There are four education tracks this year: Maintenance; Employee Development; Safety; and Grain Operations. Attendees may choose to focus on one track or sample them all. The tracks are planned so attendees may participate in all the sessions in one track OR mix and match throughout the four throughout the conference. 

Maintenance Track

Summary

The Maintenance track focuses on preventative maintenance, improving plant performance and facility maintenance. 

Maintenance Track Sessions

Sunday Feb. 25, 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #1: Repairing Drag Chains and Bucket Wear PatternsOpen

This Innovation Station will be presented in two parts:
Part 1 – Repairing Drag Chain Without a Hot Work Permit
Part 2 – What can Bucket Wear Patterns tell you about your Bucket Elevator?
Description:
Part 1:
Drag chains are mechanical systems within drag conveyors used for moving commodities such as whole grains, flour and feed. Drag chains are traditionally constructed with welded steel flights and plastic paddles. Foreign objects such as broken pieces of steel often find their way inside drag conveyors resulting in bent/broken steel flights and the loss of conveyor efficiency. Drag chain flights can be repaired inside or outside of the conveyor. Repairing flights inside the conveyor, while easier in principle, can result in excessive downtime since it involves a hot work permit from management. Repairing the flights outside of the conveyor can also result in considerable downtime as it involves removing the chain from the conveyor. Bolt-N-Go chain, by 4B Components, was developed to solve this industrywide problem. The chain’s innovative construction
method uses bolt-on flights as opposed to welded flights, bringing valuable benefits to feed and grain operations.
Presented by: Roger Bruere, Vice President, 4B Components, Ltd.
Part 2:
What can wear patterns on elevator buckets tell you about performance issues within the bucket elevator system? Awareness of these indicators allows for intervention which improves the efficiency and prolongs the life of the system. Catastrophic breakdowns can also be prevented.
Aside from elevator bucket wear patterns, there are other components of the bucket elevator system that need to be inspected.
What to look for and what do they indicate?
What are the solutions?
Presented by: Carl Swisher, Sales Manager Material Handling Products, 4B Components, Ltd.

Speakers
Carl Swisher4B Components, Ltd.Sales Manager Material Handling Products
Roger Bruere4B Components, Ltd.Vice President
Sunday Feb. 25, 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Innovation Station #1: Corrosion of Reinforcement in Concrete StructuresOpen

What does corrosion have to do with concrete? It is the number one cause of deteriorating reinforced concrete structures in the world.
There are many questions about how this applies to owners, engineers and contractors working with concrete restoration projects at these facilities.  We will learn how you identify, mitigate, and monitor corrosion in reinforced concrete structures with hands on training and testing.  We will learn what the impact is of corrosion of reinforcement on the longevity of the structure and on patch repairs.  The lesson will allow you to plan and impact your budget, the longevity of your structure- the repairs to the structure, and your maintenance schedule.

Speakers
Lisa VikerNoCoDirector of Business Development
Monday Feb. 26; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: The Importance of Electrical Testing & Preventative MaintenanceOpen

A large percentage of industrial facilities are reactive. Testing and PM proactively address issues that could occur and also prove proper and safe operation of protective devices. NFPA 70E and 70B now mandate the development and execution of a proper EMP to validate the results of Arc Flash studies. Downtime avoidance and uptime maximization will be communicated through a variety of real-world case studies and how simple strategies could have prevented the downtime and costly fixes after the fact. Awareness is key. Many people don’t even realize where they are missing out and the value PM and testing can bring to a facility. Not to mention, the minor up front cost that can save, in one instance, tens of thousands of dollars.

Speakers
Karl von KnobelsdorffKnobelsdorffCEO/President
Monday Feb. 26; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Walking the System, Safely Achieving Lowest Cost per BushelOpen

Sean Henry will be presenting “Walking the system, safely achieving lowest cost per bushel”. We will be “walking” the system from tail to head, troubleshooting as we make our way up then back down the return. Safety will be discussed as well as best practices. Finally, we will be discussing how Continental has a product for all types of grain applications, including troughed and elevator systems. We look forward to helping you achieve an efficient, lowest cost per bushel working environment.

