Call for Speakers

GEAPS is currently accepting presentation proposals for the annual conference, GEAPS Exchange, February 24-27, 2024 at the Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

The Exchange Educational Programming Committee (EPC) has built an agenda of industry-leading, emerging topics. We are looking for dynamic speakers to share their new ideas, products or services to the grain industry.

Please submit your proposal by filling out the information in the link below. 

Submit Speaker Proposal

Topics of interest include

  • Maintenance
    • Proactive/Predictive Planning
    • Digital Maintenance Solutions
  • Employee Development
    • Careers in the Industry
    • Personal and Leadership Growth
    • Project Management
    • Employee Retention
  • Safety
    • Grain Quality Management
    • Electrical Safety
    • Rail Safety
    • Barge Safety
  • International Grain Operations
    • Looking for international presenters who would like to share industry related information to the United States grain operators.

Important Dates

>> Call for Speakers Campaign Begins
     June 2023

>> Applications Accepted Until
      September 15, 2023

>> Conference Dates for Exchange 2024
      February 24-27, 2024

Exchange 2024 Education Opportunities 

Concurrent Education Sessions 

Varied length presentations based on GEAPS core competencies and conference themes. See above themes.

Core Competencies Include: 

  1. Grain Quality  
  2. Facility Maintenance and Design 
  3. General Industry Operations  
  4. Risk Management  
  5. Human Resources

Idea Exchange

The Idea Exchange features 12 to 15 participants delivering approximately five minute presentations. The program includes two segments: 

“Small Changes….Big Impact!” highlights ideas that grain operations managers and workers put into practice to improve safety or efficiency at their facilities or enhance environmental awareness, company culture or community involvement. 

“What’s New?” includes new products and services developed for grain operations during the past year. 

Expo Hall Innovation Stations

The most interactive learning opportunity at the Exchange, Innovation Stations, offer hands-on learning opportunities in the Expo Hall. Designed for groups of up to 60 attendees these sessions feature interactive presentations and equipment demonstrations. Presentations include hands-on time and question-and-answer sessions. If you have a new technology to share or would like to participate in some hands-on maintenance training we invite you to apply today. 

Non-commercial Nature of the GEAPS Exchange Education ProgramOpen

To maintain educational integrity, presenters are advised not to use their session(s) as a platform for promotion of their products and services or for monetary gain. GEAPS provides a unique forum for professionals to have an open dialogue and a creative exchange of ideas free from commercial content.

Honoraria, Travel Expenses and Complimentary RegistrationOpen

As a non-profit association, GEAPS does not typically pay an honorarium for education presentations at Exchange. In addition, the speaker is responsible for all travel-related and accommodation expenses.

Persons selected to speak at education sessions will be provided with the option of a full complimentary registration for the duration of the entire conference, including social events.

Important DatesOpen

Submissions accepted through September 15, 2023

Review/Selection ProcessOpen

Education Committee Presentation Review and Selection Process—The GEAPS Exchange Education Planning Committee (EPC) consists of members from all avenues of the grain industry with many years of industry experience. The committee’s role is to review, plan and evaluate GEAPS’ education programming for the Exchange.

The selection process involves a review of every complete presentation application submitted prior to the deadline. All presentations are selected on the basis of the information submitted. Those submitting are expected to follow all instructions carefully and provide all requested information. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Speaker CommitmentOpen

If you are selected as an Exchange speaker, you will be asked to submit materials and information in a timely manner. Conference speakers should understand the importance of meeting these deadlines. By submitting a presentation proposal, you are committing to your role in executing a successful conference. The EPC will review presentations to confirm they are meeting described session objectives and are appropriate for the designated learning levels. If there are any questions or concerns regarding the content, GEAPS reserves the right to require that changes be made.