Every year at the Agri-Marketing Conference, professionals gather to explore the latest in techniques, trends and services in the Connection Point trade show. This year, you can also take a moment to relax at the Nicholson Kovac Relaxation Station. Beginning March 28, you can take a trip through the Virtual Trade Show on the Conference Web site at www.nama.org/amc.

Below are the hours of the Connection Point:

Wednesday, April 16
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Best of NAMA Celebration/Connection Point Grand Opening
Celebration Reception sponsored by DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Refreshment station sponsored by Farm Business Communications

Thursday, April 17
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Connection Point Luncheon/Student Mentor Luncheon
Connection Point Luncheon sponsored by Truffle Media Networks
Student Mentor Luncheon sponsored by Technekes and MoKan NAMA
Refreshment station sponsored by Farm Business Communications

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Break in the Connection Point
Break sponsored by Gibbs & Soell
Ice Cream courtesy of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine
Refreshment station sponsored by Farm Business Communications

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – ABEF Silent Auction/Connection Point Closing Reception
Connection Point closing reception sponsored by National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB)
Refreshment station sponsored by Farm Business Communications

A 7″ digital picture frame will be awarded at the end of each session of the Connection Point to a trade show attendee. Each booth will have a box to collect business cards, and they will be combined at the end of each session. Plus, a grand prize drawing will be held at the trade show closing. A bingo activity will also occur during the Connection Point luncheon, if you get a bingo, you’ll be entered into drawing. Don’t forget, students will also be selling raffle tickets for the ABEF Raffle, sponsored by Penton Media. All proceeds from the Raffle will benefit the Student NAMA Careers Program.

Booth space in the Connection Point is still available. If you would like to purchase a booth, please visit http://nama.org/amc/ts/signup.htm.

If you have questions regarding the Connection Point, please contact Judy Knoll at judyk@agrimarketing.com or at (636) 728-1428 ext. 2002.

It’s hard to believe that March is already here! That means that the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference is just a little over a month away!

The early registration deadline and hotel cut-off date for the conference is March 25. After March 25, registration rates increase and hotel reservations made after this date are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability.

Don’t miss out on the early rate! To make your hotel reservations, please call the Hyatt Regency Crown Center at (816) 421-1234 and make sure you mention “NAMA” to receive the group rate. To register for the conference visit, http://nama.org/amc/register.html.

ABEF Online Media Auction
The ABEF Online Media Auction is just a few weeks away! The online auction will begin on Wednesday, March 26 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. To donate a media package to the online auction please download the auction pledge form at http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/MediaAuctionPledgeForm.pdf and fax it back to the NAMA office to be included in the online Media Auction.

ABEF Silent Auction
The ABEF Silent Auction will take place during the Connection Point hours at the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference. Please join your agri-marketing peers in supporting this worthwhile effort by donating to the auction.

Visit http://www.nama.org/abef/silentauction/pledgeform.htm to indicate your donation and/or interest in the project by March 21, 2008, to be included in the auction catalog.

ABEF Golf Outing
The ABEF Golf Outing will take place at the Falcon Lakes Golf Club in Basehor, Kansas. A chartered bus will leave the Hyatt Regency Crown Center at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course. A boxed lunch will be provided. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. A golf awards ceremony and reception will follow the outing at the golf course. The price is $125 per golfer.

To register for the ABEF Golf Outing please visit, www.nama.org/amc/golfregister.htm.

Show your support and sponsor the ABEF Golf Outing! To sign up for a sponsorship on-line visit, http://www.nama.org/amc/golfsponsor.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via e-mail at jennyp@nama.org.

All proceeds from the ABEF Auction, Golf Outing and Student Raffle will support the NAMA Student Careers Program which involves 37 collegiate chapters across the US. This program provides scholarships and the Student Marketing Competition in conjunction with the Agri-Marketing Conference, and the Outstanding Student Chapter and Advisor awards. Show your support by donating today!

Two days of breakout sessions at the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference will delve into the issues that matter most to you! Take a look at what we’ve got planned for you.

