KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, US. — Thousands of attendees are expected to attend the Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s (GEAPS) Exchange this February to learn about the latest innovations in grain handling and storage while reconnecting with colleagues.

The event is planned Feb. 24-27 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, US. Entering its third consecutive year in Kansas City, the Exchange is scheduled to remain in the same location through 2029. 

This will be the first Exchange under the new leadership of John Caupert, who started as executive director in mid-December 2023. He took over from Steve Records, who was with GEAPS from 2019 to March 2023. Caupert most recently was executive director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center. 

“I’m looking forward to the gathering of hundreds of industry exhibitors and thousands of individuals who tirelessly work in the grain elevator and processing industries,” Caupert said. “I’m looking forward to the exchange of ideas with those who are the heart and soul of agriculture, those who feed and fuel the world.”

Exchange includes an Expo Hall with the latest technology and services to make grain operations safer and more efficient along with 40-plus hours of education focused on maintenance, safety, employee development and grain operations as well as social events. Demonstrations are planned in the Expo Hall on grain entrapment rescues as well as small-group presentations.

The Idea Exchange will showcase new products in the industry and innovative ideas that facility managers recently have implemented to improve operations. Multiple social events are planned, including the Get Acquainted Party, Welcome Reception and Closing Reception.

“Our team has packed in a lot of relevant, important content on topics we care about most while also planning a lot of fun for all four days,” Caupert said. “GEAPS Exchange is a time-honored tradition of bringing together as one the bulk grain handling industry, the grain processing industry and all those vital partners in the value supply chain.”

Education 

The Idea Exchange, which is planned 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, features a variety of five-minute presentations separated into two segments. The “Small Changes…Big Impact!” highlights ideas that grain operations managers and workers put into practice to improve safety or efficiency at their facilities or enhance environmental awareness, company culture or community involvement. The “What’s New?” segment includes new products and services developed for grain operations during the past year.

This year’s Keynote Session, planned 8-9:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, features Sandy Gennaro, a rock star and professional speaker, who will talk about beating the odds and becoming a rock star in business and in life. He spent much of his career as a drummer touring and performing with artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bo Diddley, The Monkees and others. 

Education continues throughout the event with workshops and hour-long sessions on Monday, Feb. 26, and Tuesday, Feb. 27. 

Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence will be the focus of multiple educational sessions. Burton Kelso, chief technology expert with Integral, will present “You and Your Staff are the Reason Your Company Got Hacked,” at 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 26. He will cover tips to keep a business safe and secure. 

Kelso also will present “AI for Everyone: An Interactive Learning Session with ChatGPT,” from 1:45-2:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Innovation Station #4. Attendees at the interactive session will learn the basics of AI, explore different AI applications and create content using prompts to help build their businesses. 

David Smith, senior systems analyst with Interstates, will address network security from 8-9 a.m. Feb. 26 during his session, “Securing Your Grain Elevator: The Crucial Role of a Robust Network.” The session will examine how software defined networking helps elevators meet operational and cybersecurity goals. 

Mike Mossage, vice president of sales for BinMaster, will present “Grain Inventory Digitally Transformed by IoT,” from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Feb. 26 at Innovation Station #4. He will discuss how today’s IoT systems pool technology partners together incorporating sensors, software, solar, predictive forecasting and a little AI. 

Special events

The Get Acquainted Party is planned 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in Grand Ballroom CD of the convention center. This year’s theme is speakeasy. Admission includes two drink tickets and food. The event is included in the full registration option as well as an a la carte item.

The fun continues with the Welcome Reception at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, in the Expo Hall. 

Finally, Exchange wraps up with the Closing Session/Closing Reception starting at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27.

GEAPS Exchange is $420 for GEAPS members and $650 for non-members who register by Feb. 1. Rates increase to $480 and $725. An expo-only pass is free for members and $50 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.geaps.com/exchange.