February 2, 2024 • 35 mins
Welcome to the latest episode of Whole Grain. In the show, we focus on GEAPS Exchange. We will dive deep into what you can expect at the upcoming GEAPS Exchange event taking place in Kansas City, MO, from February 24-27, 2024. We’ll explore the key aspects of the event, from registration to networking, education, and the bustling trade show floor.
Join us as GEAPS staff and other special guests will provide valuable insights and tips for both seasoned attendees and those considering registering for the first time. We discuss the seamless onsite registration process, the layout of the show floor, and the abundance of educational sessions available to attendees.
Discover firsthand experiences of past Exchange attendees and learn about their favorite parts of the event. Gain valuable advice on what to bring to maximize your Exchange experience and how to make the most of networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Explore the various activities designed to foster connections within the grain industry, including the cornhole tournament, mixers, and the Get Acquainted Party. Learn about the different communication channels available to stay connected before, during, and after Exchange, including daily emails, the mobile conference app, and the onsite conference handbook.
Delve into the trade show floor, where attendees can connect with a myriad of vendors and suppliers in the grain handling and processing industry. Get insights into the vastness of the exhibitor hall, the record number of exhibitors participating this year, and the benefits of attending Exchange.
Discover the educational highlights of Exchange, including the Sunday morning education kick-off with keynote speaker Sandy Gennaro, and the unique opportunity provided by the Idea Exchange. Learn about the 45 hours of education offered and the diverse content tracks available to attendees.
Plus, don't miss out on the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demonstration, where Oklahoma State University showcases life-saving techniques with daily demonstrations.
Join us as we prepare for an enriching and dynamic experience at GEAPS Exchange 2024, the premier event for the grain handling and processing industry. Stay tuned for insights, advice, and excitement in this special episode of the Whole Grain Podcast.
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, Host (00:06):
This episode is dedicated to the biggest and
best show in the grain handlingand processing industry.
It's the annual show that thegrain elevator and processing
society puts on.
I'm talking about GEAPSExchange.
Today we are taking you from Ato Z.
Get ready, hello and welcome tothe show.
(00:26):
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast.
My name is Jim Lenz, our hostand producer of the show and the
director of global training andeducation at Jeep's, where the
mission of the grain elevatorand processing society is to
champion, connect and serve theglobal grain industry and our
members.
At Jeep's we work to be theglobal community and thought
leader for the grain industry,which feeds and fuels the world.
Thanks for listening today andjoining the network of thousands
(00:49):
of other grain handling andprocessing professionals across
the globe taking strategic stepsto grow professionally.
The whole grain show will giveyou the competitive advantage to
win at work so you can makemore of an impact.
And speaking of making impact,what better way, in the least
amount of time, to have thebiggest impact for your
(01:10):
organization, to grow yournetwork and support your
personal professionaldevelopment?
This is an episode you need toshare with your colleagues in
your greater grain industrynetwork.
We promise that this episodewill get you informed about all
things Jeep's Exchange 2024.
We think the large list ofvendors and suppliers who are
going to be here at Jeep'sExchange with your presence and
(01:33):
for the dialogue you'll generatewith the grain operations folks
.
We have a great cast ofcharacters joining the show
today.
We want to give a specialthanks to our Jeep's Exchange
Platinum sponsors Cargill, ccsGroup, custom Concrete
Specialists and IBT IndustrialSolutions.
You'll hear about them later inthe show.
Let's start the show with theexecutive director of the grain
(01:56):
elevator and processing JohnCaupert, we've got this great
event, of course, jeep'sExchange coming up.
What's your message for thosewho are registered and those who
are considering right now?
John Caupert (02:09):
As executive director of Jeep's, I'm really
excited about Exchange and thecountless opportunities it's
going to offer.
Exchange is the opportunity foreveryone that works in the
grain and grain processingindustry, regardless of whether
they're a member or not.
We welcome our members back.
(02:30):
We would like to add newmembers to our family.
That being said, exchange is agathering for all.
We're going to kick offExchange with a fantastic
keynote address by worldrenowned musician Sandy Gennaro.
From there we will have morethan two dozen educational
(02:51):
breakout sessions across fourdifferent tracks.
Our expo, world renowned in thegrain and grain processing
industry.
