Breakout Sessions

Written by NAMA on Friday, March 26, 2010 , 7:45 am

Our breakout sessions at the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 21-23, in Kansas City, will be interactive panel sessions. Take a look at the topics and the breakout speakers below.

mediaEmerging Media: The Latest Trends
Hear illuminating case studies and interact with pros paving the way in relationship and community building.

Social Media: The Case for Business Results

April 22 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
April 22 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Encore Presentation)
How did Monsanto go from reacting to criticism in social media to using the tools to build networks with producers, consumers and other stakeholders? How did the American Farm Bureau Federation involve and engage grassroots members in public policy advocacy? And, how do these innovative marketers measure the effectiveness of those efforts? Look at these firsthand applications of social media to consider how you might be able to gain similar results.

Mica VeihmanMica Veihman, Social Media Team Lead, Monsanto
Mica leads efforts to engage customers, industry partners and stakeholders in online discussions regarding the company’s efforts and agriculture in general. She leads a three person team responsible for managing and monitoring Monsanto’s Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channels, as well as the company’s internal social media council.

Mace ThorntonMace Thornton, Deputy Director of Public Relations, American Farm Bureau Federation
As Deputy Director of Public Relations for the AFBF in Washington, D.C., Mace is a key contributor to the organization’s overall public relations, media relations, social media strategy and issues management initiatives. He became a member of the nation’s largest agricultural organization in 1990 and currently serves as vice president of the Agricultural Relations Council.

Email Marketing: Strategies, Tactics, Results

April 23 ~ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.Joel Book
Joel Book, Director of eMarketing Education, ExactTarget

Engagement pathways. Dynamic content. Triggered messaging. Organizations are taking email marketing to the next level with more sophisticated techniques. Find out how leading marketers are cultivating relationships and standing out in the inbox. Joel Book, ExactTarget Director of eMarketing Education, shares some of the more innovative ways email is being used to attract new customers, help customers through a complex decision-making process and drive repeat purchases.

With more than 30 years of experience in database marketing, Joel brings a well-honed perspective on customer development and retention combined with the cutting-edge capabilities of the world’s leading provider of on-demand software for permission-based email and mobile marketing.

Don’t miss this chance to see how you can put these tools to work for you!

brandLeveraging Brand Power
Expand your perception of brand and discover how to make the most of every opportunity to strengthen it—for yourself, your company and your clients.

A Toast to Strategy & Brand Communication

April 22 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.Keith Levy
Keith Levy, Vice President of Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Anheuser-Busch (AB), InBev’s largest and most profitable subsidiary, encompasses more than 100 beer brands representing 103MM barrels of business that generate $13 billion in annual sales.

How does an organization of this size maintain a consumer-centric approach?

According to Keith Levy, it requires a consistent and well-disciplined brand positioning and portfolio management. As Vice President of Marketing, Keith leads the company’s total marketing efforts: consumer insights, creative development, innovation pipeline development, media, as well as entertainment and sports marketing.

Connecting with consumers through powerful and engaging brand communication is one of the things AB does best. Keith will share some of AB’s strategies for advertising and overall marketing success.

Whether you attend as a fellow marketer—or current or prospective customer—you’re sure to find this fast-paced perspective on strategic marketing direction both enlightening and enjoyable.

Innovations in Trade Show Marketing

April 22 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.Sally Behringer
Sally Behringer, Public Relations Account Supervisor, Nicholson Kovac

Trade shows are a stellar opportunity to showcase your brand. In this candid session, you’ll learn how successful companies prepare for a winning trade show experience, tips for standing out on the trade show floor and how to close the loop after the trade show ends.

Trade show marketing has been a special focus and passion for Sally Behringer for most of her 20-plus working years. She has provided strategic trade show planning for clients, including major international companies such as Rhone-Poulenc, Aventis, Elanco Animal Health, Schneider Electric and FMC Corporation.

In this jam-packed session, Sally provides tips and tools to help you assess and prioritize the potential ROI of a show, train your staff, measure your visibility and more.

Branding the Hallmark Way

April 23 ~ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.John Courtney
John Courtney, Consumer Understanding & Insight Manager, Hallmark Cards, Inc.

How does a third generation, family-owned, privately held company become one of the country’s best known and most well-regarded brands? And, how does it extend that brand from the original base of greeting cards to a diverse line of products that ranges from party supplies and gift wrap, to made-for-TV movies and a cable TV channel, to E-Cards and mobile greetings?

