November 28, 2024 • 34 mins
Unlock the secrets to staying ahead in the grain industry as we gear up for the GEAPS Exchange 2025, the ultimate event for grain professionals. With GEAPS Executive Director John Caupert joining us, learn how this year’s conference is set to break new ground with over 400 exhibitors and the debut of a cutting-edge grain processing track. Get insider knowledge on the event’s structure and the pivotal role GEAPS members play in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. Prepare for an unparalleled professional development experience as we explore the four educational tracks—Processing, Employee Development, Safety, and Grain Operations—that promise to enrich your industry expertise.
Networking is king, and we guide you through the art of making invaluable connections at GEAPS Exchange. Discover practical strategies for engaging with key industry players and making the most of the social events, from the Mixer for new and international attendees to the Expo Hall Welcome Reception. With insights from seasoned board members, find out how to leverage the Exchange Expo’s innovation stations and grain entrapment rescue demonstrations to stay ahead of industry trends. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network and knowledge, ensuring your place at the forefront of grain handling and processing.
The biggest and best event in the Grain Industry, GEAPS Exchange 2025 is taking place February 22nd through the 25th at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Our guest commentators for this episode are John Caupert, GEAPS’ Executive Director, Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller, Director of Conference and Exhibitions, Betsy Polis, Director of Special Projects and Events, along with two representatives of the GEAPS International Board of Directors, Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair and Austin Carpenter, Board President.
They’ll describe the structure, the detail, and how you don’t want to miss all the fun at the biggest and best show in the grain industry, GEAPS Exchange 2025! You’ll also want to follow along by visiting the event page at www.geaps.com/exchange.
Links:
Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (00:02):
This Whole Grain GEAPS podcast
episode focuses on GEAPSExchange 2025, the biggest and
best show in the grain industry.
GEAPS staff, along withrepresentatives from the GEAPS
International Board of Directors, will be featured as we inform
and prepare you for all theupcoming excitement surrounding
Exchange 2025.
Hello and welcome to the show.
(00:26):
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast.
My name is Jim Lenz, your hostand producer of the show and the
Director of Global Educationand Training at GEAPS.
We're the mission of the GrainElevator and Processing Society
to champion, connect and servethe global grain industry and
our members at GEAPS.
We work to be the globalcommunity and thought leader for
the grain industry, which feedsand fuels the world.
(00:47):
Thanks for listening today andfor joining the network of
thousands of other grainhandling and processing
professionals across the globetaking strategic steps to grow
professionally.
The Whole Grain Show will giveyou the competitive advantage to
win at work so you can makemore of an impact.
Before we continue, here is abrief message from a sponsor of
today's message.
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(01:10):
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(01:50):
after harvest, visit them atwwwcontinental-industrycom.
Please be sure to share thisepisode with your colleagues and
your greater network, astoday's Whole Grain Podcast
episode is 100% focused on thebiggest and best show in the
grain industry GEAPS Exchange2025.
It's taking place February 22ndthrough February 25th at the
(02:11):
Kansas City Convention Center inKansas City, Missouri of the
United States.
Our guest commentators fortoday's episode will be led by
John Caupert, GEAPS' ExecutiveDirector, Adrianne
Fierstad-Miller, director ofConference and Exhibitions,
Betsy Polis, Director of SpecialProjects and Events, along with
two representatives of theGEAPS International Board of
Directors Chuck Kunisch, BoardChair, and Austin Carpenter,
(02:32):
Board President.
They'll describe the structure,the detail and how you don't
want to miss all the fun at thebiggest and best show in the
grain industry GEAPS Exchange2025.
You'll also want to followalong by visiting the event page
at GEAPS.
com/exchange.
All that and more coming upnext! To start the show off.
(03:01):
We're very excited to have ourown GEAPS Executive Director
John Caupert with us today.
John welcome.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (03:07):
Jim , great to be here.
Looking very forward todiscussing all things GEAPS
Exchange 2025.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (03:14):
What are you so excited about for
GEAPS Exchange 2025?
Let's hear it.
John Caupert, Executive Di (03:19):
Sure Well, for all of our listeners
out there, you know, for thosethat have been with us for a
while and maybe those that arenew to the Whole Grain Podcast,
especially those that are new tothe podcast Thank you for
joining us and listening in.
You know GEAPS Exchange it isthe largest single site grain
and grain industry conference inthe world hours of education
(03:41):
and technical sessions that arecomplemented by an expo that
this year will probably see over400 exhibitors representing
every step in the value and thesupply chain of grain and grain
processing.
In GEAPS Exchange 2024, webroke certain records.
It was our largest exchangeconference in history in terms
(04:03):
of attendance.
We had a completely sold outexpo and listeners.
What we heard was we heard thedemand for more.
We walked away from Exchange2024 with a waiting list of more
companies wanting to be part ofthe expo.
Well, why do companies want tobe part of the expo?
As mentioned, it is the largestsingle site grain and grain
processing conference in theworld.
(04:24):
It's the largest single sitegrain and grain processing
conference in the world and Iemphasize the importance of that
because when you think aboutGEAPS as an organization and
perhaps even more importantly,when you think GEAPS members and
their role in agriculture.
When that farmer, when she orhe, delivers their load of grain
to a country grain elevator, ariver terminal or a grain
(04:47):
processing plant, the very firstperson that they encounter is a
GEAPS member.
And that is important becauseit is Jeeps members that are
directly involved in theconversion of that grain into
the food that feeds the world,the fuel that fuels our
automobiles and the clothingthat is upon our back.
(05:07):
GEAPS members are directlyinvolved in feeding, fueling and
clothing the world and when youattend GEAPS Exchange all of
that is there for you.
One site, one location.
So, Jim, I'm very excited aboutit and hope that our listeners
are as well.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (05:24):
Yeah , it's a great overview.
There are a number of newthings that are going to be
added this year.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (05:30):
Jim , there is.
You know, for those out therethat know me, or for those that
have heard me speak before, theyknow that I come from the
ethanol industry.
I've spent the last 20 yearsthere, spent the 20 years
previous to GEAPS in the ethanolindustry.
You know an industry that I sawgrow from 1.2 billion gallons
of production to nearly 17billion gallons of production in
(05:53):
my time there.
Well, when you think about theethanol industry, when you think
about the biofuels industry, atthe end of the day, what it is
is it's grain processing.
It is taking an individualkernel of corn or an individual
soybean and it is bioprocessingit into many products of value.
We at GEAPS, we listened.
We listened to the attendees ofExchange 2024.
(06:17):
And equally important tolistening to the attendees, we
watched, we listened, we askedquestions about what's going on
in industry, and what we heartime and time and time again is
grain processing.
So Exchange 2025 will bring itsfirst ever grain processing
track and we are very excitedabout that.
(06:40):
We will have representativesfrom the major agricultural
commodity associations, such ascorn growers, soybean
association, and those folkswill have the opportunity to
directly interact and engage andnetwork with our Jeeps members
and, at the end of the day,that's one of the primary
benefits and values of being aGEAPS member is just that
(07:02):
networking.
There's one area that I wouldlike to add.
It is this transformationalshift that we're seeing in
agriculture and for thelisteners, I'd like to take a
couple moments to talk about twoareas in particular of a
transformational shift.
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair, (07:17):
One is in the workforce.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (07:18):
You know agriculture in general,
from farmers to those that areworking in the transformation of
grain into the products that weconsume on a daily basis.
There is a transformationalshift in the workforce.
