Stop by the NAMA reception at The Century Grill on August 5, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  Enjoy the spirit of “NAMAritaville” with signature complimentary margaritas, drinks and munchies.  The perfect setting to meet up with NAMA friends!

The Century Grill is located across from the Hyatt Regency Buffalo – 318 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY.   No rsvp or registration necessary.

Thanks to the Rocky Mountain NAMA chapter and MustangRED Communications  for sponsoring.

The Florida NAMA Chapter hosted a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples featuring key-note speaker Dr. Jack Payne, Senior Vice President for Agriculture & Natural Resources at the University of Florida. The guests in attendance included members of the Chapter as well as members of the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association.

Dr. Payne gave the audience an update with regard to the various research, scientific and educational programs at the Institute for Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) as well as some of the exciting work being done producing and marketing new varieties of blueberries, peaches and tomatoes. IFAS research has resulted in hundreds of new plant cultivars and inventions including patented biofuel-production technology and water-saving irrigation systems.  He said that the state’s almost 300 commodities provide challenges that the staff and faculty at IFAS and dedicated scientists are committed to using scientific knowledge to solve.

The well-attended event was sponsored by FFAA, Southeast AgNet Radio, Farm Credit of Florida and the Florida NAMA Chapter.

Registration is open for the 2013 Fall Conference, September 17 – 18, Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, MO.  Inspired by the best of Agri-Marketing Conference, the Fall Conference was created to provide outstanding professional development opportunities and help you take your career to the next level.  For details visit http://www.nama.org/fall/index.htm and register today!

Fall Conference Schedule:

Monday, September 16

Tuesday, September 17

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – General Session
Leading From Where You Are

Dr. Benjamin Akande Dr. Benjamin Akande believes the most effective leaders are those who are willing to take personal responsibility for the future of their organizations. In his keynote presentation, he’ll share thought-provoking ideas and suggestions on how to be an effective, result-focused leader within your organization.

A Nigerian-born American citizen, he is Professor of Economics and Dean of Webster University’s largest academic unit, the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, a position he has held since June 2000. Since November 2010, Dr. Akande has also served as Chief of Webster University’s Office of Corporate Partnerships. Currently, he is completing work on the book entitled The iPOD Generation: It’s Their World, We’re Just Living In It.

2:30 – 3:00 p.m –  Break

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.  Breakout Sessions ( choose one)

Mobile Use in Rural America

Tim Letscher, Director of Digital Strategy & Analytics, Colle+McVoy

As the adoption of cell phones, especially smartphones, has exploded around the globe, how has it taken root in rural America? When broadband connectivity for desktops and laptops continues to be a challenge, the availability of fast data over a cell connection becomes a worthy alternative. In this session, we’ll look at the ways the smartphone revolution has impacted rural America and what’s to come.

Big Data’s Effect on Marketing

Jay Harrison, Data Mining Innovations Director at Maritz, Heather Rueschhoff, Director, Marketing and Communications, evolve24 Representatives from Xcelerated Marketing

How data can influence messaging, new markets, media strategy and customer relationships. As the volume, variety and velocity of data increases, so do the challenges for agribusinesses. Hear fresh perspectives on the opportunities for marketing that are available through smart use of big data. This session will be a panel from Meredith Xcelerated Marketing and Evolve24 that will discuss how social and content-based data can guide strategies for marketers.

A National Addy Winning Case Study: The St. Louis Cardinals

Joe Leahy – Partner, Chief Creative Officer, HLK

Toni Edinger – Senior Brand Manager, HLK
As the evolution of media consumption continues to become broader and more diverse, we have to change the way we approach communication. Traditionally, we act as advertisers in the sense that we push short, key messages through mass media to elicit a desired response. This approach no longer works. Learn how HLK worked with the St. Louis Cardinals to turn a campaign into a full-blown content strategy using a few videos and allowing fans to be a part of the conversation. This content ended up on their website, in online polls, as billboards, TV commercials, in social media and much more. And, took home over 20 awards including two national gold ADDY awards.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Networking Reception at Brighton Agency

Join your colleagues for a networking reception at Brighton Agency, conveniently located to the Ritz Carlton.

