Exhilarating Speakers and Unbeatable Networking at the 2016 Agri-Marketing Conference

NAMA promises and delivers once again with yet another memorable lineup of keynote speakers, new breakout sessions and novel networking opportunities at the 2016 Agri-Marketing Conference.

The Best of NAMA awards celebrated the agencies that contributed the most thought-provoking and successful campaigns of the year. This annual awards ceremony always sets the stage for a fun and upbeat conference experience.

Conference goers were back at it the next day starting with two keynote speakers who pushed the envelope on customer experience and what social science can teach us about behavior change and being more effective marketers. A new flagship video produced by Scenic Road Productions stirred the audience, hailing NAMA as the definitive connecting network for agri-marketing professionals.

The dual opening sessions also gave NAMA the chance to present some very prestigious NAMA awards to two very deserving longtime leaders in the agriculture industry. W. Dwight Armstrong, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the National FFA Organization received the Agribusiness Leader of the Year. Dan Fanger, Vice President—Sales and Marketing, Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. was awarded the distinction of NAMA Marketer of the Year.

Next level ideas and concepts continued throughout the breakout sessions presented by storytellers, specialty crop growers and media leaders. Breakouts also included special sessions led by the morning keynoters that offered a deep dive into the content they introduced earlier in the day.

Attendees appreciated the fast pace and ample opportunities to learn from presenters and one another.

“As a second-year attendee I was pleased to see the lineup of speakers and workshops continued to provide valuable content and new marketing strategies relevant to the agriculture industry,” shared Sarah Bishop, Marketing Specialist, Helena Chemical Company.

“Most importantly, I appreciated the opportunity to spend several days with our agri-marketing peers learning about new trends, sharing ways to overcome marketing challenges and being inspired by the marketing successes (NAMA Awards) over the past year. NAMA truly is a multi-dimensional learning experience.”

A closing reception with exhibitors in the Connection Point where attendees could wind down and bid on items in the ABEF Silent Auction finished out the first full day of the conference.

At the Closing Brunch, baseball legend Jim Morris candidly shared his life story and ascent from high school teacher to major league pitcher. His story was showcased in the the film “The Rookie,” where he was played by Dennis Quaid. He urged the audience to avoid dream killers and keep on pursuing their dreams, even if the odds aren’t in their favor.

Check out some great photos from NAMA’s week in KC on the NAMA Flickr page!

The six finalists’ presentations of the Student Marketing Competition will be showcased on the NAMA YouTube page. Check back soon for the videos.

If you missed out on one of the sessions, or if you want to see it again, click here.

NOTE: This webpage is in the Member’s Only Section of the website. You will need to log in to your account first. After you are logged in, go to the Member Dashboard and click on 2016 AMC Presentations. We will be updating this page as we get permission from the speakers, so make sure to check back often.

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) had great success with many fundraising opportunities at this year’s Agri-Marketing Conference.

On Tuesday, April 12, 48 people took part in the new twist on the ABEF Golf Outing. It was a perfect day at Topgolf, in Overland Park, where attendees enjoyed cocktails and appetizers while they hit micro chipped golf balls to marked targets on the green. Check out some photos of the fun!

Topgolf Outing Winners:

Amy Bugg
Sheri Seger
Kenna Rathai
Matt Coniglio
Amber Wiebelhaus
Sarah Duwe

ABEF continued the “Sensational Six” fundraiser this year which tied into the NAMA Student Marketing Competition. This competition allowed participates to guess the winner of the student competition for a chance to win a Visa gift card! The big winner was Jane Griswold, Hoard’s Dairyman, who correctly guessed that the University of Wisconsin – Madison would be the big winner at this year’s competition. The Student Marketing Competition Finals Presentations will be posted on the NAMA YouTube page soon, check back often to get a look at the winning presentations.

The 2016 Century Club sign up was another big fundraiser put on by ABEF. By the end of the conference, there were 84 names on the list! Out of those names, Matt Meyers, Agri-View, was the big winner of this year’s Wall of Wine! Thanks to everyone who donated, ABEF is very excited for the fundraising success and to give back to the future of agri-business. Click here to see the 2016 Century Club List.

