Hurry Before You Miss Your Chance!

There is still time to register for Boot Camp, August 21 – 23 in Kansas City.  You’re going to want to be a part of every fast-paced minute of what we have planned.

All attendees will receive a notebook packed with agricultural terminology, facts, case studies and speaker presentations. This notebook has become one of the most popular aspects of the Boot Camp experience.

There will be plenty of opportunities for networking during the reception on Tuesday, in addition to during the Opening General Session. Network during lunch on Wednesday and during the reception at the Boulevard Brewery!

Don’t forget the MoKan NAMA Chapter will be hosting the Ag Tour prior to the kick-off of the Boot Camp. The tour includes a trip to Shoal Creek Land and Cattle, Green Dirt Farm, and Jowler Creek Winery, Missouri’s premier sustainable vineyard and winery. This tour is optional.

You won’t want to miss the 2012 NAMA Boot Camp! To register for the NAMA Boot Camp or the MoKan Ag Tour now, visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=45. 

Check out a list of this year’s Boot Camp attendees at http://www.nama.org/programs/2012bclist.pdf.

The 9th Annual NAMA Boot Camp will take place at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City. Out-of-town attendees are responsible for making their own reservations.

For reservations contact:
Sheraton Crown Center
2345 McGee
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-841-1000
Fax: 816-398-4610

Make sure you mention “NAMA” when making your reservations.

Join NAMA in Minneapolis to take your career to the next level and celebrate NAMA leadership, September 25 – 26.

The Fall Conference is NAMA’s newest signature event, and we want you to be a part of the action. Looking for fresh ideas to increase your professionalism? Want to fine-tune your critical leadership skills? The Fall Conference is the place for you!

Here’s what’s in store …

Insightful Keynote Speaker. Steve Schussler, founder of Rainforest Café, is living proof that setting your goals high and staying focused pays off! He’ll share his secrets to success.

Next Level Breakout Sessions. Created especially for agri-marketers ready to move up the career ladder and acquire game-changing professional development skills.

Classic NAMA Networking. Rub shoulders with NAMA leadership and expand your circle of influential agri-marketing professionals.

We’re packing as much learning, networking and good times into the Fall Conference as possible.

“Celebrating Leadership” will be a prominent theme throughout the Fall Conference. Join us to hone your leadership skills through innovative sessions and learn how NAMA can help you succeed in your career and at your organization. You’re also invited to a momentous celebration of NAMA leaders throughout the generations.

Join the North Central NAMA Chapter  on a tour showcasing unique aspects of Minnesota agriculture and agribusiness. Snacks, drinks and networking are all on the agenda for Monday afternoon. End the day at a Twin Cities brewery! (optional) Note:  There has been a time change in the start time for this tour.  Buses leave the hotel at 12:30 p.m.

To register for the 2012 Fall Conference, visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=49.

For more information on the Fall Conference and hotel, visit http://www.nama.org/fall/index.htm.

Sponsorships are now available for the Fall Conference. If you are interested in sponsoring a session, please contact Jenny Pickett at jennyp@nama.org or call 913-491-6500.

Student NAMA Chapter planning is underway with the Marketing Plan Competition at the forefront. The AgriBusiness Educational Foundation (ABEF) is one way NAMA supports that competition, as well as supporting student scholarships, mentoring, student chapter development, etc. Please join us in this effort by adding just $10 to your NAMA dues, joining the Century Club with a $100 donation (less than $9/month), or joining in with other contributors and companies who have made lasting impacts on the lives of students and young professionals. Click here to find out more.

Are you attending the Farm Progress Show? If so, the Iowa and Cornbelt NAMA Chapters are co-sponsoring a reception there for you.  They’ll provide an opportunity to take a break and interact with other NAMA members on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Exhibitor Tent.  Appetizers and drinks provided (yes, adult beverages too).

The reception will be held in the Exhibitors’ Tent, which is actually housed in a building rather than a tent this year.  Look for the big white and green building, just outside of gate 6 at the south end of 6^th Street.

Questions about the reception? Contact Kurt Lokenvitz at KurtL@Hertz.ag or at 309.944.2184.

The 2012 Fall Conference, September 25 – 26, Minneapolis, MN, line up is falling into place.  Register today to take advantage of early bird rates!

Schedule At A Glance
 

Monday, September 24

1:00 – 6 p.m. -  North Central Ag Tour (Optional)

Tuesday, September 25

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. - Welcome & Opening General Session:
Steven Schussler - founder of Rainforest Cafe

Steven Schussler  is a master at multi-tasking as the World’s Premiere Branding Expert, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Restaurateur and creator of Rainforest Cafe®, Teacher, Motivational Speaker and National Best-selling Author of “It’s A Jungle In There, Inspiring Lessons, Hard-won Insights and Other Acts of Entrepreneurial Daring”.

He has received more than 40 awards in six years including: Fortune Magazine’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.A.; Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 100 entrepreneurs in the country; Nation’s Restaurant News’ Hot Concept Award, Orlando Magazine’s Best Theme Restaurant; the National Retail Federation’s National Retailer of the Year; and Chicago Tribune’s Best Restaurant for Kids.  Additionally, giving back to the community is also one of Schussler’s passions and 100% of the author’s book profits are donated to Smile Network International.

3:30 – 4:00 p.m. -  Break

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. -  Breakout Sessions (choose between one of three)

• Mergers Acquisitions & Partnerships

• Generations Interacting in the Workforce

• Bringing Your Clients Brand Forward

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception at Seven Restaurant – sponsored by Broadhead

Mingle with friends and enjoy some great networking.  Look forward to fantastic food in a cool relaxing atmosphere.

Wednesday, September 26

8:00 a.m. -  Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. -  Bonus Session:  Manners & Etiquette

9:00 – 10:30 a.m.  Managing Up: Managing Sideways – Sheila Campbell, Wild Blue Yonder

Professional Development Awards of  Excellence Presentation
Each year, NAMA honors members with hands-on responsibility in marketing communications, public relations, product/species management and sales.  Awards will be given in each of these areas and the recipients will share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in agri-marketing.

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. - Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon - Breakout Sessions (choose one of three)

• Crisis Management:  Leading Your Team

• Presentation Skills

• Managing the Different Generations

12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m. - Luncheon

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Closing General Session

Register Today!

To register for the 2012 Fall Conference, visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=49.

Sponsorships are now available for the Fall Conference. If you are interested in sponsoring a session, please contact Jenny Pickett at jennyp@nama.org or call 913-491-6500.

NAMA students are wrapping up summer internships, jobs, and classes, and getting ready for the fall semester. Careers Committee planning will soon be underway with the Marketing Plan Competition at the forefront. The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) is one way NAMA supports that competition, as well as supporting student scholarships, mentoring, student chapter development, etc. Please join us in this effort by adding just $10 to your NAMA dues, joining the Century Club with a $100 donation (less than $9/month), or joining in with other contributors and companies who have made lasting impacts on the lives of students and young professionals. Click here to find out more.

Meet up with your NAMA friends!  If you’re attending Ag Media Summit, stop by the NAMA Sponsored drink station at the famous Welcome Party on Sunday, August 5,  from 7-10 p.m.  Thanks to the Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Desert Southwest Chapters for co-sponsoring.