Schedule

Kansas City Convention Center – Registration Lobby 2300

The International Board of Directors represents the interests of all members in evolving and advancing GEAPS’ strategic plan. The Board identifies and oversees the development and implementation of member programs and services that best serve GEAPS’ core purpose—providing forums that promote innovation and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information about grain industry operations safety, health, efficiency and environmental responsibility. This meeting is open to GEAPS members.

Learn more about the International Board of Directors here.

Formed in 2024, GEAPS Education and Training Committee offers support, recommendations and insight to GEAPS as it works to develop and deliver high quality industry-specific workforce training and educational offerings.

This is a standing committee, but anyone interested in future Exchange planning is welcome to come observe and participate!

The Exchange Futures Committee was formed in 2022 to shape the future of GEAPS Exchange by discussing policies, programming, and future sites in order to make recommendations and share creative ideas for how to make Exchange the best conference it can be for both attendees and exhibitors.

This is a standing committee, but anyone interested in learning more about how GEAPS is advancing membership is welcome to come observe and participate!

The Membership Committee provides direction for and oversight of GEAPS’ membership development plans and programs to include member recruitment, retention and engagement.

This is a standing committee, but anyone interested in learning more about how GEAPS is improving our chapter network is welcome to come observe and participate!

The Chapter Resource Committee provides GEAPS chapter leader outreach as a knowledge and peer-support resource for leadership and program development.

This is a working committee, but anyone interested in how Exchange education is developed is welcome to come observe and participate!

The Exchange Educational Programming Committee represents member interests in the professional development program components of the annual international technical conference and exposition, the Exchange, by identifying long-term grain operations continuing education needs and trends, establishing program development objectives, selecting topics and faculty, overseeing content development and evaluating program effectiveness to improve future performance.

First Timer or International Attendee? This fun event is for you! A relaxed and intimate event that allows the attendees to get acquainted with the event and with some of the best GEAPS members. Fun food and drinks will just add to the party!

Details are coming soon!

This event is free for all attendees. Group will start from the Marriott Lobby. Maps of route will be available on-site.

Kansas City Convention Center – Registration Lobby 2300

This action-packed keynote is a results-based adventure leaving teams inspired to continually improve both professionally and personally exactly as elite fighter pilots do. Jack’s simple and repeatable process teaches how to build on successes while avoiding repeat mistakes, helping teams perform at a higher level. Perfect for every role across your operation.

The sky’s the limit with a team that knows how to stay agile and cohesive. Jack‘s process of continual improvement allows everyone to strive to achieve peak performance, whether you work in operations, maintenance, safety, logistics, or beyond.  Discover what it takes to stay mission-focused as Jack takes you behind closed doors to learn why U.S. fighter pilots are the best in the world. Make your team a Top Gun with Supersonic Success!

Speakers

Captain Jack Becker

Join fellow attendees for this popular event, the Idea Exchange!  Come see short presentations from a variety of speakers on some of the newest and innovative products and ideas to the grain industry. This is a must-attend event. Directly after the conference keynote, the Idea Exchange runs from 9:45 a.m. – 11a.m.

What’s New?

Includes new products and services developed for grain operations during the past year. Please note, you must be an Exchange 2025 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.

Convention Center: Expo Hall

The Expo Hall is a great place to check out the newest products, equipment and services. Many companies bring their equipment to the show; this is a tangible experience! Operators can learn more about the latest technology and trend while getting their hands on equipment and asking questions. Executives can reinforce existing business relationships and form new ones. New this year, pick up some new tricks in the hall’s Innovation Stations. The Expo Hall also serves as a lunch and education destination. Lunch is provided for free for attendees.

This event is free for all attendees.

Enjoy lunch in the Expo Hall.

Convention Center: Expo Hall

A GEAPS Exchange favorite, the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demo will return to the Expo Hall at this year’s Exchange. Presented by the folks at Oklahoma State University, the grain entrapment demonstration is a comprehensive, hands on look at both the dangers of grain bins and the lifesaving safety measures you need to know!