Thursday, April 17 ~ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Senior Management Workshop: We Are Smarter Than Me: A More In-Depth Look at How to Unleash the Power of Crowds in Your Business

Created specifically for senior management, this session is a detailed, drilled-down extension of the Second General Session. Presented in an interactive, fast-paced workshop format, it’s designed to give seasoned professionals an inside look at the benefits of social networking and community building. You’ll walk away with solid methods for harnessing the power of crowds in developing your business.

Barry Libert is the CEO of Shared Insights, LLC. Shared Insights owns and operates business communities that enable enterprises and their professionals to communicate and collaborate in order to make better decisions based on the experience of peers, experts and leading industry vendors.

NOTE: Participants must be registered for the full Agri-Marketing Conference. Separate registration is required, but there is no additional registration fee. Registration is limited to the first 100 attendees who sign-up. To sign up for the Senior Management Workshop, please visit http://www.nama.org/amc/seniorworkshop.html.

The New Economic Paradigm
It’s a whole new ball game for agribusiness – an economic environment like never before – strong global growth boosting food demand, biofuels competing for commodities, record commodity prices, rising incomes for many agricultural producers as well as record input and equipment sales. Is this just another periodic bubble or is it sustainable this time?

Join Dr. J.B. Penn, Chief Economist for Deere & Co., for a fascinating session of what may lie ahead. Learn what’s affecting the business environment – the global economic outlook, new economic trends, trade, energy, agriculture, climate change, renewable fuels and food supply issues. Then discover what his predictions mean for your business.

Public Perceptions of Agriculture
Find out how the public perceives agriculture and consider how those perceptions affect what you do. Ali Webb, Ph.D., Program Director, Food Systems and Rural Development, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will present findings from a recent landmark study on public perceptions of agriculture, including a review and analysis of relevant, publicly available opinion research conducted in the United States within the past five years.

Leveraging Interactive Marketing for Business Success
While overall U.S. advertising spending slipped 0.3% in the first quarter of 2007, Internet ad spending rose 16.7%. At the same time, an ever more complicated picture of tools and technologies has developed. The typical website, email and banner ad have been supplemented with search, blogs, RSS feeds, webcasts and social media. Leveraging these new media will be critical to your success in the years to come.

In this timely session, you’ll explore new technologies (and websites, email and other more familiar topics) in business terms. Find out the emerging trends in search, content, applications and community and discover how farmers use online media. Finally, learn what challenges impact your organization’s ability to successfully leverage the power of interactive marketing.

Panel members for this session include: Scott McClure (panel moderator), Brighton Agency; Jim Brophy, Morgan&Myers; Brian Himstedt, Brighton Agency; and Scott Mortimer, Successful Farming and Agriculture Online.

What’s In It For Me? Making Sponsorships Work For Your Organization
There’s certainly no shortage of sponsorship opportunities: events, broadcasts, venues, causes, the list goes on. But how do you make sponsorships more than a “feel good” expenditure? More than simply writing a check and hoping for the best?

Fact is, sponsorships can be a very effective tool if used correctly. The key is in choosing the right opportunities and leveraging them for your organization. Kevin Lentz, Founder and President, Performance Marketing Inc., will provide real-world examples of how you can use sponsorships to achieve your business goals. (Check out the 2008 Conference sponsors at http://nama.org/amc/sponsor/sponsors.htm.)

Thursday, April 17 ~ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

How To Network Effectively
Despite what you may think, networking is a learned skill – and one that reaps great rewards, personally and professionally. Good networkers make more contacts, learn about trends and competition, forge meaningful partnerships and become a powerful resource to others.

In this entertaining session led by networking expert Matt Anderson, you’ll learn the keys to networking for success, including the seven biggest mistakes made when working a room. Find out how to identify people to connect with, how to start and exit conversations and how to overcome your natural shyness.

BioFuels: Next Up Cellulosics
Find out what’s happening next in ethanol production so you can stay ahead of the bioenergy boom. Tom Slunecka, Vice President of Business Development for KL Process Design Group, will outline the trend toward ethanol production with cellulosics. Tom will discuss possible feedstocks and address how growers and agribusinesses are likely to take advantage.