Over the past 100 years, Hallmark Cards has grown from two shoeboxes of postcards into a $4.3 billion company. Its products can be found in 100 countries around the world and in more than 41,500 stores in the United States alone.

It’s a fascinating marketing success story, particularly when considered from the consumer perspective. John Courtney, Consumer Understanding & Insight Manager, shares a unique insider’s perspective of this well-known brand’s history, the types of brand research the company conducts and the issues and challenges the brand faces today.

challengesManaging Challenges for Success
Whether it’s managing time, crisis situations, staff or your own career, management is always happening. Examine management on both micro and macro levels and learn new methods you can use immediately.

Getting Down to the Business of Ideas

April 22 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Glenn Karwoski
photo by
Glen Stu

Glenn Karwoski, Founder/Managing Director, The Business of Ideas
Ideas are the lifeblood of every successful business. To be competitive, organizations need all employees to think creatively and productively…about new ways to improve products and services, about new offerings, about how to work as efficiently as possible.

Now, Glenn Karwoski is sharing his classroom-tested approach to teaching creativity and generating more and better ideas. By taking part in these highly focused, creative exercises, you’ll learn proven ways to tap your own creativity and help colleagues tap theirs.

Glenn is the Founder and Managing Director of The Business of Ideas, an innovation and creativity consultancy based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and part of the Omnicom network of agencies. He has worked with a variety of organizations to help generate actionable ideas and to develop employee training focusing on innovation in the workplace. Some of his clients include Pfizer Animal Health, Syngenta, Marvin Windows and Doors and Target Corporation.

Managing the Generation Gap

April 22 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.Eric Spell
Eric Spell, President, AgCareers.com

Is the generation gap growing? A recent study by the Pew Research Center indicates it may be and cites a range of issues as evidence, from managing technology to lifestyles and manners.

So, how does this play out in the workplace?

Eric Spell, President of AgCareers.com, draws on his extensive background in training, recruiting and consulting to help illustrate the challenges these differences may cause…and shares the approaches—both good and bad—your colleagues across the country are using to navigate the divide.

From his boyhood on a North Carolina row crop farm to his nearly 20 years spent building the industry’s top online career and recruiting site, Eric has always had a lifelong passion for agriculture.

H1N1 & the Pork Industry: A Case Study in Managing Crisis Communications

April 22 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.Cindy Cunningham
Cindy Cunningham, Assistant Vice President of Communications, National Pork Board

Whether accurate or erroneous, a reported crisis can have immediate and far-reaching effects on your business.

Is your team ready to respond?

Cindy Cunningham, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the National Pork Board, shares how the Pork Industry’s H1N1 Response Team developed and implemented their emergency response plan.

With her farm background, ag journalism education and more than 20 years of professional communications experience, Cindy was well-prepared to lead this successful effort. By sharing her insights and experience, you’ll be better prepared to develop a strategic response and implement the appropriate tactics should an unexpected crisis hit you.

Put the “High Touch” Back in Your “High Tech” World

April 23 ~ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.Paul Adams
Paul Adams, President, Paul Adams & Associates

It’s happened to all of us. You’re in an important meeting, across from a client, customer or your co-worker, but you just can’t seem to make a connection. You’re not making progress and you both feel frustrated. Now what?

Paul Adams would have you conduct a quick and simple inventory of social styles that can help you improve your understanding of others’ work and communication styles and to read those tricky nonverbal cues.

Paul began his career in his family’s general store in Southwest City, Missouri, and now, after a 20-year career at Fleming Foods, provides sales and management education and consulting to national and international companies both in and outside the food industry.

Stop hiding behind e-mail. Learn a few easy tips that can help you become a pro at face-to-face communications with anyone…

For more information on the conference visit www.nama.org/amc.

Agri-Marketing Conference Deadlines Approaching

Written by NAMA on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 , 12:56 pm

nama2010logoEarly Registration Deadline – March 31, 2010

The early registration deadline for the Agri-Marketing Conference is Wednesday, March 31. Register today to avoid higher rates after March 31.

Download and fill out the registration form and mail, fax or phone it in to the NAMA Office. You may also register on-line at http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=8.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations until March 31 are entitled to a full refund. Cancellations from April 1 to April 10 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after April 10. All refunds will be subject to a $25 processing fee. No “Bill Me’s” will be accepted after April 6.