Speakers
Sean HenryContinentalApplication Engineer
Monday Feb. 26; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #1: Proactive and Predictive Conveyor Maintenance and PlanningOpen

Conveyors are an integral part to any grain facilities operation, and PPI is committed to providing conveyor expertise and conveyor component product solutions to improve conveyor performance. Preventing downtime, detailing inventory for readily available components, and increasing the life of components through design and application considerations are ways we can achieve this. We achieve this by working with the end user to understand and acquire data leading to products optimized for long term conveyor component life and ease of maintenance. In addition, there are various conveyor monitoring and damage prevention components that can assist in long term conveyor performance. In combination you can create an organized system for your conveyor needs.

Speakers
Dallas HouchinsPrecision Pulley & IdlerField Applications Engineer
Monday Feb. 26; 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #1: The Forgotten System: Improve Plant Performance with Electrical Preventative MaintenanceOpen

An electrical system is vital to keep your facility operating, but it’s often forgotten until something doesn’t work. Rather than being reactive, facilities can take a proactive approach with preventative maintenance solutions. We’ll share the what, why, and how of arc flash studies, electrical and instrumentation maintenance, and hazard monitoring audits to ensure a facility runs as needed while keeping employees safe in the process. Walk away with steps to improve your plant’s electrical system today and increase uptime.

Speakers
Brent KooimanInterstatesSenior Project Engineer
Adam DittbennerInterstatesInstrumentation Manager
Monday Feb. 26; 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Education Session: Deploying, Implementing, Maximizing Low Cost Wireless Sensors to Drive Lower Maintenance CostsOpen

There is a plant manager, or reliability engineer currently staring at their PDA with a comment from senior management requiring them to “do something with digital”. The maintenance landscape is littered with half finished, partially implemented digital projects. Today we will discuss 3 specific requirements for long term measurable success in adding powerful digital solutions to any maintenance program.

Speakers
Kevin WalkerProduct Manager – IIoT ProductsDodge Industrial Company, Inc.
Monday Feb. 26; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Education Session: Facility Design Considerations for Maximizing Efficiencies and ThroughputsOpen

Understanding the basics of design can help management make informed choices that result in cost-effective, flexible, effective storage and handling facilities.

Speakers
Kurt RosentraterIowa State UniversityProfessor
Tuesday Feb. 27; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: OSHA and NFPA UpdateOpen

Update on emerging regulatory issues within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Topics will include OSHA’s policies, rulemakings and interpretations as well as continued enforcement within the grain handling industry through National, Regional and Local Emphasis Programs including heat injury and illness. In addition, Jess will provide an overview of the National Fire Protection Association’s combustible dust standards.

Speakers
Jess McCluerNGFAVice President, Safety and Regulatory Affairs
Tuesday Feb. 27; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Preventative MaintenanceOpen

Maintaining a safe and secure work environment is crucial, especially as structures age and wear over time. Just as individuals go for regular check-ups to monitor their health as they age, it is equally important to conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance of facilities. This proactive approach helps prevent structural failures and ensures a safe working environment. Using advanced techniques is essential. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans and drone inspections are valuable tools to assess the structure’s condition accurately.

Speakers
Cheyenne WohlfordCustom Concrete SpecialistsPresident/CEO
Tuesday Feb. 27; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #1: Domes – Key Benefits for the Grain IndustryOpen

Domes can be key for the Grain Industry and help with labor issues (greatly reducing labor and allowing for automation), 40+ year structures, allow for winter build, and store products for longer periods of time to capture carry or supply processors year-round. Presentation will cover the following:
1) Winter Build Capability – Allowing for more time for commissioning and not running projects up until harvest
2) Largest No Entry Structures- Domes can be designed up to 2.5 million and 3.0 million bushels and remain “No Entry Systems”. Creating a safe work environment, extensive labor efficiencies, and maximizing mix and blend. Domes can be built up to 6 million bushels in capacity without being a No Entry System.
3) Insulated Structure- Especially important as Soybean Processing continues to increase domestically. Soybeans have been stored in a dome from Harvest (November) until the end of July and maintained a temperature of 37 degrees F, allowing for safe storage to feed processing facilities year round.
4) Concrete/Steel Reinforced Structures- Extended lifespan and also free span inside. They are solid structures that do not have trusses or beams that can harbor insects and dust.

