Joint Opening Breakfast Session: The Unstoppable You
Alex Weber
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Get ready to kick off the convention with energy, inspiration, and practical strategies for success. Alex Weber is an award-winning keynote speaker, champion coach, acclaimed author, NBC television host, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. In fact, he is the only person ever to both host and compete on the show.
Known for his contagious enthusiasm and actionable insights, Alex helps individuals and organizations lead through change, overcome challenges, and achieve breakthrough results. Having inspired more than 5.5 million people worldwide and worked with leading organizations including Amazon, Apple, Fidelity, LinkedIn, RE/MAX, and the Los Angeles Lakers, Alex brings a unique blend of entertainment, motivation, and real-world strategies.
Through powerful stories, practical takeaways, and his signature The Unstoppable You framework, Alex will empower attendees to embrace change, conquer obstacles, and unlock new levels of personal and professional achievement.
General Session: Ag Autonomy’s “State of the State”
Chris Hunsaker, Founder and CEO Acuitus Ag
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Chris Hunsaker grew up on a sugar beet and wheat farm in Southern Idaho. An Ernst & Young consultant, he later led farm equipment manufacturing operations for 17 years before launching his own ag tech company. In addition to starting Acuitus Ag, a technology company primarily working on operational infrastructure for ag autonomy, he leads FEMA’s Technology Council working to alert members on what’s ahead for businesses to leverage technologies and opportunities.
In his session, “Ag Autonomy’s ‘State of the State,” Hunsaker will provide an inside look at the rapidly evolving world of agricultural autonomy and the technologies transforming today’s equipment industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in AI, automation and software, along with the trends reshaping how equipment is developed, sold and supported.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier or distributor, this session will offer a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and challenges autonomy presents for the future of agriculture.
General Session: Economic Outlook
Patrick Luce and Jeremy Bess, Stantec Consulting Services
Thursday. Oct. 29, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The dynamic duo of Patrick and Jeremy, both Principal Economists with Stantec, will focus on key factors impacting FEMA members, with economic outlooks including:
• Trends in markets impacting the Farm Equipment Manufacturing industry as they relate to domestic demand
• The financial health of U.S. businesses and consumers and their capacity to drive investment
• Cost escalation factors, particularly the rising costs of materials and production
Discover the vibrant and exciting side of Economics. Similar to the camaraderie found in the early 2000s sitcom Scrubs, these lifelong friends have collaborated for years, bringing genuine passion to the field of Economics. Their mission is to transform the perception of economics, turning negativity on its head. Yes, they have their degrees, have been published in print, featured as guests on podcasts, and have delivered countless keynote presentations. However, their most cherished achievement is resonating with diverse audiences, whether it’s senior executives, inquisitive Wall Street Journal readers, or casual presentation attendees who came for the coffee but stayed for the insights. With an abundance of news and information available, these hosts guide their audience to look beyond the headlines and focus on what truly matters. By delving into the intricacies of the business cycle, the duo unpacks the trends that matter, offering management solutions to help better plan for the future.
At Stantec, we stand out in the economic speaking arena due to our unique approach to understanding and interpreting the economy. Unlike other firms that specialize exclusively in either public sector policy or private sector analysis, Stantec brings a holistic perspective by having deep experience in both worlds. This dual expertise allows us to offer insights not only from a policy-making standpoint but also from a practical, business-focused lens. We believe this ability to bridge the gap between government policy and its direct impact on business practices provides true value for our clients.
While many economic firms focus solely on dissecting current trends, Stantec’s Market Economic Insights and Solutions team takes a forward-looking approach, providing actionable strategies that drive success. Our goal is to help clients anticipate challenges, plan effectively, and capitalize on opportunities to support long-term growth.
Farm Equipment Magazine Shortline Legends Hall of Fame Presentation
Thursday, October 29 8:00 a.m.
The 4th annual class of Shortline Legends Hall of Fame inductees has been announced by Farm Equipment. This class is equally impressive as the 10 recipients inducted in the industry’s first three classes of Legends.
The program was initiated by Farm Equipment editors to properly record — for posterity — the individuals whose innovations most impacted the ag machinery and dealer distribution industry in North America over the last 55 years. It honors the innovators and inventions of the independent ag equipment manufacturer.