This year, GEAPS is partnering with RF-Dash (Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety & Health) to share important information on grain emergencies and prevention planning.

The demonstrations will run throughout the show, be sure to stop by and pick up skills to help make sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each work day.

Speakers

Carol Jones, PhD, PECL Jones Consulting and OSU Fire Service TrainingInstructor

Butch HendrixKokomo Grain Co., Inc.Safety Director

Behind every successful grain business is a strong partnership between operations and merchandising. This panel brings together two experienced grain operators and two seasoned merchandisers to explore how these roles collaborate, communicate, and sometimes collide in the fast-paced grain industry. Through real-world examples and open dialogue, panelists will share how operational decisions impact marketing strategies—and vice versa—while highlighting ways to strengthen coordination, manage risk, and drive profitability. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how aligning these functions can create efficiency, reduce friction, and ultimately improve the bottom line.

Convention Center: Expo Hall at Innovation Station # 2 – Expo Lounge

Join fellow grain merchandisers during the GEAPS Welcome Reception and make connections with attendees whose jobs are similar to your own.

TBA

In today’s rapidly changing workplace, effective leadership isn’t about doing more — it’s about growing more. Strong leaders know that when they grow their own skills, mindset, and communication style, their entire team levels up with them. In this fast-paced and engaging session, David draws from decades of experience in leadership, performance, and communication to share the practical habits and mindset shifts that help leaders grow — and take their teams with them.

Whether you’re leading from the front lines or the boardroom, you’ll leave with actionable tools to lead with clarity, earn trust, and navigate your team through change, pressure, and growth. This session is designed for anyone ready to invest in their leadership potential to unlock their team’s highest performance.

Top 3 Audience Takeaways:

1. A Practical Framework for Leadership Clarity:
Attendees will learn a simple yet powerful model for setting clear expectations, making confident decisions, and aligning their team around shared goals — even under pressure.

2. A Toolkit for Building Trust and Accountability:
Participants will walk away with actionable techniques to foster open communication, give effective feedback, and create a culture of accountability that drives performance without micromanagement.

3. Personal Leadership Growth Plan:
Every attendee will leave with a customizable plan to identify their leadership strengths, close key skill gaps, and begin applying consistent habits that grow both themselves and their teams.

Speakers

David BrysonDavid BrysonSpeaker

Kick off the Processing Track with an engaging conversation featuring industry leaders from across the grain processing spectrum, including soy crush, corn ethanol, and grain co-products. This panel brings together experts who are shaping the future of processing to discuss emerging trends, market opportunities, and the innovations driving efficiency and sustainability across the value chain. Attendees will gain insight into how evolving demand, policy, and technology are transforming operations and creating new possibilities for growth. The session will also celebrate excellence in the industry with the presentation of the IOMSA Golden Ticket Awards.

Speakers

John CaupertGEAPSExecutive Director

Kurt RosentraterIowa State UniversityProfessor

Keep your grain operation running smoothly with practical strategies for maintaining chain conveyors and bucket elevators—the heart of your facility. This session highlights the importance of preventive maintenance to reduce costly downtime, from bearings and sprockets to chains, rails, and belts. Learn proven techniques for inspections, lubrication, alignment, and wear detection, along with real-world tips for extending equipment life. The presentation combines illustrations with hands-on demonstrations, including belt splicing and bucket installation do’s and don’ts. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to create or strengthen a preventive maintenance schedule that saves both time and money.

Speakers

Reggie WhiteRNC-Company IncDirector of Operations

This session explores why culture consistently outperforms strategy and how leaders can intentionally shape it to drive performance. Attendees will learn how to create team agreements that foster accountability, trust, and alignment across multigenerational teams. We’ll develop practical communication skills to enhance collaboration, mitigate conflict, and promote improved retention. Leaders will also gain tools to manage their own state and emotions, enabling them to lead with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations. Participants will leave with a leadership playbook that connects culture, communication, and emotional intelligence to stronger teams and safer, more resilient operations.

