Convention101: Tips You Need to Know for the Fall Convention

Our annual Marketing & Distribution Convention has many layers. There’s the obvious: the speakers, tours, and networking events. And, there’s the less obvious: the meetings you set up independently, committee meetings specific to an industry group—the ones you want to attend, but don’t know if it’s open to you—and the event your spouse/guest wants to attend, but, can she or he?

We get those questions every year—from long-time attendees and new attendees alike. We want to address a few here, but more importantly, we want to encourage you to ask. Seriously, we’re waiting for questions. We love questions.

The fall convention is unique in that it is two conventions held at the same time. There is overlap in the schedules between our Association meeting and the gathering of members from the Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA). The overlap is designed to offer opportunities for manufacturers to meet wholesalers and independent reps, and for the professionals on the distribution side to find new product lines.

We strive to make it clear when a session is specific to this Association and when it is a joint session with EMDA. The convention is a friendly gathering, so when it’s not clear, simply ask.
(Important Note: Every registrant and every registered spouse guest gets a name badge. Consider it your ticket to just about everything. If, for example, you want to go to the Technology Council meeting, the name badge is all you need. Or, if your guest wants to join a session, the name badge serves as admission.)

We encourage every registrant to reach out to distributors you’d like to meet while in Kansas City. Start with registration lists and identify our marketing members (FarmEquip.org/FallMeetingAttendees) and EMDA’s attendees (EMDA.net). Be sure to check the Association website’s “Resources” tab for a distribution partners’ directory and schedule in-person meetings. Don’t delay – convention schedules fill quickly.

Check out page 6 and 7 to learn more about speakers Christoper Carter, Richard Brock, Brandon Dempsey, and more. You will also find info on our breakout sessions, technology panel, farewell outing and underground cave tour to name a few.

Important Deadline: Register by Sept. 11, 2023 to save $100.

Circling back to our earlier point, we’re available—and eager—to answer your questions. Call us at (314) 878-2304. Feel free to research (and register!) at Meeting.FarmEquip.org.