The Grain Elevator and Processing Society has opened registration for GEAPS Exchange 2021, Aug. 6-9, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The conference costs $225 for GEAPS members and $475 for non-members who register before July 16. Register online on the Exchange website.
The conference includes an Expo Hall filled with technology and services to make grain operations safer and more efficient; education on the latest trends and best practices; and social events that help reinforce business relationships.
“After a crazy and challenging 2020, we are finally going to get back together,” says Jeff Jones, MKC, GEAPS International president. “I am excited to finally see a little normalcy. This trade show provides some of the best education and networking opportunities in the grain industry. It will be fun to see old friends and I look forward to meeting new members and associates.”
Prioritizing attendee and exhibitor safety
GEAPS Exchange is the first convention and trade show of over 500 people to have a Risk Mitigation Plan approved by the city of Columbus since large gatherings became prohibited last year.
GEAPS is following requirements from the State of Ohio and Columbus Public Health to work toward a safe event for everybody. The health department recently approved a safety plan for the event. Among the plan’s provisions:
- Social distancing throughout the event, including education sessions.
- Hand sanitizing and temperature check stations, as well as mandatory face masks.
- Controlled traffic in the Expo Hall, with specific entrances, exits and traffic patterns.
Safety precautions will continue to be evaluated and implemented up to and throughout the show.
For the most current safety protocols, visit the COVID-19 Updates page on the Exchange website.
See latest technology and services
GEAPS Exchange is the best way to see what is new in the industry and to find new equipment for your plant.
The Expo Hall features hundreds of exhibitors, many of whom bring products to the show. Get your hands on the equipment and talk about how it fits in your plant. GEAPS members get free admission to the Expo Hall and lunch is free for all attendees and exhibitors.
Beyond the Expo Hall, the Idea Exchange showcases new products in the industry and innovative ideas that facility managers have recently implemented to improve operations. Education continues throughout the event with workshops, interactive sessions in the hall and hour-long sessions. The education schedule includes:
- Idea Exchange, 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7
- Opening Workshop, Commitment to Safety, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7
- Hour-long education sessions; Sunday, Aug. 8; and Monday, Aug. 9
- Closing Workshop, Aw Snap! How Owners Can Play a role in Avoiding Costly Project Problems, 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9
Sessions inside the Expo Hall include a grain entrapment rescue demo and small-group presentations on confined spaces.
Reconnect with friends
GEAPS Exchange includes several fun social events that show off the character and flavor of the host city. As part of COVID-19 safety precautions, limited numbers of tickets are available for the Get-Acquainted Party to start the conference and the President’s Reception at the end of the event. Tickets for these events are only available a la carte; no special event tickets are included with the full registration package.
About GEAPS
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international professional association of grain handling and processing professionals. GEAPS addresses the industry’s critical grain handling, storage and processing operations needs by providing networking, professional development programs and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers.