Hotel Cut-Off Date ~ March 30, 2010
The hotel cut-off date is March 30, 2010. Reservations made after March 30 are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability. Hurry and make your reservations today before the block fills up!

The Hyatt Regency Crown Center is the hotel for the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference. Make sure you mention “NAMA” when making reservations. All reservation requests will require a credit card guarantee or one night’s deposit. Deposits will be refunded by the hotel for rooms canceled more than three (3) days prior to arrival.

Hyatt Regency Crown Center
2345 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-1234

Online Reservations
There are two blocks at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, one for students and one for professionals. You are now able to make your reservations on-line, just follow the links below:

Student Block – http://crowncenter.hyatt.com/groupbooking/mkcrknags2010

Professional Block – http://crowncenter.hyatt.com/groupbooking/mkcrknagr2010

Kick Off Spring with the NAMA Golf Outing

Written by NAMA on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 , 12:55 pm

abef-logoThe Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) will be hosting a Golf Outing, Tuesday, April 20. Gather your foursome and enjoy a relaxing day of golf before the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference begins.

The ABEF Golf Outing will take place at The National Golf Course. A chartered bus will leave the hotel at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course and a boxed lunch will be provided. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. An awards ceremony and reception will cap your day on the greens.

Golf Sponsorship Information
Show your support and sponsor a hole. Hole sponsorships are now available. To sign up for a sponsorship on-line visit, http://www.nama.org/amc/golfsponsor.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Reception Sponsor ($1,000) – Recognition as a reception sponsor. Includes greens fees for two (2) players.

Beverage Cart Sponsor ($500) – Includes greens fees for one (1) player. Two (2) beverage carts available.

Individual Hole Sponsor ($500) – Includes greens fees for one (1) player. 18 holes available.

Player Gift Item (actual cost) – Company logo and/or ABEF logo as recognition.

Registration
If you need or want to register for the golf outing and for the conference at the same time, please visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=8.

If you’ve already registered for conference but want to add the ABEF Golf outing, please visit, www.nama.org/amc/golfregister.htm.

Silent Auction Donations Needed

Written by NAMA on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 , 12:54 pm

Support promising agri-business students as you mingle with exhibitors in the Connection Point. The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) Silent Auction and Raffle benefit NAMA’s Student Careers Program and the ABEF respectively.

Bid on auction items while making your way through the exhibit area and buy your raffle ticket.

ABEF will conduct an On-Line auction of media packages, Web related donations, and other services as part of its annual Silent Auction. Donors will be recognized in the Silent Auction area of the trade show during the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference.

Donations Needed! To donate items to the auction, fill out the online form at http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/pledgeform.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at [email protected], 913-491-6500.

Schedule At-A-Glance

Written by NAMA on Thursday, February 18, 2010 , 1:46 pm

nama2010logoAmerican agriculture is stronger than ever. In an economy where so many industries are struggling to stay afloat, agriculture is thriving. Demand and innovation are opening new markets and creating new opportunities.

The 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference will help you:

take advantage of emerging markets.
harness the power of new media to achieve real business results.
learn how industry leaders are using e-mail, strategic branding and trade shows to reach customers and new clients.

There’s a lot to be excited about, but agriculture still has challenges to meet. This year’s conference is packed with workshops, remarkable keynote presentations and breakout sessions to help you get ahead in turbulent times.

So please make plans now to join NAMA in the Heartland. Get energized about your career . . . Get excited about ag all over again!

Marjory Walker, Agri-Marketing Conference Committee Chair, National Cotton Council of America

Les Kahl, Best of NAMA Chair, AdFarm

Michael DeLuca, Connection Point Chair, Meister Media Worldwide

Curt Blades, Careers Committee Chair, Successful Farming

PROFESSIONAL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 20

12:00 Noon – 5:00 p.m. – Executive Committee Meeting
11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – ABEF Golf Outing
6:00-8:00 p.m. – ABEF Golf Outing Awards Reception

Wednesday, April 21

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon – Chapter Leader Workshop
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Board of Directors’ Meeting
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference Workshop
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – First-Timer/Leader Reception
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Best of NAMA Finalists’ Reception
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Best of NAMA Ceremony
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Best of NAMA Celebration Reception in the Connection Point

