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

FEMA's Executive Committee and invited guest.

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.

See invitation for details.

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 guest.

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

A council developed to discuss new technology developments and what members can expect to see in the future. This meeting is open to FEMA registrants.

EMDA President, Kris Yaney will do a presentation on Implement Sales LLC.

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.

Meet and reconnect with other FEMA attendees.

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

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

A place to meet up with other convention attendees.

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.

This Council discusses equipment safety standards and other important topics related to rotary cutters. Any manufacturer that produces rotary cutters/industrial mower products is invited to attend.

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

Standard agenda items of reports, nominations, etc. 

Join us for a delightful morning exploring the rich history and flavors of New Orleans. The outing will begin with a guided tour of The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum, where guests will discover fascinating stories, artifacts, and exhibits that bring the city’s unique heritage to life. Following the museum visit, we will head to the renowned New Orleans School of Cooking for an interactive cooking demonstration and lunch. During this two-hour experience, local chefs will demonstrate the preparation of classic Louisiana dishes while sharing the history and traditions behind Creole and Cajun cuisine. Guests will enjoy each course as it is prepared, along with complimentary beverages, and will receive copies of the recipes to take home. This memorable experience offers the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and Southern hospitality while enjoying the best of New Orleans

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

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

General Session: Ag Autonomy’s “State of the State” Chris Hunsaker, Founder and CEO Acuitus Ag 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.

Grab a drink and a snack between sessions.

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.

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. 

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.

Learn about new innovations straight from the developer! This new event 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 vote on a fan favorite!

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.

The session begins with the presentation of Farm Equipment Magazine's Shortline Legends Hall of Fame presentation. This year's impressive class includes Gerry Bourgault of Bourgault Industries, Ricky Brown of Brown Manufacturing, Jim Hellbusch of Duo Lift Manufacturing, Gregg Sauder of 360, and Harley Summers of Summers Manufacturing. Following the presention, members will learn from 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.

For EMDA Past Presidents and Board

The Industry Showcase is your chance to network effortlessly and spotlight your latest products or services, all in a vibrant, high-energy setting. Tabletop displays showcase your company in a simple, effective, and affordable way. The networking-focused environment is designed to encourage interaction in an easy to navigate show floor. Food and beverage offerings encourage members to come in and stay a while. We can’t wait to see your creativity on display!  New this year: Exhibitors will hand out Mardi Gras beads to attendees who visit their booths! Once attendees collect 5 beads from participating exhibitors, they can redeem them for a raffle ticket and enter to win exciting prizes! Want to stand out even more? We’re offering a sponsorship opportunity to have your company logo featured on your custom Mardi Gras beads distributed during the event — a fun and memorable way to keep your brand in attendees’ hands all night long. Additional Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Each booth is a 10×10 space and includes: One six-foot skirted table with a white vinyl top, two molded chairs, an ID sign, and a wastebasket. The rest is up to you! 

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

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

Learn more about Agritechnica and a unique opportunity for FEMA members to participate in this international show. 

For more than 27 years, Evolv has helped businesses simplify payment processing while reducing costs and administrative burden. Through this partnership, FEMA members now have access to solutions designed to streamline transactions, improve cash flow, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

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.

Industry Panel to Focus on Manufacturer, Distributor and Rep Relationships Join us Thursday, October 29, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention in New Orleans for a panel discussion featuring industry professionals from FEMA and EMDA. Joe Sampson will moderate the discussion. FEMA panelists: James Shurts, Executive Director, Product Development & Strategy, Kubota Ben Hellbusch, Co-Owner, Duo Lift Manufacturing Inc., Busch Equipment Co., LLC and DL Shortline, LLC EMDA panelists: Josh Overholser, President, Superior Implement & Supply Co. Sean Morrisey, Independent Representative and Owner, RM Equipment NAEDA panelist: Brett Davis, CEO, NAEDA The panel will explore strengthening industry relationships, improving communication and navigating challenges among manufacturers, distributors, and representatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and gain perspectives from across the distribution channel.

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

On Thursday evening, members will have the option to cruise the mighty Mississippi River aboard the newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront, the CITY of NEW ORLEANS, sister vessel to the legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ! In a city known for exceptional dining, a dinner cruise aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS offers an unforgettable experience. Delight in a buffet of authentic Creole classics served in a relaxing, elegant atmosphere as you cruise the mighty Mississippi River. Sip on handcrafted cocktails (we’ll supply the food and good company, you’re on your own for your bar tab), enjoy stunning riverfront views, music, and lively conversation. FEMA & EMDA members will enjoy a private deck with plenty of time to enjoy both old and new friendships. Dinner and transportation are included in this evening’s festivities. Boarding starts at 6:00 p.m. and we’ll cruise from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The group should return to the Marriott around 9:30 p.m. Attendees are responsible for their own bar tab. This event has an additional fee. Be sure to select this option when you register as we have limited spots available! The cost is $125 a person. (Additional fee) Riverboat CITY OF NEW ORLEANS Boarding time: 6:00 p.m. Boarding address: 101 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130