Approximately 200 agri-marketers traveled to Minneapolis, MN last month for the seventh annual NAMA Fall Conference. This event is quickly becoming another “can’t miss” NAMA event and this year didn’t disappoint.

As always, the week kicked off with a local ag tour that highlighted the different industries of Minneapolis agriculture. The first stop on the tour was Faribault Woolen Mills where attendees got a look inside on how fifth generation craftspeople take raw wool and create blankets, throws, scarves and accessories of remarkable comfort and quality. Next, they visited the CHS Savage Terminal to learn how they use this terminal to transfer grain, soybeans and more to barges on the Minnesota rive. The day ended at The Good Acre, a local food hub, where attendees had the chance to learn about the company’s mission to strengthen farmers, food makers, and communities through good food.

The Fall Conference kicked off with a reception sponsored by Brownfield Ag News where they launched the “Brownfield Blackout Bingo” game. This pushed attendees to network with everyone at the conference to fill out each square on the game card. The game continued throughout the week with Bob Brunker, J.L. Farmakis, as the big winner of a Yeti cooler.

The next full day of conference was filled with great sessions on data-driven marketing, changing media opportunities and connecting with women in ag.

NAMA’s Professional Development Awards of Excellence were also presented to this year’s winners. These awards were sponsored by Farm Progress and the 2018 winners were:

•   Jerry Gennaria, Brighton Agency
•   John Robinson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
•   Sonia Tighe, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

The day rounded out with a reception hosted by broadhead at their content studio, North401, in downtown Minneapolis. Guests had a great time networking with colleagues and new friends.

On the last day of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel of four prominent agri-marketing executives: Dean Broadhead, President, broadhead.; Mike Caguin, Chief Creative Officer, Colle McVoy; Lori Yeager Davis, President, Martin Williams; and Laurie Fleck, Chief Operating Officer, FLM Harvest. The day wrapped with this year’s “Through the Lens of a Leader” presentation from Tim Scott, Land O’Lakes.

Check out some great photos of this year’s Fall Conference thanks to ZimmComm New Media!

And make sure to mark your calendar now for next year’s Fall Conference. Join NAMA in St. Louis, MO on October 7-9, 2019.