiring song he wrote about the father of a fallen soldier and how he continues to remember his son. Jimmy’s most recent Number 1 was Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, a song he wrote for Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy. He has also been called “one of the most engaging speakers in the country”. Jimmy takes the lessons he has learned and the experiences he has encountered in his music career and applies them to the process of creating results for businesses, organizations, and teams. Facilitating growth while creating and maintaining significant relationships has become Jimmy’s trademark as a communicator. Emotional awareness, a greater understanding of other people, and the shared experiences that build an effective team herald the genius of Jimmy Yeary. Not only can he speak to who you are as an organization, he will put it to music! The Joint Opening Breakfast Session is open to members of both the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Equipment Marketing and Distribution Association.

Charcuterie & Mixology Workshop Get ready for a deliciously fun evening designed just for our social guests! This hands-on workshop is the perfect blend of creativity and flavor. You'll build your own custom charcuterie board while learning how to artfully pair cheeses, meats, and accompaniments for a beautiful and tasty presentation. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll also dive into the basics of mixology—shaking and stirring two signature cocktails that perfectly complement your board. All materials, ingredients, and tools are provided, so all you need to bring is your appetite and enthusiasm. This is a great opportunity to sip, savor, and socialize in a relaxed and engaging setting. Don’t miss out on this exclusive social guest experience!

This council discusses issues specifically affecting this segment of the ag equipment industry including equipment safety standards and other important topics.

This committee champions member products and the benefits of shortline manufacturers to dealers.

Standard agenda items of reports, nominations, etc. 

This council meeting will focus on updaing manufacturers of towed implements on standards changes or other related topics.

Find a Potential Marketing Partner. Members of FEMA's Marketing Section (wholesalers, manufacturers representatives) welcome manufacturers to stop by, learn about new marketing options, and grab a snack.

This session provides manufacturers opportunities for introductory interviews with distributors and reps who are members of EMDA.

As President Trump begins his second term, familiar challenges like tariffs, rising costs and ongoing labor shortages persist, alongside fresh opportunities and renewed momentum for business growth. New regulatory policies are reshaping the landscape, while tax reforms signal potential advantages for strategic, forward-thinking organizations. Higher interest rates are impacting financing and growth. Sticky inflation is hurting margins. And our growing national debt is creating long term challenges for our economy and for business leaders. Meanwhile, AI continues its transformative role across industries, bringing both risks and unprecedented potential for efficiency and innovation. The “Silver Tsunami” has arrived, making succession planning more critical than ever as experienced leaders prepare to transition to the next generation. What are some of the smartest and most experienced business leaders doing to drive growth, sustainability and profitability beyond 2025 amidst all of these challenges? What changes are they making in their operations and cash management? How are they attracting and retaining talent? What technologies are they investing in? How are they addressing both federal and local regulations that are impacting their businesses? In this fast-paced, entertaining and highly valuable session, Gene will share real-world, practical strategies and tactics that smart leaders are using to navigate an uncertain economy, a shifting and often divisive political climate, and the complexities of technological and workplace decisions to position their companies for sustained growth and success in the face of change. A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene Marks now writes regularly for The Guardian, The Hill, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Times and The Chicago Daily Herald. Gene also hosts two very popular podcasts: Thrive and Small Biz Ahead where he interviews politicians, economists, policy makers, celebrities and entrepreneurs that impact business. Gene has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash?: 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company’s Cash Flow This Year. Nationally, Gene appears regularly on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses. Prior to starting the Marks Group PC, Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager.

1:15-1:45- Innovative Cloud Solutions Presents” An overview of Acumatica Cloud-based ERP - Financials and Distribution” 2:00-2:30 Custer Led Presents 2:45-3:15 Stratovation Group Presents 3:30-4:00 Gripp Presents 4:15- 4:45 Spindustry Presents "The Cost of Delaying Digital Transformation." 5:00-5:30 ITA Presents “Italian Manufacturers' Delegation”

Grab a drink and a snack between sessions.

AI is in a rapidly expanding phase as it becomes more public. This presentation explores the ever-changing landscape of model supremacy in Large Language Models while demonstrating how you can leverage language structure for additional outputs. We’ll review the current state of foundational models, examine tools that go beyond LLMs—including keypoint detection, image and video creation—and weave in creating a live proof of concept mobile app based on live attendee input using an LLM. The session covers the evolution from early neural networks to today’s multi billion-parameter models, examines current market leaders, and provides hands-on tactics for getting more out of today’s models. Brent Natzke is President & Owner of Advantech Consulting Group. Advantech has delivered IT and Web Solutions since 1997 and has been a trusted provider for many FEMA members. More information about Advantech Consulting Group can be found at www.advantech-cg.com.

