GEAPS Exchange returns to Kansas City

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is looking forward to seeing grain industry professionals gather in the heart of America during GEAPS Exchange 2023, which will be held February 25-28, 2023, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

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, a day just for students, and social events that help reinforce business relationships.

Chris Blair, who serves as president of GEAPS’ board of directors, said he is excited to return to Kansas City. He’s also excited for those making their first trip to GEAPS Exchange.

“Take a deep breath and take the whole Exchange in,” said Blair. “There are many opportunities to be involved, and I encourage you to take advantage of your opportunity to meet new people and connect with as many people as possible.

“You never know when you will need help troubleshooting something or looking for service on anything in our industry.”

All the latest technologies, services for the grain industry

GEAPS Exchange always features the latest technologies and services designed for the grain handling and processing industries.

The Expo Hall features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their newest products. Get your hands on the equipment and chat with product experts.  

Sessions inside the Expo Hall include a grain entrapment rescue demo and small-group presentations.   

Beyond the Expo Hall, Sunday’s Idea Exchange showcases new products in the industry and innovative ideas that facility managers have recently implemented to improve operations.

Four tracks of education

Education continues throughout the event with interactive sessions in the hall and four tracks of educational sessions focused on maintenance, employee development, safety and grain operations.

Attendees will be able to learn from industry experts, interact with Innovation Stations, ask questions and learn from these sessions. This education lineup was designed to help keep workers safe, improve efficiency and product quality and inspire innovation, said Nate Tostenson, from GEAPS’ Minneapolis chapter serves on the Exchange Educational Programming Committee (EPC).

Tostenson is excited about everything the team has been working on for attendees.

“Being an associate member, my goal is for regular members to walk away from Exchange more educated and with a handful of problem-solving ideas they can bring back to their facilities to increase uptime and decrease downtime,” he said. “It’s not always about the sale. These regular members are our friends. We want them to succeed.”

Speakers to motivate and inspire

Dan Cnossen, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander and seven-time Paralympic medalist, will be the keynote speaker on Sunday, February 26.

A mountaintop bomb in Afghanistan nearly took Cnossen’s life, forcing him to endure over 40 surgeries to survive. In this opening session, he will share the lessons learned amidst brutal Navy SEAL training, fighting for his life after the accident, and representing Team USA on the world’s biggest sporting stage. This inspiring and powerful presentation of persistence, perspective and passion will redefine how you perceive disability.

This year’s closing session will feature inspirational speaker and author Eric Moss. Diagnosed at a young age with attention deficit disorder, Moss found his confidence through weight training which started a passion for strength and fitness.

Moss merges the unique entertainment aspect of bending steel and breaking chains with the dynamic storytelling of his inspiring journey providing a different and unforgettable experience.

The education schedule includes:

• Keynote Speaker: 8 a.m., Sunday, February 26
• Idea Exchange: 9:45 a.m., Sunday, February 26
• Education Sessions: Monday, February 27, and Tuesday, February 28
• Closing Celebration: 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 28

Reconnect with friends

GEAPS Exchange also includes several fun social events that highlight the character and flavor of the host city. Social events include:

• Get-Acquainted Party, Saturday, February 25
• Welcome Reception, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, February 26
• Closing Reception, 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 28

For more information, visit geapsexchange.com.

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Be Seen & Win $100!

Nothing’s more exciting than the thrill of victory, especially when the prize is cold, hard cash. If you’re attending the GEAPS Exchange conference and trade show in Kansas City from February 25-28, you may be lucky enough to experience just that!

Each day of the expo, Feed & Grain will again be giving away $100 to two attendees on the expo floor. All you need to do is get caught wearing a neon yellow safety vest that will be handed out at Feed & Grain’s Exchange Booth 1612.

Vests will be available to pick up any time during trade show hours, but no one knows when our staff will surprise an unsuspecting vested attendee with the cash prize.

Entrants must be fully wearing the vest at the time of the giveaway to be eligible. In addition to receiving $100, the winner will be photographed at our booth and announced on social media.

The contest is not only a fun way for Feed & Grain staff to engage with you at the show, but also to encourage grain handling workers to start every shift by focusing on personal safety.

Check out last year's winners here!

— Lisa Cleaver