Speakers
Daren WheelerDome TechnologySales Manager

Employee Development Track

Summary

From the Employee Development track, attendees can expect topics on retention, recruitment, building a strong culture and resources to invest in your team. 

Employee Development Track Sessions

Sunday Feb. 25, 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #2: If Only … 30 secondsOpen

Reliving the day that 30 seconds could have kept our family complete. Reliving the day, 22 years later, still wells up tears of sadness for my family Reliving the day has come full circle in hopes for others to choose to work safely and go home to their families. A true life story that will change how you work.

Speakers
Dawn ChisholmIf Only LLCOwner and Speaker
Sunday Feb. 25, 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Innovation Station #2: Investing in Team Development – Putting Your Resources Where it CountsOpen

Organizations have the opportunity to invest in their managers to improve their employee experience. Gallup research revealed that 70 percent of variance in employee engagement is attributed to the manager. Equipping managers with coaching skills helps create connection and creates conditions for improved employee experience and performance. Session participants will practice two simple coaching conversations to add to their toolkit. The session will be interactive with discussion between participants and idea sharing.

Speakers
Emily LehningRoots & Legacies ConsultingFounder
Monday Feb. 26; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: Retention is Your Best Recruitment StrategyOpen

Any leader or team member struggling to recruit and retain talent should attend this session. In this session, we will go over the mindset we should have towards retention and the tactics every person in an organization can execute to help retain talent that will lead to more successful recruitment efforts. We will also review the importance of human-centered leadership as technology advances. Participants will leave with a clear game plan for retaining talent now and into the future.

Speakers
Danielle CroughInterstatesVice President of People & Culture
Monday Feb. 26; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Building Your Business and Culture Through Your Strategy and People PracticesOpen

“I want this business to RUN, I don’t want it to run ME.”
“I don’t know why we are not growing more; I feel like we are doing the right things.”
If any of these statements sound familiar to you, or you’ve said them yourself, please know you’re not alone. We frequently work with business owners and leaders feeling the same. The first step forward in getting out of this spiral starts with clearly defining the goal. Yet too frequently, business leaders are so busy working in the business that they don’t have time to work on the business. What’s interesting is that many leaders don’t see the connection to this business strategy and their HR strategy – yet we’ve all felt the pain points when the two aren’t aligned (internal competition, employee drama, piling all the “to-dos” on YOU and not your managers). In this session, we will guide you through some of the same practices and questions we use with our clients to define these goals and objectives. Why? Defining this is the first step in determining what you may need in your HR strategy and practices.

Speakers
Kristen IrelandPeople Spark ConsultingCo-Founder
Monday Feb. 26; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #2: The Art of Influencing Others Using WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?)Open

Everyone operates through the lens of What’s in It For Me? Participants will learn techniques to identify others’ needs, position ideas and approaches to meet those needs, and move projects and work forward faster. Strategies and tactics for this workshop focus on approaches for personal and professional situations.

Speakers
Karen HugheyNucleus LearningFounder, CEO
Monday Feb. 26; 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #2: Confronting Conflict with ConfidenceOpen

This workshop uses the four competencies of emotional intelligence to explore differing perspectives of interpersonal conflict, providing learners with practical tools for conflict management and resolution in future personal and professional relationships with confidence. 

Speakers
Dr. Audrey AyersHarmony Group ConsultingFounder and Head Coach
Dr. Margie JohnsonHarmony Group ConsultingCo-Founder
Monday Feb. 26; 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Education Session: Recruiting, Mentoring, and Retaining Generation Z WorkersOpen

While recognizing that each employee is an individual, broad traits have been observed about the youngest individuals to enter the workforce: Generation Z. While Millennials were identified as driven, hyper-connected, and confident, your youngest employees are more likely to be uncertain, risk-averse, anxious, and fearful of adulthood. Instead of looking ahead to a world of opportunities, Gen Z often sees an uncertain future. It is encouraging to note that members of Gen Z are open-minded, curious, compassionate, excited to learn, and eager to make a difference in the world. Regrettably, they are also more anxious and depressed and exhibit a lower ability to cope with adversity than previous generations at the same age.
Changes in this generation have come faster than other generations. How do managers successfully recruit, retain, mentor, and engage this generation of workers? Is it possible to align employer and Gen Z expectations regarding work expectations? Effective leadership is inextricably connected to change. Are you prepared to adapt to these unique and evolving challenges? This presentation will provide tangible content and immediate application related to these questions.