An aging workforce is beingreplaced slowly by folks who are
maybe a little morenon-traditional in agriculture.
(07:39):
Maybe they didn't grow up inrural America, they probably
didn't grow up on a farm.
They most likely don't have adegree or a background in
agriculture.
That is one transformationalshift that is happening, and
GEAPS Exchange, the 45 plushours of education, training,
technical sessions, as well asthe innovation stations and the
(08:03):
expo itself, are geared directlytowards those types of folks.
The other transformational shiftthat is happening is
agriculture is bringingvalue-added products to market
through grain processing, andthe way that I like to describe
it is grain processing is thepathway to prosperity in
(08:23):
agriculture.
Well, what does that reallymean, this pathway to prosperity
?
Well, what it is is it istaking an individual kernel of
corn, it is taking an individualbushel of soybeans and, through
processing, developing manyproducts, hundreds, if not
thousands of products, out ofthat individual bushel, putting
(08:44):
value on it every step of theway, and we will be bringing all
that to Exchange 2025.
So so many opportunities.
If it sounds like I'm excited,it's because I am.
Jim Lenz, Director of Global (08:56):
I love that and you're a great
supporter of the ethanolindustry for so long.
It's a big part of what we doand we're continuing to grow and
put emphasis in that area, sothis is a new opportunity to
connect with the industry atlarge all components of the
supply chain.
So terrific.
Thank you, John.
John Caupert, Executive Di (09:14):
Yeah , thank you, Jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (09:15):
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Now let's get into the detailsof GEAPS Exchange with my
colleagues Adrianne and Betsy.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Mille (09:54):
There's so much to see, learn and do at
GEAPS Exchange.
The conference includes an expohall filled with technology and
services to make grainoperations safer and more
efficient, education on thelatest trends and best practices
, and social events that helpreinforce business relationships
and create new ones.
The dates of Exchange 2025 areFebruary 22nd through 25th
(10:19):
that's a Saturday through aTuesday.
It's being held at the KansasCity Convention Center and we
expect nearly 4,000 attendeesand over 375 exhibiting
companies.
We'll start with the basics ofregistration and housing and
then delve into more detailabout the Expo, education and
social events.
(10:39):
Registration is currently open.
You can go to GEAPS Dot Comslash exchange to access the
registration portal.
We're offering a specialdiscount code for international
attendees.
Intl25kc can be entered duringthe registration process and
will adjust the price to themember rate for whichever
(11:01):
registration option is selected.
There are multiple registrationoptions available and attendees
will want to register byJanuary 28th to receive the best
rates, as these are all ourearly bird prices.
One option is an expo only pass, which allows access to the
expo hall for whichever days areselected.
With the international discountcode, this would be completely
(11:23):
free.
It's $35 per day fornon-members who receive a coupon
code from an exhibitor and $70per day without the coupon.
One notable thing about ourExpo Hall is that lunch is
included each day at noadditional charge.
Next, we have full conferenceregistration, which is $435 for
members and $670 for non-members.
(11:46):
Again, the internationaldiscount code will offer those
attendees the member rate on afull registration.
A full conference registrationincludes all three days of Expo
education sessions and specialevents, which we'll talk about
more in detail later.
Lastly, there's a dailyeducation and expo hall pass.
It's $205 for members and $335for non-members.
(12:10):
This allows the attendee toaccess the expo hall and all
education sessions on the day oftheir choice.
Now we'll move on to housing forExchange 2025.
We have three hotels withdiscounted rates for our
attendees and exhibitors, androom reservations can be made
during the reservation process.
All hotels are within walkingdistance of the Convention
(12:32):
Center.
First, we have the Marriott,which is our host hotel, which
means we have the largest numberof hotel rooms blocked at this
hotel.
There is also the Lowe's, whichis a relatively new hotel
opened just in 2020, and it isconnected to the Convention
Center.
The Crowne Plaza is our mostbudget-friendly option and just
a couple of blocks from theConvention Center.
(12:53):
You can't go wrong with any ofthese hotels.
It just depends on yourpreference.
Exchange is a great place tolearn, and now we'll move on to
the education portion of thepresentation and I'll hand it
off to my colleague, betsy Polis.
Betsy Polis,Director of Spe (13:09):
I'm going to give you a summary and
overview of some of theeducation you can find at GEAPS
Exchange.
So, first and foremost, weinvite you to join us Sunday
morning, February 23rd, for ourkeynote presentation by Pamela
Barnum.
She's a former undercoverpolice officer and nonverbal
communication expert.
Her talk on tactical influencewill cover the first principles
of leadership helping you unlockyour potential as a leader.
(13:30):
This will be followed by ourmost popular event, the Idea
Exchange, where presenters willshare new products and ideas in
a fast-paced, dynamic event.
We have four tracks ofeducation.
One is our newest track, beingprocessing.
The second is employeedevelopment.
Third is safety and the fourthis green operations.
(13:52):
The nice part about the tracksis that you can either follow
along throughout the entiretrack of education or you can
mix and match and choosesessions to your liking from a
variety of these tracks.
We're going to start with theprocessing track.
Like I mentioned, it's ournewest track and we're very
excited to be offering it to ourattendees.
(14:12):
The processing track offersvaluable insights into
extraction methods, safetyregulations and grain quality.
It will review soybeanprocessing techniques and
methods, as well as focus in onthe role renewable oils play.
Some of the sessions withinthis track are oil seed
processing a crushingperspective.
(14:33):
Soybean processing basics andbeyond, how to harness oil seed
value-added processes and growthpotential.
And ethanol production.
In our employee developmenttrack, attendees can expect
topics on effective hiring,succession planning, improving
team performance and creatingquality workplace culture.
(14:53):
A few sessions in this trackare how to create an incredible
workplace that nobody wants toleave, three steps to succession
planning success, a paneldiscussion on talent
transformation, recruiting andbuilding your team in a remote
world, and the four pillars ofeffective hiring.
(15:13):
Our third track is the safetytrack, which brings a blend of
topics on railroad and bargesafety, dust explosion
prevention and fall protection.
Some of these sessions you canfind within our safety track
include a dust explosion panelevaluating connection between
heat stress and respiratoryconnection, a step-by-step guide
(15:35):
to safely testing circuitbreakers, best practices for
loading grain barges, thereality of railroad safety and
demystifying combustible dustexplosions.
And our final track this yearis the grain operations track.
The grain operations track hasa wide variety of topics serving
all industry professionals.
(15:56):
Topics range from automation,project management, energy
savings and facility maintenance.
Some of these sessions includewhat to look for when increasing
bucket elevator capacity,aeration and outside storage
(16:16):
capacity, aeration and outsidestorage, ai readiness in green
facilities, 13 ways to ruin aperfectly good gear reducer.
And measurement in motion usingflow sensors to future-proof
your operation.
This is just a snapshot of allof the great education that we
have to offer.
I encourage you to visit ourwebsite to really dive into our
speakers, our subjects and moredescription on all of those
categories.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (16:38):
Before we continue, here is a brief
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(16:58):
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Betsy Polis,Director of Sp (17:21):
I'll pass it back to Adrianne to
talk a bit more about theExchange Expo.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:26):
Thanks , Betsy.
The Expo Hall is a hugeattraction of Exchange.
It boasts over 80,000 squarefeet of booth space.
Attendees will find a lot ofinnovation products, services
and solutions on the show floor.
Many customers use Exchange todebut new products and services
for the industry.
A lot of exhibitors bringreal-life machinery and many
(17:48):
equipment.
Demonstrations are happening onthe show floor.