Nearly 400 exhibitors touchingevery point in the grain and
grain processing value chainwill be there on hand to network
with, to interact with, tolearn from.
So again, we're excited aboutExchange, looking forward to
(03:15):
welcoming everyone to KansasCity.
Jim Lenz, Host (03:18):
All right, you heard it everybody.
You heard it from John Culpert,our new Jeep's executive
director.
Thank you, john, for sharingsome time with Whole Grain
Podcast listeners.
Thank you, John, appreciate it.
Now let's talk with Brittanyabout the big trade show floor.
Brittany Labott (03:31):
Yeah, so I'm Brittany Levatt.
I am the conference and salesmanager here at Jeep's.
Jim Lenz, Host (03:37):
All right, brittany, great to have you Got
a number of questions.
I want to buyer with you and Ithink listeners would be very
interested in this becauseExchange what a great event.
It's such a neat opportunityfor individuals and teams who
work in grain facilities once ayear to come to the big Jeep's
Exchange trade show floor andexperience all there is as they
(03:58):
are planning for futuremaintenance projects and future
expansion projects.
What a better place to come tothan Exchange.
So where else can one connectwith so many suppliers and
vendor the grain handling andprocessing industry?
I know you've been working withthe vendors and suppliers.
They are such a big, importantpiece.
This event would not go onwithout them.
(04:18):
So we appreciate them.
We appreciate their support.
Brittany, can you providelisteners with an understanding
of just how vast the ExhibitorHall is?
It was my first year last year.
It's impressive.
Brittany Labott (04:31):
Yeah, so this year we have a 71,900 square
feet of Expo Hall, and so, justto wrap your mind around that,
that's about 719, 10 by 10s.
Of course, our floor plan ismuch more than that Lots of
(04:52):
bigger booths and smaller booths.
We have a variety of equipmentto try out as well.
So, yeah, you get a littleoverwhelmed once you walk up
those stairs and see all thethings, but it's really exciting
and Exhibitors are excited tomeet with everybody.
Jim Lenz, Host (05:09):
Yeah, there's a variety of verticals within that
grain handling and processingindustry.
A lot of things are veryinteractive, but those
conversations are so importanthere with the listeners.
How many Exhibitors will beparticipating this year, 2024?
Brittany Labott (05:24):
We have 390 companies that are exhibiting
this year.
Jim Lenz, Host (05:29):
Wow, that's fantastic and recently shared
with Jeep's internal staff andthe board, something really
special about Jeep's Exchange2024.
So please share with WholeGrain Podcast listeners.
Brittany Labott (05:42):
Yeah, so this year first time since 2017, we
are completely sold out of boothspace, so we are super excited
for what that means forattendees and for the future of
Jeep's, really excited about allthe companies that are going to
(06:02):
be there, and we have actuallyquite a few new exhibitors as
well, so we're excited forFebruary coming up.
I know exhibitors are planningand preparing as we speak.
Jim Lenz, Host (06:14):
All right.
Thank you for the quick report.
We appreciate it yeah thank you.
We'll continue talking aboutall things Exchange right after
this brief message.
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(06:36):
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Come visit IBT Solutions at theJeeps Exchange with 2,608, or
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(06:57):
All right, now I'm going tobring you all things related to
the registration process.
Susan Sarapa (07:02):
Hello, my name is Susan Sarapa.
I am the customer relationshipassociate for Jeeps.
During exchange I handle theregistration process.
I handle the pre-registrationprocess, help people over the
phone when they have troublegetting through registration and
hotel reservations, and I amalso on site helping when we
(07:23):
open Jeeps Exchange.
Jim Lenz, Host (07:25):
For those who have attended at that site at
Kansas City Convention Center,or for those who are completely
new, let's provide a littlebackground and auditory sort of
format to sort of they canvisualize in their head what to
expect here, in particular tothe registration process.
Susan, what should someoneexpect when they get to the
registration area?
Susan Sarapa (07:45):
Well, as you walk into the main hallway you'll see
the registration lobby.
It'll be very apparent, we'llhave lots of signage and it'll
be made up of three generalareas.
The first area is the self-helpkiosk.
There'll be four self-helpstations there and if you
haven't pre-registered, theprefer to register on site on
your own.
There will be four stationsavailable where you can sign in
(08:08):
and register for the expo.
You can also get help if yourun into any issues with that.
The second area is the expressregistration stations.