Speakers
Allison McFarlandBethel CollegeEndowed Chair of Business
Monday Feb. 26; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Education Session: Teamwork Might Make the Dream Work, But Teammates Make the Teamwork: How to Build a Successful TeamOpen

Does self-centeredness keep the individuals you work with from being as effective as they could be? Everybody craves teamwork on their team, but teamwork doesn’t happen without good teammates—individuals who put the needs of the team ahead of any self-serving agendas. This session will help you gain a greater understanding of the art of building good teammates. You’ll discover how an attainable, life-altering concept known as “The WE Gear” can be infused into your work culture. This is a can’t-miss session for any grain industry leader who wants to facilitate a more productive operation.

Speakers
Lance LoyaThe Good Teammate FactoryCEO
Tuesday Feb. 27; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Stop Being a Sh**tty Boss – Employee Recruitment & Retention Starts with YouOpen

So many things when it comes to managing people are out of your control. Being a sh**tty boss is not one of them! Join Sara Kepley for a light-hearted and amusing session about the importance of being a good boss and how it directly impacts company culture, recruitment, and retention.

Speakers
Sara KepleyProValue Insurance|ProValue HR ConsultingChief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
Tuesday Feb. 27; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #2: Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Master the GROW ModelOpen

Leaders often find themselves stuck in a cycle of recurring challenges, despite possessing management skills. The missing link? A focused approach to leadership that minimizes interference and maximizes fire. In under 60 minutes, learn to adopt an Inside-Out approach, master active listening, and implement the GROW model to revolutionize your leadership and unleash your team’s potential.

Speakers
Eric PratumBigwideskyCOO

Safety Track

Summary

The Safety track brings a blend of topics on railroad safety, human performance, cybersecurity, dust safety and fall protection. 

Safety Track Sessions

Sunday, Feb. 25; 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #3: Fall Protection Program ManagementOpen

Fall protection remains one of OSHA’s top cited violations. However, managing your FP program doesn’t have to be complicated. The ANSI Z359 code provides program management best practices. Following the hierarchy of controls, we will simplify the mitigation options available to you as a safety professional. In this workshop, we will also explore some fundamental program elements such as key terminology, PPE selection and inspection, and proper harness donning.

Speakers
Bill KrekeTritech Fall ProtectionTechnical Sales Manager
Sunday, Feb. 25; 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Innovation Station # 3: Housekeeping That Works When No One Else WillOpen

Anyone who deals with dust also has fugitive dust. Fugitive dust causes problems and is a challenge to manage. Traditional housekeeping methods for industrial facilities can be dangerous and laborious. At a time when labor is hard to find and profit margins are razor thin, the thought of hiring additional staff for housekeeping is probably off the table. When human resources are strained, the focus shifts to production, while things like housekeeping go by the wayside. Safety and compliance are sacrificed as a result. Facilities need an efficient way to ensure their housekeeping is effective, even if labor is unavailable. Fortunately, there is an alternative to manual housekeeping that creates a safer, more efficient, and more compliant facility.

Speakers
Jordan NewtonSonicAireChief Operating Officer
Monday, Feb. 26; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: Securing Your Grain Elevator: The Crucial Role of a Robust NetworkOpen

As the threat of cybersecurity continues to be on the rise and the demands of digital transformation put an unplanned strain on your infrastructure, we’ll help you understand how creating a robust network will help prepare you for the future. We’ll unpack what Software Defined Networking (SDN) looks like in OT environments and how it compares to traditional networks. We will also explore why selecting a product with OT specific background is valuable and what the real difference can be. This session will explore how SDN networks will prepare you to meet your Operational and Cybersecurity goals.