Speakers

George Baker Rail Safe TrainingOperational Efficiency Specialist

Convention Center: Expo Hall

A GEAPS Exchange favorite, the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demo will return to the Expo Hall at this year’s Exchange. Presented by the folks at Oklahoma State University, the grain entrapment demonstration is a comprehensive, hands on look at both the dangers of grain bins and the lifesaving safety measures you need to know!

This year, GEAPS is partnering with RF-Dash (Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety & Health) to share important information on grain emergencies and prevention planning.

The demonstrations will run throughout the show, be sure to stop by and pick up skills to help make sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each work day.

Speakers

Carol Jones, PhD, PECL Jones Consulting and OSU Fire Service TrainingInstructor

Butch HendrixKokomo Grain Co., Inc.Safety Director

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.  

This event is free for all attendees. 

Kansas City Convention Center – Registration Lobby 2300

Historically, post-traumatic stress has been categorized as a disorder or otherwise misrepresented. Several historical figures have exhibited PTS responses that changed their behavior and either incapacitated them or made them unstoppable. Diversity of experience should be used to enhance the team. Assessing risk, post trauma, provides a valuable view that can assist decision makers.

Temporary ground storage piles can be a practical solution during harvest surges or when permanent storage is limited—but they come with unique risks to grain quality and safety. This session will explore proven strategies for designing, managing, and maintaining ground piles to minimize spoilage, pest intrusion, and moisture-related issues. Attendees will gain insights into site preparation, cover systems, aeration techniques, and monitoring protocols that help ensure stored grain remains safe and marketable. Whether you’re planning a new pile or troubleshooting an existing one, this presentation will provide actionable guidance rooted in real-world experience and industry best practices.

Speakers

Jon BrownMKCDirector of Facilities

This session explores how the next wave of biofuel demand growth will reshape U.S. agriculture in ways fundamentally different from the last boom. Attendees will learn why feed coproduct supplies—especially protein meals—are poised to outpace domestic demand, creating logistical and pricing challenges. We’ll examine how elevated vegetable oil prices and sustainability incentives could trigger shifts in crop rotations toward higher oil-yielding crops and cover crops. With policy and consumer-driven demand now emerging from federal, state, provincial, and international levels, biofuel growth is more resilient—but also more complex. Finally, we’ll discuss how differing sustainability requirements across markets are creating new opportunities for differentiation, specialization, and margin capture within the grain and feed value chain.

Speakers

Duane Dunlap DNS CommoditiesPresident

During this session, Joe Mlynek, a partner at Safety Made Simple, and Anne Cook, safety director at Custom Agri Systems, Inc., will reflect on the loss of a coworker and discuss the significant changes in company strategy that followed this tragic incident.

Join industry experts for a deep-dive panel discussion on advanced maintenance methodologies designed to optimize conveyor system performance and reliability. This session will explore real-world best practices and targeted maintenance solutions addressing common mechanical failures that contribute to system downtime.
Panelists will share insights on:
• Proven strategies for mitigating failure modes in conveyor installations
• Case studies highlighting successful failure mitigation across various mechanical components that make up a conveyor
• Best practices in maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime.
This session is ideal for maintenance personnel, reliability professionals, operations managers, and technical leaders seeking actionable insights to enhance system uptime, reduce operational risk, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Speakers

Brad DroegmillerDodge IndustrialSenior Territory Manager

Dallas HouchinsPrecision PulleyField Applications Manager

Duane KeastDodge IndustrialSenior Territory Manager

Dust Hazard Analyses (DHA) don’t have to be overwhelming—many facilities can successfully self-perform them with the right tools and approach. This session will walk through the full process, from identifying hazardous dust and gathering necessary information to using a checklist method for conducting the DHA. Presenters will explain how to assign risk levels to findings with a risk matrix, helping you prioritize which issues to address first. You’ll also learn what to do with action items after the DHA is complete, including real-world timelines ranging from months to years. Attendees will leave with practical examples, resources, and strategies to confidently conduct their own DHA and manage corrective actions effectively.