Betsy Polis,Director of Spec (17:52):
So there are four innovation
stations featured throughout theExpo Hall.
These are actually small,interactive and more
demonstration based education.
They are connected to our fourtracks of education and a great
way to get learning within theExpo Hall.
We also have a grain entrapmentrescue demonstration.
(18:15):
This occurs five differenttimes throughout the Expo Hall
hours.
It's a very popular attractionand it's returning again this
year.
With the help from OklahomaState University, they will be
hosting this comprehensivedemonstration on the dangers of
grain bins and life-savingsafety measures.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller, D (18:33):
New this year we'll have an
international resource centerbooth right next to the GEAPS
booth on the show floor.
U.
S Commercial Services will behoused in this space as a
resource for internationalattendees and exhibitors.
We'll also have a Spanish andPortuguese translator to help
attendees find exhibitors in thehall and answer questions about
(18:53):
exchange and Jeep.
As mentioned previously, lunchis served every day in the Expo
Hall, so attendees don't need toleave to find something to eat.
There are also a lot ofnetworking opportunities within
the hall and lounges built in torelax and have a conversation.
We'll have over 375 exhibitorsrepresenting a variety of
product and service solutions.
(19:15):
This is a snapshot of popularproduct and service categories
represented by our exhibitors,From cleaning and sorting
equipment to processing totransportation.
Attendees will find thesolutions they're looking for on
the Expo Hall floor.
All right Exchange has somegreat social events geared
toward fun, relaxation andnetworking.
(19:36):
That we'll talk about nextSaturday is where things begin.
The Mixer is an event forfirst-time and international
attendees.
This event is free to thoseindividuals.
It's a relaxed and smallerevent that allows new and
international attendees to getacquainted with Jeeps leaders
and exchange veterans.
GEAPS leaders will be inattendance to welcome attendees,
(19:57):
answer questions and makeintroductions.
Also, on Saturday evening, wehave the Get Acquainted Party,
which is considered the kickoffevent to the conference.
This year, the Get AcquaintedParty will be held at the
College Basketball Experience,which isn't too far from the
Convention Center.
Admission will include twodrink tickets, good food, access
(20:20):
to the National CollegiateBasketball Hall of Fame and more
than 20 interactive exhibits.
This event is included in afull registration, but can also
be purchased a la carte.
Shuttle service, although it'snot far, will be included from
our three conference hotels andthe convention center.
Sunday, at the end of the firstday of the Expo Hall being open,
there will be a welcomereception on the Expo show floor
(20:41):
.
Attendees receive two drinktickets and free appetizers to
celebrate the first day of thetrade show and then, on Tuesday,
to end the conference directlyfollowing the Expo Hall closing,
we'll be playing music bingo.
Join us for a happy hour whileexhibitors tear down their
booths, and then we'll let thegames begin.
Don't worry, you don't need tobe an expert in music.
(21:03):
It's a game for all.
There will be many great prizesto be won, donated by our
generous exhibitors and sponsors.
This is an event you don't wantto miss, as we held it last
year for the first time and itreceived rave reviews.
This event is included in fullregistration or admission can be
purchased a la carte.
That concludes our Exchange2025 overview presentation.
(21:26):
We hope that it was informativeand we would love to see you at
the event in February.
Thank you, Thank you.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (21:35):
Before we continue, here is a brief
message from a sponsor oftoday's message.
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa,Interstates offers electrical
construction, electricalengineering and control system
solutions.
For over 70 years, they havetackled complex challenges and
developed innovative solutionsfor grain handling facilities
around the country.
Interstates brings theirclients a wide breadth of
(21:56):
experience in the grain industry, from greenfield builds to
support for existing facilities,including upgrades, service
calls and ongoing maintenance.
They do what it takes todeliver your solution on
schedule, on budget and ontarget with your needs.
Come visit them at the GEAPSExchange or contact them today
at www.
Interstates.
com.
All right, now we are joined byChuck Kunisch.
(22:18):
Chuck Kunisch is a longtimeGEAPS member.
He's been going to Exchange, Ithink, for 25 years.
He'll tell us about that and alittle bit how things evolved
and why he is so excited aboutExchange 2025.
Chuck is also the board chairfor the International Board of
Directors of GEAPS.
So, Chuck, thank you forjoining us here on this episode
(22:38):
to feature the upcoming Exchange.
Are you excited?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chai (22:41):
Thank you, Jim.
Every year the Exchange getsbetter and better.
Myself and a few of the otherboard members lived through the
pandemic, which was really ugly,and to see us come out of that
and not just maintain the statusquo but to thrive and see the
exchange grow is really, reallyexciting to me.
Like you mentioned, this yearI'm chairman of the board.
(23:02):
I've been on the board for over10 years.
I'm going to term out this year, which is sort of bittersweet
to me to not have a direct handin the Exchange in GEAPS as much
as I have.
But it's going to be a greatexchange.
I would very much encourage allof our regular members and
associates to figure out how toget there.
They're going to benefit fromit.
(23:23):
The networking that exists.
That exchange that I've takenpart of has made my career, Jim,
not just in GEAPS but withMichigan Ag Commodity and
business I've done around theworld.
I can't stress how useful thenetworking that comes out of
exchanges.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (23:40):
Yeah , you touched on that.
In fact, I remember in a pastepisode you talked about
networking a bit.
Can you expand on that?
You really have masterednetworking and you, like other
folks, have expressed howimportant that is.
Just for those who are comingfor the first time or those
who've been going for years.
Stretching yourself a littlebit is important, even if it's
(24:02):
maybe not natural or iscomfortable for you.
But what is the significance ofnetworking?
How can it be done beforehand,leading up to exchange, and then
, when you're on site atexchange, what kind of
networking opportunities, whatkind of tips can you provide?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair (24:17):
Well , I'd say before, get the list
of attendees, both regularmembers or all three regular
members that are going to bethere, that maybe you know that
they might be doing somethingyou're interested in.
With the size of the vendors,where we're probably going to
close on 400, there's not enoughtime to go and touch and talk
to everybody.
(24:37):
Make a list, figure out whoyour primary ones are.
If you're coming with othermembers from your company, split
and divide to be able to getthe benefit of that.
Those vendors, that's whatthey're there for.
They're trained in helping youget information that you're
looking for.
So you know, like you said, ifyou're not a real outgoing
(24:59):
personality, you just got toshow up and say, hey, I'm
interested and those guys willhelp you In the education
sessions.
Definitely.
Figure out which ones work foryou and, as a first step, step
out a little bit maybe after thesession if you're interested,
go up and get the business cardfrom the presenter.
That's a really good way tostart networking and to get
acquainted.
The presenter that's a reallygood way to start networking and
to get acquainted.
The mixer, the reception talkto people.
(25:22):
You know that's GEAPS' greatestasset is its people, and so
utilize that asset.
As you do it, it'll becomeeasier and easier as you go
along and you'll reap thebenefits of it.
I can't stress that enough.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (25:30):
Yeah , great recap, great insights
there, Chuck, thank you.
In a little bit we'll concludethe show with current GEAPS
Board President, AustinCarpenter.
He is on the associate side,vendor and supplier of the
industry.
You are not.
You are considered a regularmember.
You worked in grain facilitiesfor a number of years,
especially with Michigan AgCommodities.
(25:52):
So from that perspective thatyou're bringing to the table,
can you expand on that a littlebit more?
How significant is this forthose who work in grain
facilities?
What are some of those targetsthat you should be thinking
about as you come in?