Inside the Rural Lifestyle: Understand and Succeed
The rural lifestyle segment is considered one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S. They are a force to be reckoned with – complete with a host of unique needs and buying habits. How can you survive as a lifestyle marketer in the world of ag production?

In this revealing hour, you’ll learn the drilled down reality of the rural lifestyle – size, characters, niches and more – from Brad Schu, Director, Lifestyle Marketing, Land O’Lakes Purina Feeds. Find out the three key experiences they are seeking – and how you can deliver on them. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at rural lifestyle marketing from the Purina perspective, followed by a no-holds-barred Q&A session.

What Marketers Want from the Ag Media
Stop guessing and start selling. Interested in learning what’s on the minds of veteran agrimarketers? Join a group of seasoned professionals to learn how your organization can meet and exceed expectations. The curtain will come down as they describe the do’s and don’ts of a successful sales call, what they want to see in your presentation and how they plan and execute their media schedules.

Our panel of professionals include: Lynn Henderson (moderator), AgriMarketing magazine; Dave Patterson, John Deere Credit; Kim Dawson, Syngenta Crop Protection; Laurie Christen, Colle+McVoy; and Pat Reese, McCormick Company.

Friday, April 18 ~ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Understanding the Income Statement: Thinking Inside the Box
Communicators and journalists are notoriously math averse. But to move ahead in your organization and to enhance client trust, you need to understand financial statements and the numbers of business. James K. Gentry, Ph.D., Professor and Former Dean, William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, will give you five key insights that can smooth your path. And it will be relatively painless.

Going Green: How You Can Be A More Environmentally-Conscious Organization
Becoming an environmentally friendly organization is not only a hot trend, but is also a socially responsible goal for any business. While ‘going green’ and ‘reducing your environmental footprint’ may seem like lofty goals, they really can be part of a manageable process you can incorporate into your sales and marketing activities on a gradual basis. This session will explore ideas, strategies and current practices to make your organization a more efficient consumer of environmental resources.

Join Samantha Lucy, Marketing Manager, and Aissa Irvin, Program Manager, for the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University, for a discussion of ideas – from big to small – that you can incorporate into your sales and marketing efforts today.

The Millennial Generation-Attracting, Hiring and Retaining the Talent Needed for Tomorrow’s Success!
Talent is the one critical success factor differentiating an organization from the competition. Fact is, attracting, hiring and retaining good people is the most competitive activity we do. This panel will discuss how to attract and fulfill expectations for the youngest talent in the industry – the Millennial generation. Then learn how to keep them once they’ve said “yes!”

Our panel will include: Stephanie Liska (moderator), Beck Ag Inc.; Mike Gaul, Iowa State University; Dr. John Sullivan, Dr. John Sullivan & Associates; Eric Spell, AgCareers.com; and Tom Hoogheem, Monsanto Company.

Pitching a Story: Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re looking to get your organization or product covered by the press, then this session is for you. Join three key editors of major agriculture publications for a revealing look at how to get your story noticed and featured. Find out the “right way” and the “wrong way” to pitch a story. This practical session will give you solid ideas to help you ensure better media coverage in the year to come.

Our panel for this session includes: David Mehlhaff (moderator), American Hereford Association; Greg Vincent, Top Producer; Gerry Whitty, FEED & GRAIN; and Greg Henderson, Drovers magazine.

Please join us for the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 16-18. Register now at http://nama.org/amc/register.html.

Every year at the Agri-Marketing Conference, professionals gather to explore the latest in techniques, trends and services. The Connection Point is an integral part of this event. If your target audience is the agri-marketer, you can’t afford to miss the 2008 Connection Point!

Over 1,200 agri-marketing professionals and students will be in Kansas City, April 16-18. These professionals include:

• Marketing executives from agribusiness companies
• Advertising agency professionals
• Public relations executives
• Media representatives
• Commodity and trade association professionals

These attendees have a significant amount of buying power. They are in charge of, or influence, media and promotions purchases. Getting exposure with these professionals could pay off for your company.

What happens in the Connection Point?