The old ways of leadership aren’t working. The workforce is disengaged. And the workplace is more dynamic and complex than ever before. Leaders who cling to traditional top-down approaches are falling behind in an environment that demands agility, collaboration, and psychological safety. Rather than an emphasis on managing people toward results, leaders today must focus on better understanding people and creating the conditions that allow them to thrive. In this session, we’ll explore this fundamental shift in leadership and identify the key competencies needed for success in today’s evolving landscape.

Speakers

Shaun Lee 6 LeversManaging Partner & Co-Founder

Dust management is important for both safety and efficiency in grain operations, and baghouse filters play a key role in keeping facilities safe and productive. This session will cover topics including explosion protection, product retention, and an overview of different baghouse filter styles. Attendees will gain a better understanding of airflow fundamentals and how they impact performance. Practical maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips will also be shared to help extend equipment life and protect product quality. With decades of experience in this field, Kice will provide insights, solutions, and opportunities for open discussion on dust hazards and challenges.

Speakers

Ben Kice Kice Industries IncRegional Sales Manager

Safe rail operations rely on clear communication, proper inspection, and consistent procedures. This session covers best practices for switching and securing rail cars, inspecting tracks and equipment, and handling switches safely. Attendees will learn how to prevent derailments, ensure cars are properly secured, and protect the point during shoving movements. Featuring examples of PPE and tools used in the field, this FRA-approved training brings proven rail safety practices to grain industry professionals. Strengthen your team’s communication and awareness to keep every rail movement safe and efficient.

Speakers

Steven FryNorthern Plains RailroadAssistant Director of Safety, Training, Operating Practices

This deeply personal session shares the story of a mother whose son was lost in a workplace fatality, highlighting the real human cost of safety lapses. Attendees will learn the critical role safety professionals and employers play in protecting workers, and the importance of thorough employee training and vigilance. The presentation emphasizes that safety is the responsibility of every supervisor, manager, and employee, and that the choices made each day can mean the difference between life and death. Participants will gain a profound understanding of how workplace incidents ripple through families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities. The session concludes with a Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly and reflect on ways to ensure every worker returns home safely.

Speakers

Stacy Sebald USMWF-United Support & Memorial for Workplace FatalitiesFamily & Board Member

Convention Center: Expo Hall

The Expo Hall is a great place to check out the newest products, equipment and services. Many companies bring their equipment to the show; this is a tangible experience! Operators can learn more about the latest technology and trend while getting their hands on equipment and asking questions. Executives can reinforce existing business relationships and form new ones. New this year, pick up some new tricks in the hall’s Innovation Stations. The Expo Hall also serves as a lunch and education destination. Lunch is provided for free for attendees.

This event is free for all attendees.

Convention Center: Expo Hall

A GEAPS Exchange favorite, the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demo will return to the Expo Hall at this year’s Exchange. Presented by the folks at Oklahoma State University, the grain entrapment demonstration is a comprehensive, hands on look at both the dangers of grain bins and the lifesaving safety measures you need to know!

This year, GEAPS is partnering with RF-Dash (Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety & Health) to share important information on grain emergencies and prevention planning.

The demonstrations will run throughout the show, be sure to stop by and pick up skills to help make sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each work day.

Speakers

Carol Jones, PhD, PECL Jones Consulting and OSU Fire Service TrainingInstructor

Butch HendrixKokomo Grain Co., Inc.Safety Director

TBA

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over 20% of globally harvested grain is spoiled each year, mainly due to insects and mildew. This session will show how innovative grain chilling technology like the GRANIFRIGOR system can significantly improve post-harvest storage management. Attendees will learn methods to prevent spoilage, control pests and fungi, and ensure the long-term quality of stored grains. Essential topics include the management of temperature and moisture to prevent spontaneous heating and resulting losses, along with practical steps for facility hygiene and monitoring. The session will also showcase the economic and environmental advantages of moving away from chemical storage treatments toward natural, energy-efficient solutions. Implementation guidelines will prepare participants to apply these principles within their own grain storage operations.