This year’s Farm Equipment’s Shortline Legend Hall of Fame recipients are Gerry Bourgalt, Ricky Brown, Jim Hellbusch, Gregg Sauder and Harley Summers.
This class will be recognized during the General Session on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the 2025 Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association’s Marketing & Distribution Convention in New Orleans.
FEMA EMDA NAEDA Joint Panel Discussion
Thursday, October 29, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This panel brings together leaders representing different sides of the equipment industry to talk about what strong partnerships really look like, what works, where challenges arise, and how manufacturers, distributors, and independent reps, and dealers can communicate and work together more effectively. The panel discussion will be moderated by Joe Sampson, FEMA Exec VP and CEO & Founder of Embo Sales. Joining him will be:
James Shurts, Executive Director of Product Development & Strategy at Kubota, has 29 years of experience in product development, management, M&A, sales and operations. He has held leadership positions with Caterpillar, AGCO and Great Plains Manufacturing, including serving as President of Great Plains’ Ag Division. He currently serves on the FEMA Board.
Ben Hellbusch, is Vice President of Sales at Duo Lift Manufacturing Company and President of Busch Equipment Company, with nearly two decades of experience in agricultural manufacturing, sales and distribution. He has also served in leadership roles with FEMA, including as President in 2023.
Josh Overholser, Owner & President of Superior Implement & Supply Company (SISCO), bringing the perspective of a multi-generation family business and distributor serving dealers across the Ohio Valley.
Sean Morrissey, Owner of RM Equipment, bringing more than a decade of experience as an independent manufacturer’s representative and a family business history in the industry dating back to 1991.
Brett Davis, representing NAEDA, bringing extensive leadership experience and a dealer-focused perspective on strengthening relationships throughout the equipment industry.
What makes a manufacturer–distributor–rep relationship truly successful, and how can they be better partners with the dealers? Come join the conversation in New Orleans!
FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Contest
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Learn about new innovations straight from the developer! This new event is an idea brought to you from FEMA’s Technology Council and is an exciting pitch competition for AgTech startups! See groundbreaking solutions in precision agriculture, farm equipment technology, automation, robotics, sensors, AI for machinery & more. A panel of judges will choose a grand prize winner. Attendees will choose a fan favorite!
Breakout Sessions
Protecting Your Bottom Line: Smart Liability & Risk Management Solutions
Matt Beigel, Trent Waltenberg, and Bryant Hintz of Sentry Insurance
Wednesday, October 28 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Sentry team will be back to talk all things insurance. They’ll discuss recent topics related to product liability, share information on safety inspections, and what you need to know to protect your property. Sentry Insurance is a fantastic resource for our members and will update members on training programs and resources available to our members.
As Territory Underwriters for our Farm Equipment Manufacturers Program (FEMP), Matt Beigel and Trent Waltenberg work directly with manufacturers. This is an ever-evolving industry, so they approach every conversation with open ears and an open mind. They learn from customers, and in turn apply that knowledge to help them find opportunities to effectively protect their businesses and employees.
Matt and Trent thrive on seeing customers achieve understanding and peace of mind because of what Sentry can offer them. Matt and Trent are licensed insurance professionals and can therefore work directly with you for your coverage needs, or can work through your agent.
Bryant Hintz, a Senior Safety Consultant with Sentry Insurance, offers safety services to assist manufacturers with various lines of coverage placed with Sentry, including product liability, workers’ compensation and property. He works directly with manufacturers on services tailored specifically to their needs. Whether this includes product safety, employee safety or facility safety, these services are focused on improving safety, protecting businesses, and minimizing liability and loss exposure.
Tax, Tariffs & Technology: A Manufacturing Mashup, New Orleans Style
Mike Devereux, WIPFLI
Wednesday, October 28 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Manufacturers are navigating a rapidly changing environment where tax policy, tariffs, technology, and workforce challenges are increasingly interconnected. In this fast-paced, “mashup-style” session, we’ll connect the dots between some of the most important issues facing farm equipment manufacturers today—from tax credits and changing tariff policies to artificial intelligence, automation and the latest benchmarking data from over 450 manufacturing facilities participating in Wipfli’s manufacturing survey.