Speakers
David SmitInterstatesSenior Systems Analyst
Monday, Feb. 26; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Dust Control Basics for Grain ProcessingOpen

Controlling and managing grain dust is a crucial aspect of environmental health & safety for grain elevators and processors. In this presentation, we’ll explore the dangers of uncontrolled grain dust and the fundamentals of dust collection system design and engineering for grain processing. Attendees will learn how to recognize a dust problem and the dangers of fugitive grain dust, including occupational health, combustion risk and food safety/cross contamination concerns. Then, we’ll explore potential solutions, including options for source capture and ambient control of dust and considerations in solution design. Participants will leave better equipped to make effective decisions for management of dust in their facilities.

Speakers
Alysha ParisRoboVentDirector of Engineering
Adam HarozConversion TechnologyDirector of Engineering
Monday, Feb. 26; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #3: Application and Reliability of Combustible Dust Explosion Protection Solutions + Live Explosion DemonstrationOpen

In many agricultural products handling and processing systems combustible dust presents a potential explosion hazard. These hazards can be managed through the application of explosion prevention and protection solutions however these solutions are not one size fits all. Join us for a highlight of explosion safety options compliant with NFPA standards and key considerations such as selection, certification and maintenance to ensure effective and reliable explosion protection for your plant and personnel. This is your chance to see explosion safety live in action as we conclude the session with a live explosion demonstration and an example of flameless venting technology.

Speakers
Jeramy SlaunwhiteRembe IncChief Technical Officer – Explosion Safety
Monday, Feb. 26; 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #3: Real-Time Measurement of Suspended Dust ConcentrationOpen

With increasing grain production and volume of grains handled across the U.S., there exists an increased grain dust explosion hazard. In the last ten years, there were 85 reported grain dust explosions causing 17 deaths. But, there is a lack of adoptable and inexpensive technologies that can give a forewarning of the imminent danger or risk with dust accumulation. There is a critical need for a technology to measure the level of dust within a facility and enable a facility manager to make appropriate decisions to prevent an explosion. One opportunity is using the existing surveillance video cameras in the facilities to measure the suspended dust. Our research has shown that light extinction coefficient can accurately predict the suspended dust concentration. We have developed a real-time suspended dust concentration measurement technology using live video stream. This technology would benefit the grain handling and processing industry to protect worker safety and reduce grain dust explosion incidents. Come watch a live demonstration of the application.

Speakers
Kingsly AmbrosePurdue UniversityProfessor
Monday, Feb. 26; 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Education Session: Panel – Fumigation Best Practices – Part 1Open

This session will address effective techniques to limit insect infestation in grain storage. This is a two hour session with a 15 minute break. Session 1 will be from 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Session 2 will be from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Join for either session or both.

Speakers
Perry NettlesEcolabSouth Regional Manager
Jeremy JacksonDouglas ProductsBusiness Development Manager
Blake BucknerDegesch AmericaDirector of Operations
Justin MosesEcolabDistrict Manager
Todd WilhelmUPLSales Manager
Jeff WaggonerFSSVice President/General Manager
Monday, Feb. 26; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Education Session: Panel – Fumigation Best Practices – Part 2Open

This session will address effective techniques to limit insect infestation in grain storage. This is a two hour session with a 15 minute break. Session 1 will be from 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Session 2 will be from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Join for either session or both.

Speakers
Perry NettlesEcolabSouth Regional Manager
Jeremy JacksonDouglas ProductsBusiness Development Manager
Blake BucknerDegesch AmericaDirector of Operations
Justin MosesEcolabDistrict Manager
Todd WilhelmUPLSales Manager
Jeff WaggonerFSSVice President/General Manager
Tuesday Feb. 27; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: Railroad 101 – Safe & Efficient Rail Use for the Grain IndustryOpen

Rail is one of the most efficient methods for transporting goods and to maximize its benefits we must avoid high dollar mistakes and even worse, injuries. Our industrial rail course offers an informative, interactive, and rewarding training experience designed for individuals in an industrial setting who work on or near railroad tracks and rail cars. In this session we discuss various proactive measures to enhance rail safety, outline different types of rail training and who they benefit, and identify some of the most common causes for derailments and other costly mistakes around the rail that can be prevented.

