MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US— The Grain Elevator and Processing Society is planning to host its GEAPS Exchange 2021 in person Aug. 6-9 in Columbus, Ohio, US, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Registration for the event is now open and costs $225 for GEAPS members and $475 for non-members who register before July 16.
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,” said Jeff Jones, president of GEAPS International. “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.”
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. 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.
During the event, the Expo Hall will feature exhibitors and their grain industry products and equipment.
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, Aug. 7
- Hour-long education sessions; Aug. 8 and, Aug. 9
- Closing Workshop, Aw Snap! How Owners Can Play a role in Avoiding Costly Project Problems, Aug. 9
Sessions inside the Expo Hall include a grain entrapment rescue demo and small-group presentations on confined spaces.
For more information about the event or to register, please visit the GEAPS Exchange website.