Rather than treating these topics as separate conversations, we’ll explore how they intersect and what they mean for the future of manufacturing. We’ll look at where manufacturers are investing, how they are responding to cost pressures and tariffs, how automation and AI are changing the factory floor, and where companies may be leaving valuable tax incentives on the table.
Using Wipfli’s survey data and real-world manufacturing examples, this session will provide a practical look at where the industry stands today—and where leading manufacturers are headed next. Think of it as a manufacturing mashup: different issues, different challenges, and different opportunities, all coming together to create one bigger picture.
Mike Devereux currently serves as Wipfli’s 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 nationally to various professional and industry trade organizations and associations about opportunities to reduce federal and state tax liabilities and has written dozens of articles for industry trade publications. Topics for his sessions have ranged from Taxes, Trade & Tariffs to ways companies can use technology to get more insights from operations and profitability.
Beyond the Rate: Increase Sales, Decrease Costs, and Mitigate Risk
Jacob Noe and Tyler Green, Evolv
Beyond the Rate: Increase Sales, Decrease Costs, and Mitigate Risk
Jacob Noe and Tyler Green, Evolv
Thursday, October 29 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
How your business gets paid affects more than processing fees—it impacts profitability, cash flow, and the customer experience. Join Jacob Noe and Tyler Green from evolv for a practical discussion on how manufacturers can simplify invoicing and collections, evaluate ACH and card payment options, and connect payment technology with existing accounting and business systems. Attendees will learn how to identify hidden costs, reduce manual work and payment risks, and evaluate solutions with implementation, training, and ongoing support in mind.
As Director of Sales at Evolv, Jacob Noe leads the internal and external Account Executives. He works closely with his teams and Evolv’s referral partners to understand each merchant’s unique business needs and recommend solutions that streamline daily operations, reduce costs, and support long-term success. He trains and oversees the sales process from the first conversation through implementation, ensuring each solution is suited to the merchant’s needs and long-term goals.
Jacob’s approach to leadership is rooted in Evolv’s motto: Increase Sales, Decrease Costs, and Mitigate Risks. It guides how he coaches his team to look beyond the immediate sale and make a lasting difference for each customer.
Jacob has served on the Evolv Advisory Board for the past five years and for the past two years has served as its president, helping guide the company’s sales strategy and direction. He brings nearly 15 years of merchant services experience and 10 years of digital experience; his held positions span from deployment, technical support, sales support, internal sales, and sales leadership.
Payment processing can be more than a transaction, it can be an opportunity to reduce costs, streamline administrative work and improve cash flow. In this session, Jacob will share practical strategies and solutions to help businesses simplify payment processing, reduce administrative burden and improve overall operational efficiency. Attendees will learn how a more efficient payment process can support their bottom line and day-to-day operations.
Tyler Green is an Account Executive at evolv, FEMA’s endorsed partner for payment processing. He works with manufacturers and other businesses to improve how they accept payments, manage receivables, and connect payment tools with their existing operations. His goal is simple: help businesses increase sales, decrease costs, and mitigate risk. He starts by understanding each company’s workflow so the solution makes sense for the people who will use it every day.
A sixth-generation farmer from Southern Indiana, Tyler grew up around the equipment, businesses, and relationships that support agriculture. He brings that perspective to his work with FEMA members and looks forward to connecting with the industry at the conference in New Orleans.
Outside of work, Tyler coaches youth baseball and serves on the board of East Youth Baseball. He has a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, and enjoys sharing those experiences with his four children. He and his wife, Ally, are committed to raising them with an appreciation for faith, hard work, family, and the land. Psalm 85:12—“The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest”—reflects the values Tyler carries into both his family life and his work.
One Sales Team. Fifteen Brands. Why Should Dealers Sell Yours?
Jeremy Hewitt, VP of Business Development, Tractor Zoom
Thursday, October 29 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The average big dealer carries 15 lines, most requiring a separate portal, login and PDF(s) for programs. Here’s how the best OEMs are becoming the easiest to do business with and moving the most product.
Jeremy grew up on a small farm in northwest Iowa, in a family of entrepreneurs. His grandfather was an early employee at Midwest Industries, which brought the first hydraulic hoist for wagons to market. Jeremy has spent his career in sales and business development roles at software companies. He was Tractor Zoom’s third hire and has helped build and grow the company since 2017. Today, he works with OEMs to build a better selling experience through the dealer channel.