There's clearly projects thatmay be on the horizon.
Maybe there's skill development, knowledge gain from this.
(26:15):
What are some of those thingsthat one should think about?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Cha (26:43):
You're right, Jim, with Austin, one of
the new things that made theexchange getting better and
better, and I think a big part,is that integration.
We're working together as oneteam, not as two teams.
So, Austin, I'm sure willexpound on that.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (26:56):
How can regular members take
advantage of Exchange?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair, (26:59):
As I said before, figure out what
vendors you want to see.
Like, if you said, if you'redoing a new project or upgrading
, you know, get those guys thatare building silos and bins and
supplying equipment but alsojust a ton of new technology.
I've been on the educationcommittee for longer than I've
(27:19):
been on the board and for methat's one of the big benefits.
I sort of get early insightinto what's coming and so I see
who the speakers are, which youcan get off the website, because
there's a good description, andsee if that person or that new
technology might be somethingthat you're interested in and
then seek them out.
(27:39):
And then, of course, after theopening session, which, as you
and I talked before, is reallybecoming a big event with Jeeps
on Sunday morning, the speakersin the last three four that
we've had have been excellent.
It's a standing room, onlyusually crowds, so get there
early.
There's a lot of things thatthose people can help and we
(28:01):
just get positive feedback allthe time on that.
But then, right after that,just before the opening of the
Expo Hall, is the new idea.
Those are ideas that peoplecome with that are new to the
North American industry in thelast year and can be sold at the
time of the exchange.
(28:22):
So there are sort of two stepsto that.
One is the associates, thevendors that they're presenting,
and this is their new idea, andit can be on a myriad of
subjects that it comes across.
Just a quick one for a minuteto get you acquainted so you can
go to their booth and talk tothem.
But then also and I'll put alittle promo in here, because
it's sort of one of my petprojects is we have what we call
(28:44):
I did why don't you whenregular members that work at the
facilities come up with a newidea and have four minutes to
present it and if they aren'treal comfortable getting up,
we'll help.
One of the big benefits of thatis you get $100 right there as
you step off the podium formaybe having a little bit of fun
while you're there.
So the ideas come fast andfurious.
(29:05):
It's just being ready to takeadvantage of them and assimilate
them and then use them when youget back to your facilities.
Get signed up early, get yourroom early.
If you need a room, we have,like Betsy and Adrian said, we
have the room blocks but theyfill.
So get signed up and get readyto come and have three, maybe
(29:27):
four days depending on when youcome of getting knowledge and
also having fun.
There's a lot of fun eventsthat we have, and every year I
have a ball and really lookforward to it.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glo (29:39):
Thank you, chuck, appreciate it.
You're welcome, Jim.
All right, we now are withAustin Carpenter.
Austin Carpenter is the GEAPSPresident of the International
Board of Directors.
What does that mean for you tobe the first international board
president of GEAPS who is anassociate member?
What does it
Austin Carpenter, Board Pres (29:58):
It means a lot.
There's been a lot of changewith GEAPS, a lot of change in
the infrastructure of how it'sbeing run.
It's been an honor.
I've worked well with theregular members and sitting at
the table with them and havingwhat's essentially an equal
number of votes.
We've gone a long way.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (30:14):
Now let's talk about Exchange.
First let's talk about thedestination, where the location
is Kansas City.
What does that mean?
Austin Carpenter, Board Pre (30:22):
You know, I've looked at the GEAPS
membership.
I've mapped it out, I'vestudied it and Kansas City's
been a pretty central locationto the majority of our
membership.
There are people out on theWest Coast and East Coast and, I
apologize, they have to fly in,but the majority of the
membership is in the heartlandof Kansas area.
It's been a great place toanchor the show.
We've seen a record number ofattendants.
(30:43):
I'm thrilled to have KansasCity be the home of Jeeps as
long as it has been and for thenext couple of years, up until
2029.
Jim Lenz, Director of Global (30:49):
So let's talk about how things
have evolved a little bit interms of attendance, in terms of
an international presence.
What's your commentary aboutthat?
Austin Carpenter, Board Pre (30:58):
You know we had this discussion on
the board years ago about theinternational footprint.
Looking at some other tradeshows in the United States,
they've grown significantlythrough the international side.
So there was some efforts putin place years ago that have
gotten us to where we're attoday.
As of today, we have a recordnumber of international
attendees registered.
(31:19):
There's programs in place thatwill offer translation for them,
that will offer support whilethey're at the trade show.
They help them get in thecountry for the event.
The hard work has paid off.
We're starting to see people atthe show.
So it'll be fascinating to seewhat future years have to come,
but we're seeing progress in apositive direction.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (31:37):
This year there's some new offerings
.
What are your thoughts on someof those new offerings?
One of the big things is aprocessing track that didn't
exist before.
Austin Carpenter, Board P (31:46):
We've got an educational group that's
done a great job with educationover the years.
One of the things we've beenmissing and I think we nailed it
when we kind of brought IOMSAinto GEAPS is the processing
side.
There's a gentleman by the nameof Danny Lein who got involved
with GEAPS.
We we brought IMSA on board,put a lot of time in education
and that side of things.
(32:07):
He's part of the educationgroup.
He's driven the process sector.
I know Jeff Trudell was a partof that, Chris Blair, some
others.
They've really put a lot ofeffort into building that
processing track and this yearwe're offering the golden ticket
.
That's five full paid entriesto to GEAPS for people in the
processing world.
All they have to do is apply.
(32:27):
So it's exciting to see thattype of interest and that type
of push for the processing groupto come to GEAPS and see
vendors and the associates thatare there to see them.
Jim Lenz, Director of (32:37):
Excellent .
And before we go, good to tellfolks about the number four and
why that's significant.
Austin Carpenter, Board Pr (32:43):
Yeah , we hired an executive director
with what I would call a nicevision, a beautiful vision, and
it's the theory of fours.
A couple of the fours we'rehoping to hit this year.
That's 400 vendors, that's4,000 attendees.
It's a goal, it's a plan.
If you don't have goals andplans, you know it's hard to
know if you're making progress.
So our goal this year is 4,000people and 400 plus exhibitors.
(33:05):
So I'm excited to see where weland.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (33:07):
All right, we have Austin Carpenter
, GEAPS Board President.
You're closing out the show.
We left that for you.
So what is the big closingmessage that you want people to
know about Exchange?
Austin Carpenter, Boar (33:19):
Exchange is the place to go.
It's the buzz.
That's where you get theindustry buzz.
You get to meet the new vendors, you get to see the new
equipment, you get to attend alot of fun events.
It's the place to go network.
If you can't find the answer towhat you're looking for, it's
probably not in this industrythen Awesome.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glo (33:33):
Thank you so much, Austin.
Thank you Whole Grain Podcastlisteners.
Thank you for making time inyour day to listen to this very
special GEAPS Exchange 2025episode of the Whole Grain
Podcast.
Hey, don't forget to share thisimportant episode with your
network.
It's a great fit for not onlygrain professionals like
yourself, but also other membersof your network.
Whole Grain allows you to takelearning on the go.
(33:56):
You can catch up on all pastWhole Grain Podcast episodes by
going to www.
GEAPS.
com slash whole grain.
You can also catch the show onyour favorite podcast apps, such
as Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify and more.
Hit the subscribe button so youcan catch up on past episodes,
and when new episodes arereleased, you'll be informed
right away, as they will beavailable on your device.
(34:18):
At this point, the show is twoyears in production.
We have listeners from 81different countries.