With the recent expansion of the derivative tariff list to include farm machinery and equipment, manufacturers face increased compliance responsibilities and potential financial exposure. This presentation will discuss the latest tariff developments, explain the Agricultural Use Exception, and provide practical guidance on navigating common issues – from country of origin and product classification to duty calculation and CBP interactions. Join us to gain insights into the rapidly evolving, high-tariff trade environment. John Turlais is partner at Foley & Lardner LLP. He has significant experience conducting international compliance risk assessments for domestic and foreign companies and, based on their specific risk profiles, designing and improving their international trade and anti-bribery/anti-corruption (ABC) compliance programs consistent with the expectations set forth by U.S. law enforcement agencies. He is a frequent writer and speaker on topics related to the international trade compliance, internal investigations, and cross-border government defense strategies. Members of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association are offered one hour of legal advice per Dealer Contract issue from Association service provider Foley & Lardner LLP. This member benefit is brought to you by FEMA’s Services Corporation. Contact the Association staff for more information.

With Speaker Mike Devereau of Wiplfi, LLP Integrating technology and data collection into manufacturing operations introduces various challenges.  In its most recent survey, NAM’s Manufacturing Leadership Council reported that 70% of manufacturers enter data manually.  With real-time data being the foundation of new developments over the last decade such as industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing, there is an opportunity for manufacturing companies to embrace the use of technology and data collection to provide more insights to run your organization. This presentation outlines practical approaches that companies have used to implement technology, data collection, and real-time information to improve their understanding of operational processes and profitability. Organizations using these tools can more precisely analyze profit margins by customer, part class, and individual parts. Real-time data supports management with the following tasks: Identify mostly costly reason for unplanned downtime, Validate or invalidate pricing decisions,   Forecasting internal schedule performance via production monitoring, Evaluating machine performance and utilization, and Analyzing factors contributing to manufacturing variances. This profitability, efficiency, and operational data can be used to drive improvements to your margins through pricing or sales process improvements, customer contribution margin analysis, and identification of areas for operational and process improvements. Starting with an overview of the critical data elements, this presentation will provide ideas for companies just starting their digital journey to those that have begun to use data as an asset but may be looking for ways to better understand how its use can improve profitability. Mike Devereux currently serves as Wipfli’s National Manufacturing Industry Leader.  In that role, he oversees a team of professionals nationally who provide audit, tax, and consulting services to the manufacturing sector.  Mike’s role is primarily focused on organic growth, increasing Wipfli’s national presence and identifying value for manufacturing clients and prospective clients.  He speaks regularly to various professional and industry trade associations on ways manufacturers can reduce their Federal and state tax liabilities, and Mike provides insights on recent and future legislation impacting the manufacturing sector. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Manufacturing Professional (CMP).  Learn more about Wipfli at www.wipfli.com.

Open to post hole digger manufacturers. Discussion topics may include equipment safety standards, industry trends, and other important topics.

Manufacturers of tillage and related equipment will discuss current trends and standards affecting equipment manufacturers.

The Association's Board of Directors meets to elect officers.

All EMDA convention registrants are invited. FEMA manufacturers that do business with any EMDA members will receive a special invite.

The registration desk is a meeting spot throughout the convention. Stop by and chat with staff or ask a question about the program.

A place designed for informal conversations or more formal meetings.

Come and go as your schedule allows for this open-seating buffet. There is no speaker for this session.

A committee dedicated to serving our membership as a whole, this committee focuses on membership recruitment and retention. If you would like to help ensure the Association remains a strong voice in the industry, please contact the Association office to get involved.

The Education and Communication Committee will be meeting jointly to discuss current educational and programming needs for members.