Speakers
Erika BruhnkeRailpros IncVP Training Services
Jordan DavisRailPros IncSr. Manager of Business Development & Training
Tuesday Feb. 27; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: Humans: Not the Weakest, but the Strongest Link in the Safety Chain!Open

The typical focus in safety is that the human being is our weakest link in safety, that they are often blamed as the ones who have accidents, make mistakes, or poor choices. This flies in the face of the true nature of humans: skilled and naturally able to deal with risks, incredible brain power, and with a capability to deal with many risks in the work environment. In this presentation, you will see the “power of front-line people” and how we prevent many more accidents than what we make.

Speakers
Corrie PitzerSafemap International IncCEO
Tuesday Feb. 27; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #3: Application and Reliability of Combustible Dust Explosion Protection Solutions + Live Explosion DemonstrationOpen

In many agricultural products handling and processing systems combustible dust presents a potential explosion hazard. These hazards can be managed through the application of explosion prevention and protection solutions however these solutions are not one size fits all. Join us for a highlight of explosion safety options compliant with NFPA standards and key considerations such as selection, certification and maintenance to ensure effective and reliable explosion protection for your plant and personnel. This is your chance to see explosion safety live in action as we conclude the session with a live explosion demonstration and an example of flameless venting technology.

Speakers
Jeramy SlaunwhiteRembe IncChief Technical Officer – Explosion Safety

Grain Operations Track

Summary

Grain Operations has topics on revolutionizing the grain industry, responding to change and best practices for grain storage and automation. 

Grain Operations Track Sessions

Sunday Feb. 25, 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station # 4: Simulation Technologies in Bulk Handling MaterialOpen

Explore the new world of bulk solid handling with our advanced simulations and proven expertise. We enhance conveyor capacities, reliability, and failure prevention in innovative projects. Take your projects to the next level with us!

Speakers
Willian Antonio UrbanskiUcelo CompanyEngineering Manager
Sunday Feb. 25, 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Innovation Station #4: Developing an IMP Plan for Grain Storage Insect ControlOpen

With a big shift in mindset and approach and a relatively small investment in assets and labor very realizable gains can be made in protecting grain stocks from quality damaging stored insect pests. A multi pronged approach (IPM Integrated Pest Management) is necessary for long storage times in warm climates.

Speakers
Jonathan FreschlyWheelerbrothers GrainSuperintendent
Monday Feb. 26; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: Why “Catching up” Isn’t Enough – A Panel DiscussionOpen

Change is inevitable, this is something we have all heard and many believe in. Yet, we are still reluctant when the rubber meets the road. Why? Change isn’t simple. It’s messy and the path isn’t unencumbered, but it is necessary. Over time the speed and adaptation to change will vary, but embracing and learning to manage change in your organization is table stakes. We need to engage our collective experience as an industry and outside our industry to ensure we move forward in a manner that is sustainable, both financially and environmentally, with the sense of urgency that is required and with the consciousness to empower our teams to behave in a manner that meets their physical and physiological needs. Join us for a panel discussion on managing change.

Speakers
Ethan TaubeAgtegra CooperativeRegional Manager
Jim VoigtJFV SolutionsPresident
Doug ClingmanCentral Valley Ag (CVA)Chief Technology Officer
Marcus NealMN AgSolutions LLCOwner
Monday Feb. 26; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session: You and Your Staff Are the Reason Your Company Got HackedOpen

Cybercrime is a human problem. You can have the best firewall, anti-virus or VPN, but all it takes is for you to accidentally click on a link in an email, or text message, or give out information over the phone and you’re hacked. There’s no way to predict a cyberattack, whether by a lack of security solutions or a careless employee opening some type of malicious attachment. Get crucial tips to keep your business safe and secure.

Speakers
Burton KelsoIntegralChief Technology Expert
Monday Feb. 26; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #4: Grain Inventory Digitally Transformed by IoTOpen

Digital transformation improves supply chain resilience, automation, accuracy, and efficiency, benefiting people effectively collaborating in a digital system. Today’s IoT systems pool technology partners together incorporating sensors, software, solar, predictive forecasting, and a little AI. By bringing bulk material data from sensors atop silos to customized secure cloud reports, authorized users access the same inventory information in real-time. Decisions and conversations happen with everyone across the operation on the same page. It’s all about collaboration, accuracy, and transformation to a more automated process.