Wednesday, September 18

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. – General Session

The Essential Elements for Success
Brian Billick

Hear from one of the NFL’s most successful and respected coaches on how to get the most out of your team …and raise morale in the process. In 2001, Brian Billick led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory only two years into his tenure. He credits his success to passion, teamwork and accountability. An innovative motivator who prides himself on leading by example, he demands a lot from his team and has the victories to prove his method works. Join Billick as he demonstrates how dedicated management, enthusiasm for the cause and respect and trust for your team will lead you to achieve your goals. You’ll learn the essential elements for success that make up any dream team—on the football field or in the workplace:

• Power and passion

• Respect for teammates

• Sacrificing personal gain for the greater good

• Personal discipline and responsibility

• Exceeding goals

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. – Break

10:15 – 11:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions (choose one)

Will We Ever See a New Farm Bill?

Moderator: Sara Wyant – Agri-Pulse

This year’s farm bill has taken more twists and turns than a mountain roadway. These industry insiders give you the latest update on what’s happening now and share their perspective on what’s around the next curve.

Climate Change and Agriculture – What It Means for Agri-Marketers

Rodger R. Getz, AWIS Weather Services, Inc.

Nothing affects agriculture more than the weather. This insightful session will take you well beyond the local weather report as you begin to consider the consequences of climate change on farmers AND agri-marketing.

Baseline Agricultural Outlook

Dr. Patrick Westhoff, Director, Food and Agricultural Technology Institute- Missouri (FAPRI)

Markets are still feeling the aftereffects of the 2012 drought, and commodity prices in the months ahead will be very sensitive to new estimates of the size of the 2013 crop, developments in the macro-economy and a host of other factors. Dr. Westhoff will discuss FAPRI-MU’s latest outlook projections, the reasons why the outlook is uncertain, and what that implies about the risks and opportunities faced by U.S. agriculture. The farm bill debate has also seen many twists and turns the past two years. Westhoff will cover the latest farm policy news, some possible scenarios for the future, and what it all means to farmers, agribusiness, consumers and taxpayers.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Awards Luncheon – Closing Session

Enjoy lunch as we honor the Professional Development Awards of Excellence award winners and pass the gavel to the incoming NAMA president. Each year, NAMA honors members with hands-on responsibility in marketing communications, public relations, product/species management and sales. Awards will be given in each of these areas and the recipients will share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in agri-marketing.

Through the Lens of a Leader

C-Suite Executive from Monsanto

A perfect closing to the Fall Conference. This session will welcome an industry leader from Monsanto for a view of what ag is facing today and what lies ahead.

For more information on the NAMA Fall Conference and hotel information visit http://www.nama.org/fall/index.htm

To register for the NAMA Fall Conference and/or the Gateway Ag Tour, please visit https://www4983.ssldomain.com/nama/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=58

If you are interested in sponsoring a session or event at the Fall Conference,  contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via email at [email protected].

Engage. Energize. Empower.

2013 NAMA Fall Conference

Mark your calendars for September 17 – 18, Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, MO.  If you can’t get enough of the Agri-Marketing Conference, then we’ve got great news for you.  NAMA’s Fall Conference is inspired by everything people love about the April conference:

• Killer keynoters
• Practical breakouts
• Ample leadership development opportunities
• Ag Tour sponsored by Gateway Chapter
• Unequalled networking
• And, of course, good times!

Sessions and speakers to be announced soon.

Special Note – This meeting replaces the “Trends” meeting typically held in November.

Badger NAMA members, colleagues and interns gathered June 26 for a few hours of summer networking.  The free event drew about 25 attendees to a Madison Mallards baseball game.  The casual atmosphere of the “Duck Blind” let everyone catch up on summer activities while enjoying free food and drinks and taking in the game.  Members were encouraged to bring their interns, giving students a chance to meet others in the area and learn about agri-marketing jobs in Wisconsin.  To complete a great night, the Mallards grabbed a 2-1 victory over the Battle Creek Bombers.

On Thursday, June 27^th, MoKan NAMA members had the privilege of experiencing the state-of-the-art LEED-Certified Gold John Deere Sales and Marketing facility in Olathe, KS. The evening started with a brief presentation by Barry Nelson of John Deere. Barry talked about the structure of the energy-efficient facility and showed attendees a short video that showcased where the “future” of production agriculture is headed. The short presentation was followed by an evening of dinner and drinks on the patio. A group of interns, who are part of the AFA’s InterNetwork, joined MoKan NAMA members as well.