We thank the entire grainhandling and processing industry
for doing your part to feed andfuel the world, as well as
facilitate hundreds of otherproducts that stem from grain.
Your work is important.
Stay informed and connected byvisiting jeepscom.
The Whole Grain Podcast offersa terrific opportunity to
(34:41):
spotlight your business If youand your organization want to
sponsor an episode and be afeatured guest, or if you would
like us to help you create andplace an audio commercial on and
for a future podcast episode ofthe show, please reach out to
me, Jim Lenz, Director of GlobalEducation and Training at GEAPS
, the Grain Elevator andProcessing Society.
(35:11):
My james@geaps.
com, j-a-m-e-s at G-E-A-P-S dotcom.
We look forward to connectingwith you.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to Whole
Grain.
This Whole Grain GEAPS podcast
episode focuses on GEAPSExchange 2025, the biggest and
best show in the grain industry.
GEAPS staff, along withrepresentatives from the GEAPS
International Board of Directors, will be featured as we inform
and prepare you for all theupcoming excitement surrounding
Exchange 2025.
Hello and welcome to the show.
(00:26):
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast.
My name is Jim Lenz, your hostand producer of the show and the
Director of Global Educationand Training at GEAPS.
We're the mission of the GrainElevator and Processing Society
to champion, connect and servethe global grain industry and
our members at GEAPS.
We work to be the globalcommunity and thought leader for
the grain industry, which feedsand fuels the world.
(00:47):
Thanks for listening today andfor joining the network of
thousands of other grainhandling and processing
professionals across the globetaking strategic steps to grow
professionally.
The Whole Grain Show will giveyou the competitive advantage to
win at work so you can makemore of an impact.
Before we continue, here is abrief message from a sponsor of
today's message.
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(01:10):
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after harvest, visit them atwwwcontinental-industrycom.
Please be sure to share thisepisode with your colleagues and
your greater network, astoday's Whole Grain Podcast
episode is 100% focused on thebiggest and best show in the
grain industry GEAPS Exchange2025.
It's taking place February 22ndthrough February 25th at the
(02:11):
Kansas City Convention Center inKansas City, Missouri of the
United States.
Our guest commentators fortoday's episode will be led by
John Caupert, GEAPS' ExecutiveDirector, Adrianne
Fierstad-Miller, director ofConference and Exhibitions,
Betsy Polis, Director of SpecialProjects and Events, along with
two representatives of theGEAPS International Board of
Directors Chuck Kunisch, BoardChair, and Austin Carpenter,
(02:32):
Board President.
They'll describe the structure,the detail and how you don't
want to miss all the fun at thebiggest and best show in the
grain industry GEAPS Exchange2025.
You'll also want to followalong by visiting the event page
at GEAPS.
com/exchange.
All that and more coming upnext! To start the show off.
(03:01):
We're very excited to have ourown GEAPS Executive Director
John Caupert with us today.
John welcome.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (03:07):
Jim , great to be here.
Looking very forward todiscussing all things GEAPS
Exchange 2025.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (03:14):
What are you so excited about for
GEAPS Exchange 2025?
Let's hear it.
John Caupert, Executive Di (03:19):
Sure Well, for all of our listeners
out there, you know, for thosethat have been with us for a
while and maybe those that arenew to the Whole Grain Podcast,
especially those that are new tothe podcast Thank you for
joining us and listening in.
You know GEAPS Exchange it isthe largest single site grain
and grain industry conference inthe world hours of education
(03:41):
and technical sessions that arecomplemented by an expo that
this year will probably see over400 exhibitors representing
every step in the value and thesupply chain of grain and grain
processing.
In GEAPS Exchange 2024, webroke certain records.
It was our largest exchangeconference in history in terms
(04:03):
of attendance.
We had a completely sold outexpo and listeners.
What we heard was we heard thedemand for more.
We walked away from Exchange2024 with a waiting list of more
companies wanting to be part ofthe expo.
Well, why do companies want tobe part of the expo?
As mentioned, it is the largestsingle site grain and grain
processing conference in theworld.
(04:24):
It's the largest single sitegrain and grain processing
conference in the world and Iemphasize the importance of that
because when you think aboutGEAPS as an organization and
perhaps even more importantly,when you think GEAPS members and
their role in agriculture.
When that farmer, when she orhe, delivers their load of grain
to a country grain elevator, ariver terminal or a grain
(04:47):
processing plant, the very firstperson that they encounter is a
GEAPS member.
And that is important becauseit is Jeeps members that are
directly involved in theconversion of that grain into
the food that feeds the world,the fuel that fuels our
automobiles and the clothingthat is upon our back.
(05:07):
GEAPS members are directlyinvolved in feeding, fueling and
clothing the world and when youattend GEAPS Exchange all of
that is there for you.
One site, one location.
So, Jim, I'm very excited aboutit and hope that our listeners
are as well.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (05:24):
Yeah , it's a great overview.
There are a number of newthings that are going to be
added this year.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (05:30):
Jim , there is.
You know, for those out therethat know me, or for those that
have heard me speak before, theyknow that I come from the
ethanol industry.
I've spent the last 20 yearsthere, spent the 20 years
previous to GEAPS in the ethanolindustry.
You know an industry that I sawgrow from 1.2 billion gallons
of production to nearly 17billion gallons of production in
(05:53):
my time there.
Well, when you think about theethanol industry, when you think
about the biofuels industry, atthe end of the day, what it is
is it's grain processing.
It is taking an individualkernel of corn or an individual
soybean and it is bioprocessingit into many products of value.
We at GEAPS, we listened.
We listened to the attendees ofExchange 2024.
(06:17):
And equally important tolistening to the attendees, we
watched, we listened, we askedquestions about what's going on
in industry, and what we heartime and time and time again is
grain processing.
So Exchange 2025 will bring itsfirst ever grain processing
track and we are very excitedabout that.
(06:40):
We will have representativesfrom the major agricultural
commodity associations, such ascorn growers, soybean
association, and those folkswill have the opportunity to
directly interact and engage andnetwork with our Jeeps members
and, at the end of the day,that's one of the primary
benefits and values of being aGEAPS member is just that
(07:02):
networking.
There's one area that I wouldlike to add.
It is this transformationalshift that we're seeing in
agriculture and for thelisteners, I'd like to take a
couple moments to talk about twoareas in particular of a
transformational shift.
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair, (07:17):
One is in the workforce.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (07:18):
You know agriculture in general,
from farmers to those that areworking in the transformation of
grain into the products that weconsume on a daily basis.
There is a transformationalshift in the workforce.
An aging workforce is beingreplaced slowly by folks who are
maybe a little morenon-traditional in agriculture.
(07:39):
Maybe they didn't grow up inrural America, they probably
didn't grow up on a farm.
They most likely don't have adegree or a background in
agriculture.
That is one transformationalshift that is happening, and
GEAPS Exchange, the 45 plushours of education, training,
technical sessions, as well asthe innovation stations and the
(08:03):
expo itself, are geared directlytowards those types of folks.
The other transformational shiftthat is happening is
agriculture is bringingvalue-added products to market
through grain processing, andthe way that I like to describe
it is grain processing is thepathway to prosperity in
(08:23):
agriculture.
Well, what does that reallymean, this pathway to prosperity
?
Well, what it is is it istaking an individual kernel of
corn, it is taking an individualbushel of soybeans and, through
processing, developing manyproducts, hundreds, if not
thousands of products, out ofthat individual bushel, putting
(08:44):
value on it every step of theway, and we will be bringing all
that to Exchange 2025.