Speakers

Johannes Karcher FrigorTec LPPresident

Shaft couplings are used in both high- and low-speed applications across the grain industry, from drying system fans and blowers to pneumatic conveyors and metering devices. This session will explore metallic and elastomeric couplings, highlighting how elastomeric elements offer the same torsional rating with no metal-to-metal contact—eliminating lubrication and reducing maintenance time. Attendees will learn to select the right coupling based on shaft size, speed, chemical resistance, dampening, and ease of installation. The presentation includes images, videos, and hands-on demos, allowing participants to compare types and try element removal and reinstallation. By the end, attendees will gain actionable insights to improve equipment safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Speakers

Jeff WeaverMartin Sprocket & GearMaterial Handling Sales

Effective leadership starts with self-awareness, allowing leaders to understand their strengths and areas of opportunity. Strong communication builds trust by fostering clarity and connection. Effective leaders make timely, confident decisions and contribute to a culture of accountability. They make the development of others a priority through coaching, feedback and continued support. Having a growth mindset and being adaptable are critical elements for effective leadership during times of change and uncertainty.

Speakers

Lesley Herald  Lesley Herald ConsultingOwner, Founder

Enjoy lunch in the Expo Hall.

Convention Center: Expo Hall

A GEAPS Exchange favorite, the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demo will return to the Expo Hall at this year’s Exchange. Presented by the folks at Oklahoma State University, the grain entrapment demonstration is a comprehensive, hands on look at both the dangers of grain bins and the lifesaving safety measures you need to know!

This year, GEAPS is partnering with RF-Dash (Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety & Health) to share important information on grain emergencies and prevention planning.

The demonstrations will run throughout the show, be sure to stop by and pick up skills to help make sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each work day.

Speakers

Carol Jones, PhD, PECL Jones Consulting and OSU Fire Service TrainingInstructor

Butch HendrixKokomo Grain Co., Inc.Safety Director

This session will explore the differences between axial, high-speed, and low-speed centrifugal fans, including their impact on grain, system design, and the work environment. A detailed breakdown of sound mitigation strategies will also be included.

Speakers

Marcus Heller AGIProduct Engineer

Grain aeration is often more challenging than it appears. This interactive session uses demonstrations and videos to show airflow issues in bins and flat storage, including clogged floors, airflow through clean vs. dirty grain, and will measure static pressure in grain columns. Video demonstrations will include non-linear airflow from air ducts, over-space ventilation and more. Attendees will learn the limits of air application, why center peaks rarely get adequate airflow, and practical strategies to improve aeration and grain quality.

Speakers

Tom Nealey PEAGRI Engineering, PLLCOwner

Warren OdekirkGrowmark Commercial ConstructionProject Manager

A hands-on training focused on chain conveyor systems, covering safe disassembly/reassembly, wear detection, and preventive maintenance techniques to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Speakers

Rusty Shannon AGISales Manager

Attendees will learn proven strategies to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive market, including leveraging employer branding and flexible options. They will learn practical methods to minimize hiring mistakes through structured interviews and clear expectations. The session will provide insights into addressing the challenges posed by an aging workforce and creating an environment that reduces the impact on your business. Participants will also explore ways to bridge the skills gap driven by technological innovation with collaboration and leveraging employee strengths. Overall, they will be equipped with actionable approaches to build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Speakers

Mark WaschekAg1SourcePresident

This session will showcase how the use of DEM modeling can accurately simulate product flow through transfer points. Attendees will be guided through specific ‘before-and-after’ examples where designs using DEM simulations have fixed flow and reliability issues through transfer points. Advantages to using DEM will be discussed including improved loading of belt conveyors and bucket elevators, eliminating costly ‘trial-and-error’ field fixes, potential to reduce overall heights on new installations, optimizing spouting sizes, and more…