Hear directly from industry experts who bring valuable experience and insights from across the country. In an interactive, Q&A format moderated by Mike Lessiter, president of Farm Equipment and Ag Equipment Intelligence, 3 dealer executives will discuss economic conditions, tariffs, dealer-manufacturer relationships, and practical sales and distribution strategies.  The three panelists include: Tim Brannon, President, B&G Equipment Inc., Paris, Tenn. After graduating from Murray State Univ., Brannon joined Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment in 1975. Three years later, he returned to lead B&G Equipment, a family-owned Massey Ferguson dealership founded in 1978, specializing in the rural lifestyle equipment segment. Eric Reuterskiold, President & CEO, Johnson Tractor (Farm Equipment Dealership of the Year Alumni), Wisconsin & Illinois. Eric started at the parts counter in 1993 and grew with Johnson Tractor through myriad roles in a now-famous succession plan that was executed with near-perfection. Reuterskiold oversees 11 Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota dealerships while preparing the third-generation executives of the Johnson family. The firm employs more than 200 and serves 40 counties. David Orr, General Manager, Intermountain New Holland, Idaho. Orr advanced from sales director to general manager at Idaho’s premier agriculture and construction equipment dealer. He oversees two locations, emphasizing strong, lasting customer relationships. Cami Erikson, Vice President, North Star Ag, North Dakota. Cami holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has been a key part of the first-generation, family-owned shortline dealership since 2018.  

Topics Include: -Technology & Tools -Regulatory & Compliance -Logistics & Freight Management -Health Insurance & Employee Benefits - Attracting & Retaining Talent -Workforce Engagement & Leadership

Grab a drink and a snack in between sessions.

Get ready for the all-new Industry Showcase—no pipe and drape, just an open, easy-to-navigate layout with a detailed map to guide you. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a special 80th Anniversary toast, and high-energy Vegas-style entertainment, including a showgirl and MC announcing sponsor booths! Network effortlessly, explore the latest industry innovations, and take part in fun Vegas-inspired ways to win—all without missing a beat. 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Optional: You’re welcome to use your booth as a meeting space during this time or begin packing up for the day at your convenience.

There are usually two key factors that influence how quickly a business moves toward e-commerce growth. The first is understanding the full scale of the opportunity and how it can open new revenue streams. The second is ensuring that your technical systems and processes are aligned to support it. In this session, Michael will explore both sides—painting a clear picture of the growth potential while also showing practical, creative ways to leverage the systems you already have in place. The goal is not just to remove barriers but to turn them into stepping stones for greater efficiency, customer engagement, and profitability. Rather than focusing on what might be holding you back, he’ll show how your current infrastructure can be optimized and scaled, and how aligning strategy with technology, including AI, creates an ecosystem where e-commerce thrives. Michael Bird is CEO of Spindustry, which focuses on e-commerce, web application development and SharePoint/Office 365 solutions. Learn more at spindustry.com.

The Marketing Section will elect officers and discuss challenges and best practices.

Specialized manufacturers have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to gain a permanent advantage over full-line counterparts by deploying AI-powered distribution systems in the next 18 months–but only if their data and systems are ready for AI integration. This session demonstrates how to capitalize on this critical 18-month window while competitors remain stuck in enterprise planning cycles, by revealing: How AI strengthens dealer relationships with data-driven market intelligence; The practical three-phase roadmap for implementing AI-ready distribution systems; Scalable AI solutions your current team can manage and maintain today. Don’t let your innovative edge slip away. Seize the permanent advantage of being first to market with intelligent distribution tools that strengthen dealer loyalty, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate growth, before the window closes and others catch up. NorthBuilt develops and supports custom software that keeps operations running smoothly. Our 100% US-based team has deep experience in ERPs, dealer portals, and inventory management. We specialize in helping independent manufacturers leverage their decision-speed advantage to deploy smart distribution systems that enhance dealer relationships and operational efficiency. Learn more at northbuilt.com. Chris Morbitzer developed a passion for internal technology while seeing it improve his family’s gas line repair business in Ohio. As co-founder and CEO of NorthBuilt, he brings the same craftsmanship to software that his family applied to pipefitting. Chris is optimistic about U.S. manufacturing and artificial intelligence, and believes that AI will accelerate the growth of American quality production. Aaron Huisinga learned computer programming by developing software for his family’s poultry operation in Minnesota. After building a marketing software startup, he returned to his roots in ag tech by co-founding NorthBuilt. As President, Aaron leads the team that brings reliable technical partnership to agricultural and manufacturing businesses in the Midwest.

For EMDA Past Presidents and Board

This committee discusses the current convention program and locations for future conventions.

A celebration of a great meeting completed. Get in some last-minute face-to-face time and socialize with attendees.

Sign up required.