So so many opportunities.
If it sounds like I'm excited,it's because I am.
Jim Lenz, Director of Global (08:56):
I love that and you're a great
supporter of the ethanolindustry for so long.
It's a big part of what we doand we're continuing to grow and
put emphasis in that area, sothis is a new opportunity to
connect with the industry atlarge all components of the
supply chain.
So terrific.
Thank you, John.
John Caupert, Executive Di (09:14):
Yeah , thank you, Jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (09:15):
Before we continue, here is a brief
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Now let's get into the detailsof GEAPS Exchange with my
colleagues Adrianne and Betsy.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Mille (09:54):
There's so much to see, learn and do at
GEAPS Exchange.
The conference includes an expohall filled with technology and
services to make grainoperations safer and more
efficient, education on thelatest trends and best practices
, and social events that helpreinforce business relationships
and create new ones.
The dates of Exchange 2025 areFebruary 22nd through 25th
(10:19):
that's a Saturday through aTuesday.
It's being held at the KansasCity Convention Center and we
expect nearly 4,000 attendeesand over 375 exhibiting
companies.
We'll start with the basics ofregistration and housing and
then delve into more detailabout the Expo, education and
social events.
(10:39):
Registration is currently open.
You can go to GEAPS Dot Comslash exchange to access the
registration portal.
We're offering a specialdiscount code for international
attendees.
Intl25kc can be entered duringthe registration process and
will adjust the price to themember rate for whichever
(11:01):
registration option is selected.
There are multiple registrationoptions available and attendees
will want to register byJanuary 28th to receive the best
rates, as these are all ourearly bird prices.
One option is an expo only pass, which allows access to the
expo hall for whichever days areselected.
With the international discountcode, this would be completely
(11:23):
free.
It's $35 per day fornon-members who receive a coupon
code from an exhibitor and $70per day without the coupon.
One notable thing about ourExpo Hall is that lunch is
included each day at noadditional charge.
Next, we have full conferenceregistration, which is $435 for
members and $670 for non-members.
(11:46):
Again, the internationaldiscount code will offer those
attendees the member rate on afull registration.
A full conference registrationincludes all three days of Expo
education sessions and specialevents, which we'll talk about
more in detail later.
Lastly, there's a dailyeducation and expo hall pass.
It's $205 for members and $335for non-members.
(12:10):
This allows the attendee toaccess the expo hall and all
education sessions on the day oftheir choice.
Now we'll move on to housing forExchange 2025.
We have three hotels withdiscounted rates for our
attendees and exhibitors, androom reservations can be made
during the reservation process.
All hotels are within walkingdistance of the Convention
(12:32):
Center.
First, we have the Marriott,which is our host hotel, which
means we have the largest numberof hotel rooms blocked at this
hotel.
There is also the Lowe's, whichis a relatively new hotel
opened just in 2020, and it isconnected to the Convention
Center.
The Crowne Plaza is our mostbudget-friendly option and just
a couple of blocks from theConvention Center.
(12:53):
You can't go wrong with any ofthese hotels.
It just depends on yourpreference.
Exchange is a great place tolearn, and now we'll move on to
the education portion of thepresentation and I'll hand it
off to my colleague, betsy Polis.
Betsy Polis,Director of Spe (13:09):
I'm going to give you a summary and
overview of some of theeducation you can find at GEAPS
Exchange.
So, first and foremost, weinvite you to join us Sunday
morning, February 23rd, for ourkeynote presentation by Pamela
Barnum.
She's a former undercoverpolice officer and nonverbal
communication expert.
Her talk on tactical influencewill cover the first principles
of leadership helping you unlockyour potential as a leader.
(13:30):
This will be followed by ourmost popular event, the Idea
Exchange, where presenters willshare new products and ideas in
a fast-paced, dynamic event.
We have four tracks ofeducation.
One is our newest track, beingprocessing.
The second is employeedevelopment.
Third is safety and the fourthis green operations.
(13:52):
The nice part about the tracksis that you can either follow
along throughout the entiretrack of education or you can
mix and match and choosesessions to your liking from a
variety of these tracks.
We're going to start with theprocessing track.
Like I mentioned, it's ournewest track and we're very
excited to be offering it to ourattendees.
(14:12):
The processing track offersvaluable insights into
extraction methods, safetyregulations and grain quality.
It will review soybeanprocessing techniques and
methods, as well as focus in onthe role renewable oils play.
Some of the sessions withinthis track are oil seed
processing a crushingperspective.
(14:33):
Soybean processing basics andbeyond, how to harness oil seed
value-added processes and growthpotential.
And ethanol production.
In our employee developmenttrack, attendees can expect
topics on effective hiring,succession planning, improving
team performance and creatingquality workplace culture.
(14:53):
A few sessions in this trackare how to create an incredible
workplace that nobody wants toleave, three steps to succession
planning success, a paneldiscussion on talent
transformation, recruiting andbuilding your team in a remote
world, and the four pillars ofeffective hiring.
(15:13):
Our third track is the safetytrack, which brings a blend of
topics on railroad and bargesafety, dust explosion
prevention and fall protection.
Some of these sessions you canfind within our safety track
include a dust explosion panelevaluating connection between
heat stress and respiratoryconnection, a step-by-step guide
(15:35):
to safely testing circuitbreakers, best practices for
loading grain barges, thereality of railroad safety and
demystifying combustible dustexplosions.
And our final track this yearis the grain operations track.
The grain operations track hasa wide variety of topics serving
all industry professionals.
(15:56):
Topics range from automation,project management, energy
savings and facility maintenance.
Some of these sessions includewhat to look for when increasing
bucket elevator capacity,aeration and outside storage
(16:16):
capacity, aeration and outsidestorage, ai readiness in green
facilities, 13 ways to ruin aperfectly good gear reducer.
And measurement in motion usingflow sensors to future-proof
your operation.
This is just a snapshot of allof the great education that we
have to offer.
I encourage you to visit ourwebsite to really dive into our
speakers, our subjects and moredescription on all of those
categories.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (16:38):
Before we continue, here is a brief
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(16:58):
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Betsy Polis,Director of Sp (17:21):
I'll pass it back to Adrianne to
talk a bit more about theExchange Expo.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:26):
Thanks , Betsy.
The Expo Hall is a hugeattraction of Exchange.
It boasts over 80,000 squarefeet of booth space.
Attendees will find a lot ofinnovation products, services
and solutions on the show floor.
Many customers use Exchange todebut new products and services
for the industry.
A lot of exhibitors bringreal-life machinery and many
(17:48):
equipment.
Demonstrations are happening onthe show floor.
Betsy Polis,Director of Spec (17:52):
So there are four innovation
stations featured throughout theExpo Hall.
These are actually small,interactive and more
demonstration based education.
They are connected to our fourtracks of education and a great
way to get learning within theExpo Hall.
We also have a grain entrapmentrescue demonstration.
(18:15):
This occurs five differenttimes throughout the Expo Hall
hours.
It's a very popular attractionand it's returning again this
year.
With the help from OklahomaState University, they will be
hosting this comprehensivedemonstration on the dangers of
grain bins and life-savingsafety measures.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller, D (18:33):
New this year we'll have an
international resource centerbooth right next to the GEAPS
booth on the show floor.
U.
S Commercial Services will behoused in this space as a
resource for internationalattendees and exhibitors.
We'll also have a Spanish andPortuguese translator to help
attendees find exhibitors in thehall and answer questions about
(18:53):
exchange and Jeep.