Speakers

Eric Peterson VAAPrincipal / Senior Project Manager

TBD

Speakers

Steve TipperyRealmFive, Inc.President & CEO

Proper installation of gear reducers and bearings is essential for reliable operation in bucket elevators and conveyors. This hands-on session demonstrates installation techniques and best practices using Dodge Torque Arm gear reducers and Safety Mount Bearings. Attendees will learn how to avoid common mistakes that can reduce equipment life and gain practical tips to maximize uptime and efficiency in grain handling systems.

Speakers

Rick Bliss Dodge IndustrialBusiness Development Manager

Chad Brown  Dodge IndustrialApplication Engineering Manager

Organizations today are struggling with generational divides, talent retention, and constant change, and leaders need tools that work now. In this session, I share a proven framework for building resilient, multi-generational teams that turn diversity into a strategic advantage instead of a source of conflict. Drawing on 15+ years of experience leading complex organizations and developing scalable leadership pipelines, I provide step-by-step strategies for equipping leaders at every level. Attendees will also learn practical methods for retaining top talent and transferring institutional knowledge through mentoring and succession systems. Participants will leave with a clear, actionable roadmap for leading through change while strengthening culture, collaboration, and long-term organizational success.

Speakers

Joshua Doumani SM CounselingDirector

Kansas City Convention Center – Registration Lobby 2300

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.

Speakers

Jess McCluerNational Grain and Feed Association (NGFA)Vice President, Safety & Regulatory Affairs

CO2 monitoring has been promoted as a breakthrough in grain storage, with claims that it can detect spoilage earlier than traditional methods. Elevated CO2 levels are indeed a sign of biological activity, often linked to mold or insect growth inside the bin. But the question remains: does CO2 alone provide the complete picture needed for effective grain management? This session will explore how CO2 alerts compare to other monitoring methods and what operators can realistically expect from them. Join us as we separate fact from myth in the debate over CO2 only grain monitoring.

Speakers

Adam WeissOPIsystems, IncCEO

Starting a sensor-based condition monitoring system can be challenging due to the wide range of technologies and approaches available to today’s industrial professionals. When properly implemented, these systems significantly reduce downtime and lead to improved efficiency, reliability, and safety. Success begins with a clear understanding of how these systems function and integrate with existing operations. By exploring real-world examples and proven best practices, attendees gain practical insights into effective implementation. The goal is to leave participants confident and equipped to launch their own condition monitoring programs.

Speakers

Connor Jackson Dodge IndustrialSensors Manager – IIoT Technologies

TBA

Grain quality is a cornerstone of success for storage companies, elevators, and feed mills—especially in today’s uncertain market conditions. This session will highlight how regular inspections, careful monitoring, and timely interventions can help maintain commodity value and prevent losses. Attendees will learn fumigation safety best practices, how to choose the right fumigation provider, and strategies for marketing a bug-free commodity. Presenters will also share how simple steps like turning grain and monitoring condition can reduce risk and protect quality. By prioritizing grain quality, operators can maximize profitability while ensuring a safe and reliable product.

Speakers

Perry NettlesEcolab SPSDirector of Business Development

Jeff JonesEcolab SPSBusiness Development Manager

Electrical equipment (switchboards, panelboards, motor control centers, etc.) serving industrial facilities is typically looked at when first installed and then ignored until end-of-life equipment failure. There is a better way to manage your facility to ensure that the normal lifecycle of electrical equipment does not cause unexpected shutdowns or huge financial burdens. A well-executed maintenance program will extend the life of your electrical system equipment, stabilize your annual maintenance budgets, and lower OSHA related violations.