Receptions in the Trade Show
Wednesday, April 16, following the Best of NAMA Ceremony, the Trade Show will open with a Celebration Reception courtesy of DTN/The Progressive Farmer. Thursday evening will be a casual fun reception with roller roping and old time photography courtesy of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).

Other Events in the Trade Show
In addition to the two receptions in the trade show, there will be a hot breakfast Thursday morning, courtesy of High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal in addition to the luncheon with a Country BBQ theme, courtesy of Truffle Media Networks and a break that afternoon sponsored by Gibbs & Soell with ice cream treats compliments of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine. Don’t forget to grab a cool beverage from the refreshment station courtesy of Farm Business Communications.

Trade Show Drawings
A 7” digital picture frame will be awarded at the end of each session to a trade show attendee. Plus, a grand prize drawing for an iPod NANO will be held at the end of the trade show session. Each booth will be provided a box to collect business cards, and they will be combined at the end of each session.

Virtual Trade Show
As an exhibitor at the Connection Point you will be featured as an exhibitor in the Virtual Trade Show. Trade show attendees can determine where you will be located and find out more about your organization before the event.

Relaxation Station
In addition to participating in the programs and events at the conference, you’ll be busy networking with peers, attending to business matters, etc. So stop by the Relaxation Station in the Connection Point to release any stress and ease any aches and pains. The Relaxation Station is sponsored by Nicholson Kovac.

To sign-up for a Trade Show booth in the Connection Point, visit http://nama.org/amc/ts/signup.htm.

To register for the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference visit http://nama.org/amc/register.html.

You may have been to Kansas City before, but we’ve got some new entertainment for you in the downtown area that will help make your trip to the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference even more enjoyable than in past year’s.

The new Power & Light District in downtown Kansas City is an $850 million entertainment district filled with the city’s hottest new restaurants, clubs and shops. It’s the largest new development project in the Midwest-you won’t want to miss it.

About 30 tenants had been announced for the Power & Light District. The 14 already open or scheduled to open before March 10 are marked with an asterisk below:

AMC Mainstreet Theatre will be a six-screen all-digital theater, and AMC Midland Theatre will be a live performance venue. Opening dates not announced.

Angel’s Rock Bar,* a 4,000-square-foot nightclub, is scheduled to open at 1323 Walnut St., on the second level of the Kansas City Live block, on March 7.

Bice Bistro/Bice Cafe/Bice Lounge, with Italian fare, will occupy an 8,700-square-foot space at 14 E. 14th St., at the northeast corner of 14th and Main streets. Opening date not announced.

Bristol Seafood Grill,* an 8,000-square-feet boutique-style restaurant, will open at 51 E. 14th St. between Main and Walnut streets. It is slated to open for dinner on Feb. 26 and for lunch on Feb. 27.

Chefburger,* a 3,300-square-foot, locally owned build-your-own burger joint, is scheduled to open at 1350 Walnut St. on March 6.

Chipotle Mexican Grill,* a 2,400-square-foot fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain, plans to open a location at 1370 Walnut St. the week of Feb. 25.

Cosentino’s Downtown Gourmet Market, a 35,000-square-foot store planned for 10 E. 13th St., is scheduled to open this summer.

Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que,* a 6,300-square-foot, family-oriented chain restaurant with full bar, will open at 131 E. 14th St., between Walnut Street and Grand Boulevard. It is scheduled to open on Feb. 22.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, an 8,400-square-foot operation specializing in international, high-quality handcrafted beers, is scheduled to open at 101 E. 13th St. in early May.

The Fudgery chain plans to open a 1,740-square-foot fudge shop on the west side of Walnut Street between 13th and 14th streets. Opening date not announced.

GNC, a specialty retailer of nutritional products, will open a 1,700-square-foot location on the south side of 12th Street between Main and Walnut streets. Opening date not announced.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant,* an 8,500-square-foot brewery and restaurant, is expected to open at 100 E. 14th St., on the southwest corner of the Kansas City Live block, on March 10.

Howl at the Moon,* a 4,700-square-foot, dueling piano entertainment concept, opened Friday at 1334 Grand Blvd. on the second floor of the Kansas City Live block.