As mentioned previously, lunchis served every day in the Expo
Hall, so attendees don't need toleave to find something to eat.
There are also a lot ofnetworking opportunities within
the hall and lounges built in torelax and have a conversation.
We'll have over 375 exhibitorsrepresenting a variety of
product and service solutions.
(19:15):
This is a snapshot of popularproduct and service categories
represented by our exhibitors,From cleaning and sorting
equipment to processing totransportation.
Attendees will find thesolutions they're looking for on
the Expo Hall floor.
All right Exchange has somegreat social events geared
toward fun, relaxation andnetworking.
(19:36):
That we'll talk about nextSaturday is where things begin.
The Mixer is an event forfirst-time and international
attendees.
This event is free to thoseindividuals.
It's a relaxed and smallerevent that allows new and
international attendees to getacquainted with Jeeps leaders
and exchange veterans.
GEAPS leaders will be inattendance to welcome attendees,
(19:57):
answer questions and makeintroductions.
Also, on Saturday evening, wehave the Get Acquainted Party,
which is considered the kickoffevent to the conference.
This year, the Get AcquaintedParty will be held at the
College Basketball Experience,which isn't too far from the
Convention Center.
Admission will include twodrink tickets, good food, access
(20:20):
to the National CollegiateBasketball Hall of Fame and more
than 20 interactive exhibits.
This event is included in afull registration, but can also
be purchased a la carte.
Shuttle service, although it'snot far, will be included from
our three conference hotels andthe convention center.
Sunday, at the end of the firstday of the Expo Hall being open,
there will be a welcomereception on the Expo show floor
(20:41):
.
Attendees receive two drinktickets and free appetizers to
celebrate the first day of thetrade show and then, on Tuesday,
to end the conference directlyfollowing the Expo Hall closing,
we'll be playing music bingo.
Join us for a happy hour whileexhibitors tear down their
booths, and then we'll let thegames begin.
Don't worry, you don't need tobe an expert in music.
(21:03):
It's a game for all.
There will be many great prizesto be won, donated by our
generous exhibitors and sponsors.
This is an event you don't wantto miss, as we held it last
year for the first time and itreceived rave reviews.
This event is included in fullregistration or admission can be
purchased a la carte.
That concludes our Exchange2025 overview presentation.
(21:26):
We hope that it was informativeand we would love to see you at
the event in February.
Thank you, Thank you.
Jim Lenz, Director of Gl (21:35):
Before we continue, here is a brief
message from a sponsor oftoday's message.
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa,Interstates offers electrical
construction, electricalengineering and control system
solutions.
For over 70 years, they havetackled complex challenges and
developed innovative solutionsfor grain handling facilities
around the country.
Interstates brings theirclients a wide breadth of
(21:56):
experience in the grain industry, from greenfield builds to
support for existing facilities,including upgrades, service
calls and ongoing maintenance.
They do what it takes todeliver your solution on
schedule, on budget and ontarget with your needs.
Come visit them at the GEAPSExchange or contact them today
at www.
Interstates.
com.
All right, now we are joined byChuck Kunisch.
(22:18):
Chuck Kunisch is a longtimeGEAPS member.
He's been going to Exchange, Ithink, for 25 years.
He'll tell us about that and alittle bit how things evolved
and why he is so excited aboutExchange 2025.
Chuck is also the board chairfor the International Board of
Directors of GEAPS.
So, Chuck, thank you forjoining us here on this episode
(22:38):
to feature the upcoming Exchange.
Are you excited?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chai (22:41):
Thank you, Jim.
Every year the Exchange getsbetter and better.
Myself and a few of the otherboard members lived through the
pandemic, which was really ugly,and to see us come out of that
and not just maintain the statusquo but to thrive and see the
exchange grow is really, reallyexciting to me.
Like you mentioned, this yearI'm chairman of the board.
(23:02):
I've been on the board for over10 years.
I'm going to term out this year, which is sort of bittersweet
to me to not have a direct handin the Exchange in GEAPS as much
as I have.
But it's going to be a greatexchange.
I would very much encourage allof our regular members and
associates to figure out how toget there.
They're going to benefit fromit.
(23:23):
The networking that exists.
That exchange that I've takenpart of has made my career, Jim,
not just in GEAPS but withMichigan Ag Commodity and
business I've done around theworld.
I can't stress how useful thenetworking that comes out of
exchanges.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (23:40):
Yeah , you touched on that.
In fact, I remember in a pastepisode you talked about
networking a bit.
Can you expand on that?
You really have masterednetworking and you, like other
folks, have expressed howimportant that is.
Just for those who are comingfor the first time or those
who've been going for years.
Stretching yourself a littlebit is important, even if it's
(24:02):
maybe not natural or iscomfortable for you.
But what is the significance ofnetworking?
How can it be done beforehand,leading up to exchange, and then
, when you're on site atexchange, what kind of
networking opportunities, whatkind of tips can you provide?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair (24:17):
Well , I'd say before, get the list
of attendees, both regularmembers or all three regular
members that are going to bethere, that maybe you know that
they might be doing somethingyou're interested in.
With the size of the vendors,where we're probably going to
close on 400, there's not enoughtime to go and touch and talk
to everybody.
(24:37):
Make a list, figure out whoyour primary ones are.
If you're coming with othermembers from your company, split
and divide to be able to getthe benefit of that.
Those vendors, that's whatthey're there for.
They're trained in helping youget information that you're
looking for.
So you know, like you said, ifyou're not a real outgoing
(24:59):
personality, you just got toshow up and say, hey, I'm
interested and those guys willhelp you In the education
sessions.
Definitely.
Figure out which ones work foryou and, as a first step, step
out a little bit maybe after thesession if you're interested,
go up and get the business cardfrom the presenter.
That's a really good way tostart networking and to get
acquainted.
The presenter that's a reallygood way to start networking and
to get acquainted.
The mixer, the reception talkto people.
(25:22):
You know that's GEAPS' greatestasset is its people, and so
utilize that asset.
As you do it, it'll becomeeasier and easier as you go
along and you'll reap thebenefits of it.
I can't stress that enough.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (25:30):
Yeah , great recap, great insights
there, Chuck, thank you.
In a little bit we'll concludethe show with current GEAPS
Board President, AustinCarpenter.
He is on the associate side,vendor and supplier of the
industry.
You are not.
You are considered a regularmember.
You worked in grain facilitiesfor a number of years,
especially with Michigan AgCommodities.
(25:52):
So from that perspective thatyou're bringing to the table,
can you expand on that a littlebit more?
How significant is this forthose who work in grain
facilities?
What are some of those targetsthat you should be thinking
about as you come in?
There's clearly projects thatmay be on the horizon.
Maybe there's skill development, knowledge gain from this.
(26:15):
What are some of those thingsthat one should think about?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Cha (26:43):
You're right, Jim, with Austin, one of
the new things that made theexchange getting better and
better, and I think a big part,is that integration.
We're working together as oneteam, not as two teams.
So, Austin, I'm sure willexpound on that.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (26:56):
How can regular members take
advantage of Exchange?
Chuck Kunisch, Board Chair, (26:59):
As I said before, figure out what
vendors you want to see.
Like, if you said, if you'redoing a new project or upgrading
, you know, get those guys thatare building silos and bins and
supplying equipment but alsojust a ton of new technology.
I've been on the educationcommittee for longer than I've
(27:19):
been on the board and for methat's one of the big benefits.