And finally, ABEF had HUGE success with the ABEF Silent Auction. With over 60 donations, attendees had a wide variety of items to bid on. This year was one of the most profitable years for this fundraiser, with over $7,500 raised for the Student NAMA Careers Program! Thanks to everyone who bid.

Introducing the 2016-2017 Executive Committee Members

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) has introduced the 2016-2017 Executive Committee members. Please welcome the officers below:

PRESIDENT
Matt Coniglio, Chesapeake Chapter
Penton Agriculture

Matt Coniglio is National Account Manager for Penton Agriculture. In this role he works with companies and agencies in the eastern half of the U.S. Together, they develop marketing strategies for campaigns utilizing the company’s suite of media options: print, digital, broadcast, events.

Matt has NAMA experience on the local and national levels. He served on the Boot Camp and Agri-Marketing Conference Committees as chair and vice chair. He was president of the Chesapeake Chapter from 2007 – 2011 and has been on the Executive Committee since 2011.

PRESIDENT-ELECT
Amy Bradford, Heartland Chapter
GROWMARK, Inc.

Amy Bradford is corporate relations manager for GROWMARK, responsible for the development and implementation of the cooperative’s corporate communications strategy including employee, member, and external communications; proactive corporate media relations and public relations; cooperative education and awareness; and the cooperative’s annual meeting. She also oversees GROWMARK’s philanthropic efforts, and manages The GROWMARK Foundation.

She has been a member of NAMA since 1998 and has served in numerous local capacities, including chapter president. In addition, she has served on the national Professional Recognition Committee and has been on the Executive Committee since 2012.

SECRETARY/TREASURER
Sheri Seger, Chicago Chapter
DTN/The Progressive Farmer

Sheri Seger is Director of Major Accounts and Digital Strategy at DTN/The Progressive Farmer, responsible for aligning the company’s media platforms in print, digital and events to the communications needs of agri-marketing companies and their advertising agencies. Her responsibilities are focused nationally and across both row crop and livestock segments.

A long time NAMA member, Sheri has been active with the association at both a local and national level. She has served as Chicago Chapter President, Region IV Director, National Best of NAMA Chair and the 2012 Agri-Marketing Conference Chair. She joined the Executive Committee in 2013.

VICE PRESIDENTS

-Gary Sakin 
 Gateway Chapter
 Monsanto

-Sara Steever
 Northern Prairie Chapter
 Paulsen

-Amber Harrison
 Iowa Chapter
 United Suppliers, Inc.

-Scott McClure
 Gateway Chapter
 Brighton Agency

-Sue Lee
 MoKan Chapter
 Brownfield Ag News

-Deron Johnson
 MoKan Chapter
 FLM+

Click below for a look at NAMA’s brand new recruitment video that premiered at the Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City. Make sure to share it with your friends and colleagues!

Video produced by Scenic Road Productions. 

The 2016 NAMA Boot Camp is a great way to cap off your summer. Boot Camp will take place on August 9-11; mark your calendars now so you don’t miss it!

The Hotel:

The Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, MO. The room rate is $141.00 and the cutoff date is July 25, 2016. Call the hotel to make a reservation, (816) 841-1000. The online reservation website will be available soon.

Take a look at the Schedule-At-A-Glance:

The 2016 NAMA Fall Conference will take place in Raleigh, NC on September 20-22. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss it!

The Hotel:

The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. The room rate for the NAMA block is $179.00 and the cutoff date is August 19, 2016. Call the hotel to make a reservation, (919) 256-1408. The online reservation website will be available soon.

Take a look at the Schedule-At-A-Glance:

Congratulations to Laura Lines, Krone North America for winning an iPad Mini from NAMA on April 1. This was announced at the Connection Point Closing Reception on April 14 in Kansas City. Laura’s name was included in a drawing because she referred a new member to NAMA.