Call for Speakers at GEAPS Exchange 2026

GEAPS is accepting presentation proposals for the Idea Exchange at the annual conference, GEAPS Exchange, February 21-24, 2026 at the Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Please submit your proposal by filling out the information in the link below.

Apply for GEAPS Exchange 2026

Important Dates

Exchange 2026 Education Opportunities – Still seeking applicants for the Idea Exchange! 

Idea Exchange

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

What’s New?

Includes new products and services developed for grain operations during the past year. Please note, you must be an Exchange 2026 exhibitor to be considered for this program.  

Small Changes: Big Impact 

Highlights ideas 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. 

Apply Today!

Call for Presentations Update

The call for presentations for the Concurrent Education Sessions and Innovation Stations closed on September 12. The Exchange Education Programming Committee is now reviewing all submitted proposals. You can still submit a proposal as a back up speaker.

Concurrent Education Sessions 

Varied length presentations based on GEAPS core competencies.

Core Competencies Include: 
  • Grain Quality   
  • Facility Maintenance and Design  
  • General Industry Operations   
  • Risk Management   
  • Human Resources 
Grain Processing

– Trends in renewable fuels including biodiesel, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

– Value-added byproduct opportunities through corn processing, flour production, distilling, etc.

– Innovative automation in delivery systems, such as conveyors or smart augers, for grain and feed movement

– Soybean extraction and other technologies utilized in grain processing

– Practical strategies for improving equipment performance, reducing downtime, and optimizing repair schedules

Equipment Maintenance and Repair 

– Process efficiency improvements through proactive maintenance 

– Predictive maintenance tools, data integration, and implementation strategies 

Grain Condition, Quality and Aeration

– Best practices in grain aeration and condition monitoring in grain aeration and condition monitoring 

– Maintaining quality from intake through storage and handling

Employee Development  

– Managing generational changes in the workplace 

– Building leadership and supervisory skills at all levels 

– Navigating organizational change and transformation 

– Strategies for retaining talent and transferring institutional knowledge 

Expo Hall Innovation Stations 

The most interactive learning opportunity at GEAPS Exchange, Innovation Stations, offer hands-on learning opportunities in the Expo Hall. Designed for groups of up to 60, 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. 

Speaker FAQ

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 GEAPS Exchange. In addition, the speaker is responsible for all travel-related and accommodation expenses. 

Individuals 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

  • Speaker Proposal Applications Accepted Until
    September 12, 2025
  • Idea Exchange Applications Accepted Until
    January 5, 2026
  • Conference Dates for Exchange 2026
    February 21-24, 2026

Review/Selection ProcessOpen

Education Committee Presentation Review and Selection Process—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 GEAPS Exchange.

The selection process involves a review of every complete presentation application submitted prior to the deadline. All presentations are selected based on 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 a GEAPS 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.