Registration Now Open for GEAPS Exchange 2020
Registration Now Open for GEAPS Exchange 2020
Registration is now open for GEAPS Exchange 2020, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s (GEAPS) 91st International Technical Conference and Exposition, March 21-24, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Register online on the Exchange website.
The conference features over 350 exhibitors in the Expo Hall, nearly 40 hours of educational programming and a variety of networking opportunities at social events. GEAPS members receive free daily admission to the Expo Hall and a discount for additional booth workers.
GEAPS International President Steve Myers, Bunge Milling, has attended Exchange for the past 12 years. He uses the conference as an opportunity to meet with partners face-to-face to get a lot of work done. “Last year, I got to talk with one of our software suppliers. We sat down and went over all of the new updates and they gave me a look at some new things that they are working on,” Myers said. ”Exchange is such a large gathering of industry folks; it’s a huge opportunity to address issues at our facility. “
See the Latest Technology and Services
There are two places to catch the newest products in the industry. The Idea Exchange on Sunday, March 22, features short presentations on new products. Inside the Expo Hall, over 350 exhibitors will feature products and services across 18 categories. The hall includes four spaces for interactive Expo Pods and a grain entrapment rescue demo. Lunch is also provided in the Expo Hall for free every day for attendees.
Limited booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact the GEAPS sales team.
Grow Your Network with Social Events
In addition to meeting suppliers and customers in the Expo Hall, Exchange features a number of social events to meet new colleagues and reinforce business relationships.
- Get-Acquainted Party, Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m.
- Welcome Reception, Sunday, March 22, 4:30 p.m.
- President’s Reception and Banquet, Tuesday, March 24, 5 p.m.
- Post-conference tour at Rahr Malting, Wednesday, March 25, 9 a.m.
The Get-Acquainted Party, Welcome Reception and President’s Reception and Banquet are included in Attendee Full Registrations, or can be purchased a la carte with other registration options. The post-conference tour is only available a la carte.
Nearly 40 Hours of Training to Build Your Skills
The educational program includes workshops, classroom lectures, interactive small-group sessions and a showcase of the latest ideas and products in the industry. Last year, attendance across all sessions was over 1,800 participants.
- Opening Workshop, Commitment to Safety, Sunday, March 22, 8 a.m.
- Idea Exchange, Sunday, March 22, 9:45 a.m.
- Hour-long education sessions; Monday, March 23; and Tuesday, March 24
- Closing Workshop, Aw Snap! How Owners Can Play a role in Avoiding Costly Project Problems, Tuesday, March 24, 2 p.m.
Sessions inside the Expo Hall include a grain entrapment rescue demo and small-group presentations on confined spaces.
Attendees with credentials from GEAPS and Kansas State University will have many opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs). In all, 22 hour-long sessions will each qualify for one-tenth of a CEU, as well as the Opening Workshop (one and a half) and Closing Workshop (one and a half).
To receive CEUs, attendees must complete an online quiz. The complete educational programming schedule will be released in November.
Exchange Housing Options
GEAPS has negotiated discounted room rates at three different hotel properties in downtown Minneapolis. All three are close to the convention center and are connected via indoor skyway. GEAPS’ housing management company, Experient, will handle all hotel reservations and inquiries. Reservations must be made online through the housing page on the Exchange website.
The room block cut-off date is Feb. 20, 2020. After this date, room availability will be based on hotel availability and may not be available at the discounted rate. The room block cancellation deadline is Feb. 6, 2020.