Speakers
Mike MossageBinMasterVice President of Sales
Monday Feb. 26; 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Innovation Station #4: AI for Everyone: An Interactive Learning Session with ChatGPTOpen

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, and it’s more important than ever to understand what AI is and how it works. In this interactive learning session, you’ll learn the basics of AI, explore different AI applications, and have the opportunity to try your hand at creating content using prompts to help you build your business. No prior experience with AI is necessary. This session is designed for everyone, from beginners to experts.

Speakers
Burton KelsoIntegralChief Technology Expert
Monday Feb. 26; 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Education Session: Driving your Company’s Carbon Reduction Goals Cost EffectivelyOpen

Measuring where power goes gets a company on the path to conserving and lowering expenses. Also, many grain elevators and processing facilities either have carbon reduction goals currently, or will have requirements imposed on them by their customers in the near future. While solar and wind are existing and known technologies, facility leaders must understand what outcomes they need so that systems are sized correctly and optimized for payback. Right now, there are several sources for incentives and grants, as well as option to lease renewables and their benefits. We will provide a clear outline for the steps a company can take to achieve their goals as cost-effectively as possible.

Speakers
Matt SabeeFaith Technologies Incorporated (FTI)Group Leader – Field Energy
Matt Zabel Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI)Solution Architect – Digital Power
Monday Feb. 26; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Education Session: Grain Integrity in Storage: Safeguarding Quality and LivesOpen

In “Grain Integrity in Storage: Safeguarding Quality and Lives” seminar by OPI, industry professionals will explore the critical intersection of grain quality and safety, delving into pressing hazards such as grain bridging and walling. Attendees will be introduced to the state-of-the-art monitoring and maintenance solutions that prevent grain spoilage and ensure worker safety. By highlighting industry best practices and incorporating real-world testimonials, the seminar aims to foster a culture of safety and vigilance in grain storage management. The presentation underscores the pivotal role of technology and informed strategies in averting grain storage tragedies and maintaining grain quality. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge on upholding grain integrity, preventing significant losses, and safeguarding lives.

Speakers
Brett AndricksOPIVP of Sales, Marketing and CX
Adam WeissOPICEO
Tuesday Feb. 27; 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Education Session: Outside & Temporary Grain Storage – Best PracticesOpen

For many customers, utilizing outside grain storage is a necessary, but often painful part of harvest. We want to help take away SOME of the pain points – especially when it comes to tarp installation. The goal of this presentation is to provide unique, efficient, and safe methods for installing the tarp. In addition, we want participants to understand how they can maintain grain quality on outside piles in budget-friendly and innovative ways. We will provide photos, videos, and real life experience to help take the pain and frustration out of outside storage.

Speakers
Brandee PolandSoles Enterprises Inc.Sales and Marketing Manager
Tuesday Feb. 27; 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Education Session:Revolutionizing Grain Handling: Navigating Labor Shortages with Automation and Remote Monitoring SolutionsOpen

In an era marked by labor shortages, the grain handling industry faces unique challenges. This presentation explores the transformative potential of automation and remote monitoring technologies in mitigating the impact of workforce gaps. Join us as we delve into practical solutions and cutting-edge strategies to optimize operational efficiency, enhance safety protocols, and elevate overall productivity. Drawing on real-world examples and expertise from industry leaders, we’ll showcase how embracing advanced controls and automation can revolutionize grain handling, ensuring seamless operations in an evolving landscape.

Speakers
Gary Roberts IIINorthWind Technical ServicesAccount Manager
Tuesday Feb. 27; 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Innovation Station #4: Silo Bags Open

Silo bags are form of high-performance plastic packaging used to store grains & silage. Silo bags offer protection with nonmanual handling process and transportation efficiency. Silo Bags allows farmers to have the bags on the farms without the need of transportation to warehouses, reducing the risk of food waste.

Speakers
Morgan HeekeExxonMobilMarket Developer
Trevor WellsArmando Alvarez GroupSales & Business Development Leader