So this is if you've alreadyregistered and brought your
confirmation with you, you canstep up to one of our four
express registration stationswhere you can scan your barcode
and that'll allow you to printyour badge.
(08:30):
So you'll have that ready andon the go.
And the third area is theregistration desk.
Now, if you're rather one ofthose people that just need help
and you want someone to helpyou with your registration, you
can step up and be greeted byone of the registration
representatives that can helpyou through the process.
So and you can also go to themif you have any questions about
(08:50):
the expo as well.
Jim Lenz, Host (08:52):
Excellent.
Another thing related toregistration that people may
want to know is when.
When can I register?
What are the times?
Susan Sarapa (09:00):
So we will be open for registration, beginning on
Saturday believe it's 7 am to 7pm during the day and Sunday, I
believe it starts at 6.30 am to6 pm.
Monday it runs from 7 am to 5pm and then Tuesday, we open at
7 am and close at 2 pm.
Jim Lenz, Host (09:20):
All right, they arrived, they got there safely.
They are now registered.
Provide some just briefunderstanding of what is next,
where they go, where it'slocated, For example, obviously
the big trade show floor and theeducation sessions.
Where are they in relation tothe registration area?
Susan Sarapa (09:37):
So the show floor is just steps away up the
escalator on the floor justabove the registration desk.
So you will see it.
It's just right adjacent to theregistration desk.
It's very, very hard to missand you can just go right up the
escalator.
The education sessions I can'tremember what hall it's in, but
there'll be lots of signage.
(09:57):
It will be behind theregistration desk and you can
ask one of the representativesif you need any guidance.
There'll be lots, plenty ofsignage available for that.
It was exciting to see all theattendees come to the
registration area with smiles ontheir faces.
They seem to be ready to havesome fun, excited to walk the
show floor and participate inall the great events and the
(10:20):
social events that we have going, including the get acquainted
party.
This year we're going to havemusic, bingo.
There's going to be lots ofexciting things going on, so I
don't think it'll disappoint.
Patsy Lee (10:32):
Hi, my name is Patsy.
I am part of the professionaldevelopment team and you usually
find me at the registration,running around in the expo hall
or in the education session.
Jim Lenz, Host (10:45):
There's a lot of responsibilities of chief staff
that go behind the scenes.
You play a role in making sureeverything goes smooth while on
site that a lot of people maynot be aware.
What is one of your favoriteparts of exchange?
Patsy Lee (10:58):
One of my favorite part of exchange is meeting the
members, and especially duringthe education sessions.
There are goodies there thatyou can take and use.
I guess, being part of theprofessional development team,
education is probably one of myfavorite.
Jim Lenz, Host (11:13):
What would you say are one or two things an
exchange attendee should bringalong.
Patsy Lee (11:18):
I would say bring some good shoes, because you'll
be walking and standing all day,and also the willingness to
connect and network with people.
Jim Lenz, Host (11:28):
All right, stay tuned.
We have more coming up,including information on
education sessions, the formaland informal networking
opportunities, and you'll alsohear from our president of the
Jeeps International Board ofDirectors right after this
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Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (12:23):
Hi, I'm .
I am the conference and expodirector for Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (12:29):
Big picture wise .
If you could share with ourlisteners, adrianne, what are
the benefits of going toexchange?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (12:34):
So there are a multitude of
benefits from a 10-in exchange.
A big one that is talked abouta lot is networking.
People are always giving usanecdotes about the connections
that they made at exchange thatbecame vital resources for them
for years to come.
So it really lends itself togreat networking and connecting
(12:56):
with people with all sorts oflevels of experience and
knowledge.
Another thing I would say isour education is really really
excellent.
Each year, our educationalprogramming committee works on
putting together an educationalslate with cutting edge
information and best practices,so you are sure to learn
(13:16):
something that you canimmediately take back to your
place of work and apply on thejob, and then, yeah, just having
a great time.
People have a lot of fun inexchange, so it's not all work.
Jim Lenz, Host (13:29):
Adrienne and her team put a lot of effort into
just what she said creating fun.
Yeah, there's network on thetrade show floor and within the
educational sessions, but thereare like very targeted efforts
made to create a unique fun,lighthearted, with some great
food and entertainment.
Exactly that's networkingopportunity.
(13:52):
So it's a community of peoplecoming together, some for the
first time.
