MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Registration is now open for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s (GEAPS) 90th International Technical Conference and Exposition, or Exchange, March 9-12, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

The conference provides attendees the opportunity for grain handling and processing operations professionals to build their skills, expand their professional network and browse the latest products and services in the industry. Register online on the Exchange 2019 website.

GEAPS Exchange 2019 features more than 360 exhibitors in the Expo Hall, nearly 40 hours of educational programming and a variety of networking opportunities at social events. For the first time this year, GEAPS offers free daily admission to the Expo Hall for GEAPS members, and a new discount for additional booth workers who are members.

GEAPS International President Robert Taylor, Cargill, has attended Exchange for the past 10 years. He is impressed by the continual growth of the Expo and educational programs.

“The growth of this show over the last few years is encouraging,” Taylor said. “Along with a huge number of exhibitors, we are seeing more and more companies reserving larger spaces and bringing more equipment. This gives attendees more opportunities to get hands-on with equipment. Along with our Expo Pods and the new grain entrapment rescue demo, the Expo is a great opportunity to build your skills and learn about the newest products and technologies.”

The Expo currently has 368 exhibitors showing products and services in 18 categories. The hall includes 20 first-time exhibitors, four spaces for interactive Expo Pods, a grain entrapment demo and a GEAPS booth. Lunch is provided in the Expo Hall for free every day for attendees.

Limited booth space is still available. For more information, contact the GEAPS sales team.

In addition to meeting suppliers and customers in the Expo Hall, Exchange 2019 features a number of social events to meet new colleagues and reinforce business relationships.

The conference kicks off with the Get-Acquainted Party on March 9. Held a couple blocks from the convention center at Generations Hall, the party will feature a crawfish boil, New Orleans-inspired buffet, drinks and entertainment. A complimentary shuttle will be available to take attendees between the party, the convention center and Exchange hotels.

First-time and international attendees also are invited to gather Saturday night at the NOLA Mixer to network and learn how to make the most of their time at Exchange.

The conference closes with the President’s Reception and Banquet on March 12. The event includes a gourmet meal, a traditional Mardi Gras parade with a variety of entertainers and recognition of GEAPS’ highest-award winners.

All of these special events are included in attendee full registrations, or may be purchased a la carte with other registration options.

After the conference, attendees are invited to tour the Zen-Noh grain facility on the Mississippi river. The tour lasts approximately two hours, and must be purchased a la carte with any registration option.

The educational program begins with the Opening Workshop March 10, at 8 a.m. Other learning opportunities include up to 22 hour-long, concurrent education sessions as well as interactive pods and a grain entrapment rescue demo in the Expo Hall. The Idea Exchange highlights new methods and technologies that make the grain industry safer and more efficient. The education program concludes with the Closing Workshop on March 12.

Attendees with credentials from GEAPS and Kansas State University will have many opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs). In all, 22 hour-long sessions will each qualify for one-tenth of a CEU, as well as the Opening Workshop (one and a half) and Closing Workshop (one and a half).

To receive CEUs, attendees must complete an online quiz. The complete educational programming schedule will be released in November.

GEAPS has partnered with housing management company, Experient, to manage room blocks for Exchange 2019. Experient will handle all hotel reservations and inquiries. Reservations must be made online through the housing page on the Exchange website. A complimentary shuttle will be provided between Exchange hotels and the convention center. A shuttle map and schedule are available on the Exchange 2019 website.

The room block cut-off date is Feb. 7, 2019. After this date, room availability will be based on hotel availability and may not be available at the discounted rate. The room block cancellation deadline is Jan. 25, 2019. Any cancellations made after this date will incur a $200 fee per reservation.

Early registration for Exchange 2019 is open until Feb. 7 and provides a discount off the on-site registration fee.