NGFA Annual Convention Preview

Members will descend upon Maui, Hawaii, for the NGFA’s 114th Annual Convention, held March 3-5, 2010 at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. The NGFA convention again will feature a high-level, business-focused program featuring top policymakers, substantive open forums and outstanding general sessions exploring the most important issues facing the industry in the year ahead. These convention sessions will provide information you need to strategically position your business for success.

“The NGFA has long prided itself on being an industry-driven organization, and our convention, as a policy-level event, is one of the best opportunities members have to express their views on how the NGFA should address key issues,” says Randall Gordon, vice president, communications and government relations. “The convention also attracts top management officials from the financial and rail transportation sectors, and is a great opportunity for industry members to explore business opportunities with fellow members and allied industries.”

Most NGFA committees will meet during the convention — generally, committee meetings are open, presenting an excellent forum to learn the latest and provide input on policy matters facing the industry. The NGFA convention also is an ideal opportunity to interact with colleagues and exchange ideas — schedule a side meeting with suppliers, customers or clients; develop new business ideas with other convention attendees; and reward key employees and give them the opportunity for professional development.

Convention Program Highlights

Wednesday, March 3

NGFA Committee Meetings/Open Forums

In addition to committee meetings, three NGFA committees will host two separate Open Forums on key issues:

The Country Elevator Committee and Finance and Administration Committee will co-host an Open Forum on “Alternative Financing Options” for grain hedgers. When will the market volatility of 2008 repeat? How will hedgers be affected and how will lenders be able to respond? What alternative sources of financing or alternative strategies will be available to hedgers to help meet margining requirements? A panel of lenders and others who provide alternative tools will discuss these issues and respond to questions.

The Rail Shipper/Receiver Committee will host a second Open Forum. Kevin Kaufman, group vice president, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and Tony Hatch, ABH Consulting, will provide a global market overview and how it relates to demand for transportation services. Kaufman’s comments will zero in on conditions in Asia and how rail transportation demand — both current and future — will be affected. Hatch will address potential impacts of pending rail legislation.

Thursday, March 4

Opening General Session

Michael J. Swanson, agricultural economist, Wells Fargo Bank, will present a major economic address examining the current economic, financial and political climate and how those factors will interact as the U.S. economy moves toward recovery. A well-known and prolific author and speaker, Swanson will provide an executive-level view with relevance to all NGFA member businesses.

Charles Carey, vice chairman, CME Group, will address key futures-related issues at the Chicago Board of Trade, including recent changes to the CBOT wheat contract and an update on performance of the contract. Carey also will discuss top priorities of the CME Group as it works to fulfill its price discovery and risk management roles for the grain, feed and processing industry.