Thursday, April 22

7:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Omelet Feast
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Opening General Session/Agribusiness Leader of the Year Award
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Second General Session/NAMA Marketer of the Year Award/NAMA Leadership Awards
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. – Connection Point Luncheon
1:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Student Marketing Competition Finals
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Senior Management Workshop
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Connection Point Break
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Connection Point Closing Reception/ABEF Silent Auction

Friday, April 23

6:00 – 7:15 a.m. – Sunrise Walk
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon – Closing Session Brunch

STUDENT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 20

12:00 Noon – 5:00 p.m. – Student Practice
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Student Orientation
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Judges’ Reception/Orientation

Wednesday, April 21

7:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Student Marketing Competition Preliminary Heats
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Student Luncheon
12:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Student Marketing Competition Semi-Finals
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Student Critiques

Thursday, April 22

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Student Mentoring Lunch in the Connection Point
1:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Student Marketing Competition Finals
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Student Awards in the Connection Point
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 Midnight – Student Party

Friday, April 23

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. – Student Advisors’ Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Student Presidents’ Meeting

Get Connected…

Written by NAMA on Thursday, February 18, 2010 , 1:45 pm

09TS1Every year at the Agri-Marketing Conference, professionals involved with selling products and services to the agricultural marketplace gather to explore the latest in techniques, trends and practices.

In 2010, the conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City. If your target audience includes agrimarketers, you can’t afford to miss the 2010 Connection Point.

An effective, affordable marketing investment

In today’s world of voice mails and e-mails, the Connection Point offers a unique opportunity for face-to-face contact. Something every business can use!

Research shows a single, personal sales call can cost $500 or more. In some industries—such as ag—that can go much higher, both because of technical expertise needed and because the market is so geographically dispersed. Your participation in the Connection Point will enable you to make sales calls much more economically!

And it is a sales opportunity. In a recent study, 91% of respondents ranked trade shows as an “extremely useful” source for product purchasing information and nearly half had purchased products or services at a trade show.

Approximately 1,200 people attend the Agri-Marketing Conference each year to explore the latest ideas and insights and share what’s working for them. The Connection Point is an integral part of this event and gives you the opportunity to see—and be seen by—a high concentration of individuals who make and/or influence ag-related buying decisions.

To signup for a trade show booth at the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference, please visit http://www.nama.org/amc/ts/signup.htm.

Sponsorships Still Available!

Written by NAMA on Thursday, February 18, 2010 , 1:44 pm

Get your company noticed by becoming a sponsor at the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 21-23, in Kansas City. Companies with marketing budgets of all sizes can participate. The higher your support, the more benefits you’ll receive….Platinum Plus, Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze. In addition, you can get more company visibility by claiming one or more of the sponsorship opportunities. These opportunities are available on a first come, first serve basis, with first right given to last year’s sponsor. The high profile Best of NAMA Celebration Reception in the Connection Point is just one of the many opportunities available.

NAMA is introducing a new level of sponsorship:  Sustaining Partners

The NAMA Sustaining Partner would provide maximum exposure for a company seeking to align themselves more closely throughout the year with NAMA.  The program delivers extensive overall promotional benefits and exposure at all three key NAMA events (Conference, Boot Camp and Trends in Agriculture).  The partnership provides the ability to carry marketing objectives to new levels while assuring that NAMA has a more stable means of sponsorship income throughout the year.  The baseline commitment is $10,000 over the course of one full year.

The NAMA Sustaining Partner will receive all the sponsorship benefits of a Platinum Level Sponsor, plus the following:

  • Use of Strategic Partner logo in advertising and promotion
  • Web banner ad on NAMA web site that rotates with other Strategic Partners on an equal basis
  • One comp registration at each of the three key NAMA meetings
  • One comp NAMA membership
  • Ad on digital signage at annual Conference
  • Logo recognition as a partner on promotional materials for all three key NAMA events
  • Verbal recognition at all three key events

Who’s already a Sustaining Partner? Take a look!

Agri Marketing magazine
Farm Progress Companies
High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal
John Deere
Successful Farming
Syngenta

Please review the benefits and opportunities of sponsorship at the 2010 Agri-Marketing Conference and confirm your interest by filling out the online sponsorship form at http://nama.org/amc/sponsor/form.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at (913) 491-6500 or e-mail to [email protected].

For a complete list of our sponsors, visit http://www.nama.org/amc/sponsor/sponsors.htm.

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