I sort of get early insightinto what's coming and so I see
who the speakers are, which youcan get off the website, because
there's a good description, andsee if that person or that new
technology might be somethingthat you're interested in and
then seek them out.
(27:39):
And then, of course, after theopening session, which, as you
and I talked before, is reallybecoming a big event with Jeeps
on Sunday morning, the speakersin the last three four that
we've had have been excellent.
It's a standing room, onlyusually crowds, so get there
early.
There's a lot of things thatthose people can help and we
(28:01):
just get positive feedback allthe time on that.
But then, right after that,just before the opening of the
Expo Hall, is the new idea.
Those are ideas that peoplecome with that are new to the
North American industry in thelast year and can be sold at the
time of the exchange.
(28:22):
So there are sort of two stepsto that.
One is the associates, thevendors that they're presenting,
and this is their new idea, andit can be on a myriad of
subjects that it comes across.
Just a quick one for a minuteto get you acquainted so you can
go to their booth and talk tothem.
But then also and I'll put alittle promo in here, because
it's sort of one of my petprojects is we have what we call
(28:44):
I did why don't you whenregular members that work at the
facilities come up with a newidea and have four minutes to
present it and if they aren'treal comfortable getting up,
we'll help.
One of the big benefits of thatis you get $100 right there as
you step off the podium formaybe having a little bit of fun
while you're there.
So the ideas come fast andfurious.
(29:05):
It's just being ready to takeadvantage of them and assimilate
them and then use them when youget back to your facilities.
Get signed up early, get yourroom early.
If you need a room, we have,like Betsy and Adrian said, we
have the room blocks but theyfill.
So get signed up and get readyto come and have three, maybe
(29:27):
four days depending on when youcome of getting knowledge and
also having fun.
There's a lot of fun eventsthat we have, and every year I
have a ball and really lookforward to it.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glo (29:39):
Thank you, chuck, appreciate it.
You're welcome, Jim.
All right, we now are withAustin Carpenter.
Austin Carpenter is the GEAPSPresident of the International
Board of Directors.
What does that mean for you tobe the first international board
president of GEAPS who is anassociate member?
What does it
Austin Carpenter, Board Pres (29:58):
It means a lot.
There's been a lot of changewith GEAPS, a lot of change in
the infrastructure of how it'sbeing run.
It's been an honor.
I've worked well with theregular members and sitting at
the table with them and havingwhat's essentially an equal
number of votes.
We've gone a long way.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (30:14):
Now let's talk about Exchange.
First let's talk about thedestination, where the location
is Kansas City.
What does that mean?
Austin Carpenter, Board Pre (30:22):
You know, I've looked at the GEAPS
membership.
I've mapped it out, I'vestudied it and Kansas City's
been a pretty central locationto the majority of our
membership.
There are people out on theWest Coast and East Coast and, I
apologize, they have to fly in,but the majority of the
membership is in the heartlandof Kansas area.
It's been a great place toanchor the show.
We've seen a record number ofattendants.
(30:43):
I'm thrilled to have KansasCity be the home of Jeeps as
long as it has been and for thenext couple of years, up until
2029.
Jim Lenz, Director of Global (30:49):
So let's talk about how things
have evolved a little bit interms of attendance, in terms of
an international presence.
What's your commentary aboutthat?
Austin Carpenter, Board Pre (30:58):
You know we had this discussion on
the board years ago about theinternational footprint.
Looking at some other tradeshows in the United States,
they've grown significantlythrough the international side.
So there was some efforts putin place years ago that have
gotten us to where we're attoday.
As of today, we have a recordnumber of international
attendees registered.
(31:19):
There's programs in place thatwill offer translation for them,
that will offer support whilethey're at the trade show.
They help them get in thecountry for the event.
The hard work has paid off.
We're starting to see people atthe show.
So it'll be fascinating to seewhat future years have to come,
but we're seeing progress in apositive direction.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glob (31:37):
This year there's some new offerings
.
What are your thoughts on someof those new offerings?
One of the big things is aprocessing track that didn't
exist before.
Austin Carpenter, Board P (31:46):
We've got an educational group that's
done a great job with educationover the years.
One of the things we've beenmissing and I think we nailed it
when we kind of brought IOMSAinto GEAPS is the processing
side.
There's a gentleman by the nameof Danny Lein who got involved
with GEAPS.
We we brought IMSA on board,put a lot of time in education
and that side of things.
(32:07):
He's part of the educationgroup.
He's driven the process sector.
I know Jeff Trudell was a partof that, Chris Blair, some
others.
They've really put a lot ofeffort into building that
processing track and this yearwe're offering the golden ticket
.
That's five full paid entriesto to GEAPS for people in the
processing world.
All they have to do is apply.
(32:27):
So it's exciting to see thattype of interest and that type
of push for the processing groupto come to GEAPS and see
vendors and the associates thatare there to see them.
Jim Lenz, Director of (32:37):
Excellent .
And before we go, good to tellfolks about the number four and
why that's significant.
Austin Carpenter, Board Pr (32:43):
Yeah , we hired an executive director
with what I would call a nicevision, a beautiful vision, and
it's the theory of fours.
A couple of the fours we'rehoping to hit this year.
That's 400 vendors, that's4,000 attendees.
It's a goal, it's a plan.
If you don't have goals andplans, you know it's hard to
know if you're making progress.
So our goal this year is 4,000people and 400 plus exhibitors.
(33:05):
So I'm excited to see where weland.
Jim Lenz, Director of Globa (33:07):
All right, we have Austin Carpenter
, GEAPS Board President.
You're closing out the show.
We left that for you.
So what is the big closingmessage that you want people to
know about Exchange?
Austin Carpenter, Boar (33:19):
Exchange is the place to go.
It's the buzz.
That's where you get theindustry buzz.
You get to meet the new vendors, you get to see the new
equipment, you get to attend alot of fun events.
It's the place to go network.
If you can't find the answer towhat you're looking for, it's
probably not in this industrythen Awesome.
Jim Lenz, Director of Glo (33:33):
Thank you so much, Austin.
Thank you Whole Grain Podcastlisteners.
Thank you for making time inyour day to listen to this very
special GEAPS Exchange 2025episode of the Whole Grain
Podcast.
Hey, don't forget to share thisimportant episode with your
network.
It's a great fit for not onlygrain professionals like
yourself, but also other membersof your network.
Whole Grain allows you to takelearning on the go.
(33:56):
You can catch up on all pastWhole Grain Podcast episodes by
going to www.
GEAPS.
com slash whole grain.
You can also catch the show onyour favorite podcast apps, such
as Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify and more.
Hit the subscribe button so youcan catch up on past episodes,
and when new episodes arereleased, you'll be informed
right away, as they will beavailable on your device.
(34:18):
At this point, the show is twoyears in production.
We have listeners from 81different countries.
We thank the entire grainhandling and processing industry
for doing your part to feed andfuel the world, as well as
facilitate hundreds of otherproducts that stem from grain.
Your work is important.
Stay informed and connected byvisiting jeepscom.
The Whole Grain Podcast offersa terrific opportunity to
(34:41):
spotlight your business If youand your organization want to
sponsor an episode and be afeatured guest, or if you would
like us to help you create andplace an audio commercial on and
for a future podcast episode ofthe show, please reach out to
me, Jim Lenz, Director of GlobalEducation and Training at GEAPS
, the Grain Elevator andProcessing Society.
(35:11):
My james@geaps.
com, j-a-m-e-s at G-E-A-P-S dotcom.
We look forward to connectingwith you.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to Whole
Grain.
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