Special Events
Special Events During Exchange
When you come to GEAPS Exchange in Kansas City, you’ll benefit from more than 45 hours of education, get a front row seat to innovation and be able network to your heart’s content—but there is still time to have a good time!
The Mixer
Saturday, February 21, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Kansas City Convention Center
First timer or international attendee? This gathering is for you! A relaxed and intimate event that allows attendees to get acquainted with the event and with some GEAPS members who will be happy to meet you and introduce you to others in the industry. Fun, food and drinks will just add to the party!
Get Acquainted Party
Saturday, February 21, 2026
7-10 p.m.
J. Rieger & Co. Distillery
Reunite with GEAPS friends and colleagues. J. Rieger & Co. Distillery will only be open to Exchange attendees. Admission includes two drink tickets, great food, distillery tours and fun activities. This event is included with a Full Registration, but can also be purchased as an a la carte item.
Fun Run/Walk
Sunday, February 22, 2026
6-7 a.m.
Marriott Hotel Lobby
Start the morning and GEAPS Exchange off on the right foot and head out for a refreshing 5k run or walk through a brisk spring morning in Kansas City.
This event is free for all attendees, and participants will receive an Exchange 2026 Fun Run Finisher medal. Group will start from the Marriott Lobby. Maps of the route will be available on-site.
Keynote Speaker: Captain Jack Becker
GEAPS Exchange 2026
Keynote Speaker: Captain Jack Becker
Sunday, February 23, 2025
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Convention Center
Captain Jack Becker will deliver the keynote address on Sunday, February 22. As a highly decorated US Navy fighter pilot, Jack delivers action-packed lessons of fighter pilot combat missions to instill a culture of continual process improvement. His simple and repeatable model teaches how to build on successes while avoiding repeat mistakes, helping teams perform at a higher level.
Cornhole Tournament
Sunday, February 22 – Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time – Varies throughout the Expo Hours
Convention Center: Expo Hall – GEAPS Booth #1938
Whether you call it cornhole or bags, serious sport (wink) is returning to the expo hall floor for GEAPS Exchange next year. This even seems to get bigger and more competitive every year!
Competitors will square off in the center of the action, right next to the GEAPS booth. Glory and shame at the boards will take place all three days of the Expo in a single elimination tournament. The Grand Championship Round will determine winners on Tuesday, February 24.
Teams must be signed up by February 1, but we encourage forming your teams now so you have plenty of time to polish your athletic prowess. Chapter pride, a shiny trophy and a gift card are on the line here, folks.
To sign up your team, email Deb Most.
IOMSA Golden Ticket Awards Ceremony
Sunday, February 22, 2026
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Convention Center: Innovation Station #1
The IOMSA Golden Ticket supports industry professionals who are looking to improve their workplace skills and knowledge through attendance at GEAPS Exchange.
Winners will be notified in January and awards will be handed out at GEAPS Exchange.
To find out how you can apply for an IOMSA Golden Ticket visit our Processing Track page.
Welcome Reception
Sunday, February 22, 2026
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Convention Center: Expo Hall
Enjoy a networking event with drinks and snacks while you stroll through the Expo Hall. The Welcome Reception is a great opportunity to network and explore the hall as the first day of the Expo comes to a close.
Grain Merchandisers Networking Event
Sunday, February 22, 2026
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Convention Center: Innovation Station # 2
Join us for a Grain Merchandisers Networking event and help shape a more aligned, informed, and profitable future for the industry. This relaxed meet-up is an opportunity to connect, compare insights, and build relationships that strengthen collaboration across the value chain. Turn the day’s learning into real-world connections that bridge the gap between operations and merchandising.
Closing Event: Music Bingo
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
2 – 3:15 p.m. – Reception and Closing Remarks
3:30 – 5 p.m. – Music Bingo
Convention Center – Ballroom
Back by popular demand for the third year! This event received rave reviews last year and keeps getting bigger and better.. The first hour of the event will be a cocktail social hour to mix and mingle—then bring on the competition. We will be hosting a music bingo event brought to you by The Music Bingo People. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert in music, it’s a game for all! There will be lots of great prizes from our generous exhibitors and sponsors. This is an event that you don’t want to miss as people will be talking about it for a while!
Enjoy delicious food, drinks and great conversation with your colleagues. Remember, don’t say goodbye, say “see you soon!”