Jos. A Bank Clothiers, a 4,300-square-foot retailer of men’s clothing, sportswear, footwear and accessories, is scheduled to open on the west side of Main Street between 13th and 14th streets. Opening date not announced.

Latteland Espresso & Tea, a locally owned 1,700-square-foot operation serving coffee drinks, blended iced drinks, fresh fruit smoothies and bakery items, is expected to open at the corner of 12th and Main streets this summer.

Living Room, a seasonal high-end outdoor lounge, is expected to open in the center of the Kansas City Live block courtyard in the spring.

Lucky Strike,* a 20,000-square-foot-plus upscale bowling lounge, is expected to open at 1370 Grand Blvd. in early March.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant and bar specializing in bourbons, will open on the second floor, west side, of the Kansas City Live block. Opening date not announced.

McFadden’s Sports Saloon,* a 6,900-square-foot, sports fueled, Irish-themed pub, opened Nov. 9 at 1330 Grand Blvd.

Mosaic Lounge, with 7,100 square feet, will open at 1331 Walnut St., on the second floor of the Kansas City Live block, facing Grand Boulevard between 13th and 14th streets. Opening date not announced.

Peachtree Restaurant, a 5,481-square-foot comfort/soul food/Southern cuisine restaurant, is expected to open at 14th and Main streets in early April.

Plaza Ford Ideal, a 950-square-foot dry cleaning business, will open on Main Street between 12th and 13th streets. Opening date not announced.

Polished, a 1,195-square-feet nail salon, will open on Main Street between 12th and 13th streets. Opening date not announced.

Raglan Road Irish Pub,* a 10,000-square-foot pub, is scheduled to open the first week of March at 170 E. 14th St.

Rum Shack, a 6,500-square-foot Caribbean-style nightclub, will open on the second floor of the eastern side of the Kansas City Live block. Opening date not announced.

Sprint Studio,* a 5,500-square-foot interactive retail store at 161 E. 14th St., is scheduled to open before the Big 12 tournament in mid-March.

Tangerine, a 7,500-square-foot restaurant formerly announced as ChinaBar, will be in the Kansas City Live block. Opening date not announced.

Ted’s Montana Grill,* a 5,400-square-foot classic American grill with made-from-scratch dishes, is open for lunch and dinner at 101 E. 14th St., at the southeast corner of 14th and Walnut streets.

Tengo Sed Cantina,* a 4,000-square-foot authentic Mexican restaurant and late-night party place, is expected to open at 1330 Walnut St., on the Kansas City Live block, on March 7.

Vinino,* a 3,800-square-foot Italian bistro, opened Nov. 16 at 1320 Grand Blvd.

Be adventurous during your stay and explore Kansas City’s thriving arts and culture scene. From live Broadway-style theatre to several excellent museums, you can fill every evening with casual fun or upscale outings.

For more information on discovering Kansas City, visit the following website’s:

www.visitkc.com
www.crowncenter.com
www.powerandlightdistrict.com

Join your fellow agri-marketers for an interactive panel discussion of the current state of ag advertising at the pre-conference workshop from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16.

Award winning NAMA creative directors will reveal the secrets behind their respective campaigns. You’ll get the inside scoop on concepting, strategic development, media options and client participation.

There will also be lots of great work on display and lots of time to get your specific design and implementation questions answered by the experts.

Tim Naylor, Chief Creative Officer, Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie will moderate this panel discussion. Naylor leads creative efforts for Yamamoto Moss MacKenzie, a Minneapolis branding agency. He has spent three decades doing broadcast, print and interactive for Keebler, Kellogg, Kleenex, Kraft, All-Temperature Cheer, Green Giant, Piper Jaffray, Thermo King, Sub-Zero, Russell, Transamerica, Ameriprise and Farm Plan.

Participants must be registered for the full Agri-Marketing Conference to attend the pre-conference workshop. Separate registration is required, but there is no additional registration fee. To reserve your spot for the Pre-conference workshop visit, www.nama.org/amc/reserveworkshop.html.

To register for the Agri-Marketing Conference visit http://nama.org/amc/register.html.