Speakers

Josh Mulder Mulder Engineering, Inc.President – CEO

This session covers the essentials of confined space safety, focusing on OSHA regulations and best practices. It explains what constitutes a confined space focusing on unique spaces, and when a permit is required due to potential hazards. The presentation outlines the roles and responsibilities and emphasizes the importance of having a detailed rescue plan, noting that relying solely on 911 is often insufficient. Finally, it describes procedures for reclassifying spaces and the need for thorough documentation and employee training to maintain safety compliance.

Speakers

Gary Bandel Rahr CorporationRegional Safety Manager

This presentation will take the audience on a journey through the different extraction technologies used in Soybean processing. Topics covered will include the solvent extraction process including distillation and solvent recovery, explaining how each step affects the end quality and yields of the products. We will also cover the unique safety and environmental challenges of a soybean solvent extraction plant. Then we will dive into mechanical methods and technologies as alternatives, discussing when these might make more sense than traditional methods. Finally, we will talk a little about a secondary solvent extraction process that creates food instead of feed.

Speakers

Scott KorteN.Hunt Moore and Associates, IncDirector of Engineering

Convention Center: Expo Hall

The Expo Hall is a great place to check out the newest products, equipment and services. Many companies bring their equipment to the show; this is a tangible experience! Operators can learn more about the latest technology and trend while getting their hands on equipment and asking questions. Executives can reinforce existing business relationships and form new ones. New this year, pick up some new tricks in the hall’s Innovation Stations. The Expo Hall also serves as a lunch and education destination. Lunch is provided for free for attendees.

This event is free for all attendees.

Convention Center: Expo Hall

A GEAPS Exchange favorite, the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demo will return to the Expo Hall at this year’s Exchange. Presented by the folks at Oklahoma State University, the grain entrapment demonstration is a comprehensive, hands on look at both the dangers of grain bins and the lifesaving safety measures you need to know!

This year, GEAPS is partnering with RF-Dash (Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety & Health) to share important information on grain emergencies and prevention planning.

The demonstrations will run throughout the show, be sure to stop by and pick up skills to help make sure you and your team go home safe at the end of each work day.

Speakers

Carol Jones, PhD, PECL Jones Consulting and OSU Fire Service TrainingInstructor

Butch HendrixKokomo Grain Co., Inc.Safety Director

Effective grain management goes beyond monitoring temperature alone. This session demonstrates how integrated monitoring of temperature, moisture, and inventory provides a complete picture of grain condition, helping operators identify hidden risks and make informed decisions. Attendees will learn how actionable data can guide aeration strategies, reduce spoilage and shrink, and improve operational efficiency. The presentation includes a physical demonstration and visual examples to illustrate how modern monitoring tools provide scalable, real-time insights across one bin or an entire facility. By the end, participants will understand how comprehensive grain management supports proactive, data-driven decisions that protect quality and optimize operations.

Speakers

Kent WingertOPIsystems, Inc.Product Manager

Combustible dust is an inherent safety concern at all Grain Elevator facilities, no matter how small or how large. Combustible dust can lead to catastrophic events, damage and most unfortunate, injuries. The most important job of everyone at a workplace is to ensure a safe work environment such that all employees can return home to be with their families. Being knowledgeable and supporting properly installed and maintained explosion mitigation solutions should be at the top of everyone’s list for safety. This session will educate all on the safe practice of applying explosion mitigation in accordance with NFPA in the form of flameless venting.

Speakers

Rob Markle IEP TechnologiesRegional Sales Manager

Turnover in grain runs nearly twice the national average, so vacancies are a guarantee – not a surprise. Right now, intern offer and hire rates are at five-year lows, which means the funnel is broken. Every company has a choice: build your own leaders or pay a premium to chase them in the market. The winners will be the ones who prepare ahead instead of scrambling when a seat opens. As a result, they will ensure consistent leadership, safety, and operational performance.

Speakers

Joleen Hueftle Omni Ag ConsultingChief Talent Officer

Enjoy lunch in the Expo Hall.