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Convention: Talk About Troubles, Share Solutions

Kristi Ruggles

Register for the 2021 Marketing & Distribution Convention! Sign up before Aug. 16 and save $200. See the schedule here. Call (314) 878-2304.

Because the farm equipment industry is experiencing an extraordinary moment on the heels of an extraordinary year, the Association is approaching the 2021 Marketing & Distribution Convention a bit differently.

Specifically, we want to balance planned content with more in-the-moment content. Here’s how we plan to make this convention as relevant and timely as possible while giving you a heads-up on what’s in store.

First, Brad Baker, chair of the Tillage Council, will use the council’s 90-minute session to launch a conversation among all attendees.

This session, which is 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, will precede the welcome reception and give attendees an opportunity to frame conversations throughout their time in Oklahoma City. Baker will facilitate a conversation that explores:

  • The labor shortage
  • Employee burnout
  • Supply chain delays, logistics, and product availability
  • Perspectives on how to market in the current environment.

This is an opportunity to commiserate, problem-solve, and learn from one another.

Clair Ellis, who represents marketing associate members on the Association’s Board of Directors, also will lead a roundtable discussion. He will focus on challenges and best practices specific to equipment marketing.

That session is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4.

Finally, the Association is postponing commitment on a breakout session scheduled for Thursday because it wants to be nimble and able to respond if an industry issue arises in coming weeks. If there is a topic you’d like to see tackled at the convention, get in touch with Kristi Ruggles at (314) 878-2304 or Kristi@FarmEquip.org.

“Because we were not able to be together in 2020, because our spring meeting was smaller than usual, and above all, because these are wild days for members, we want to give attendees more time than usual just to be in conversation,” said Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt. “Starting the convention with this opportunity just to be heard and to hear what’s happening will set the right tone.”