Some are looking forward toseeing each other.
So those who have been here atExchange in the past, they're
probably curious hey, Adrianne,what is new this year at
Exchange 2024?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (14:09):
Yeah, so a few things are new.
Some things will actually benew to me as well.
We have a sold out expo hall,and so that means new exhibiting
companies who this will betheir first time Exhibiting at
Jeep's exchange, so you knowyou're sure to see new products
and services.
Of course, the educationprogram is always fresh.
(14:31):
We also have a closing eventthat's new this year we are
playing music bingo on Tuesday.
So join us in the expo hall onTuesday and then, right after it
closes, head to music bingo fora lot of fun and Chance to win
some really great prizes donatedby our exhibitors.
Jim Lenz, Host (14:50):
Some people just rewinded this, I think, and
they said what did you say?
Music bingo music bingo.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (14:57):
We have professional company coming
in to host it.
So this company does musicbingo all over at, you know,
bars, restaurants, parties, andwhat they'll do is they'll play
songs and everybody will havebingo cards with song names on
them, and so it's just like, youknow, regular bingo.
You know you get five in a row,so you hear the song, you look
(15:19):
to see if it's on your bingocard and then you mark it off.
And I have heard that it willbe very easy.
There will be.
If you, if you're not a musicaficionado, that is okay.
You can converse amongst theothers at your table if you need
to pull out your smartphone.
So we're gonna make this just areally fun and enjoyable
(15:39):
experience and, like I said, ifyou get bingo, there'll be some
great prizes that you can winand that's just some of the new
things that exchange is here.
Jim Lenz, Host (15:46):
Thank you for sharing that before we conclude
here, do you have any advice forgetting the most out of the
exchange experience?
What is your advice?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (15:55):
Yeah, I would say.
Just because exchange is such arobust conference with so much
going on, I think you get themost out of your experience just
by taking a little time to planahead Before you get on site,
and we have some wonderful toolsfor you to do that, probably
first and foremost being themobile app for exchange 2024.
(16:18):
So in that app you are going tofind the entire schedule of
events and you'll have theability to Favorite things so
you can create, you know, awhole file of all the things
that you want to make sure thatyou don't miss.
You're all the educationsessions, all the parties you
want to go to Um and then alsotake a look at the interactive
expo help floor plan.
Our exhibitors put a lot oftime and effort into creating
(16:41):
Profiles so you can get a realsense of what their company is
about, what they'll be bringingto exchange.
Some of them even have productpictures posted in the app Um,
as well as show specials.
So I would just encourage youto take a look at that and sort
of plan how you want to spendyour days.
Jim Lenz, Host (16:59):
I'm glad you share that.
That's actually a really bigpiece.
I'm curious when canIndividuals access the mobile
app to kind of look at what youjust described?
Is it when you're at the event,or is there even time a little
bit before the event thatthey'll have access to?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:15):
Yeah, so you will have access to the
event prior to and so if you areregistered to attend the event,
you will get an emailnotification from us letting you
know that the mobile app isavailable in the app store for
download.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:28):
Oh, that's perfect.
Thank you so much for spendingsome time with whole grain.
Listeners appreciate it.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:32):
Yeah, thank you so much, I appreciate
it.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:35):
Okay, now we're gonna go ahead and discuss our
educational opportunities atexchange.
Betsy Polis (17:39):
Hi, my name is Betsy Polis.
I'm senior project manager withjeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:44):
That's it great to have you here and tell
everybody about all the greateducational opportunities at
GEAPS exchange 2024 we startkicking off education on Sunday
morning with our keynote speaker.
Betsy Polis (17:57):
It starts at 8 am.
We're excited to welcome rockstar and professional speaker
Sandy Gennaro as the 2024keynote speaker.
Gennaro, who's toured withCindy Lauper, the monkeys and
Joan jet, delivers a powerful,powerful presentation about
beating the odds and becoming arock star in business and in
life.
It's one of those events youdon't want to miss.
Jim Lenz, Host (18:16):
No, betsy.
We offer what I think is areally unique opportunity to
uncover the landscape ofInnovation in the grain handling
and processing industry, andone of those means of delivery
for innovation at exchange isIdea exchange.
Just in case those listenershave not attended, can you
elaborate a little bit moreabout what idea exchange is all
(18:37):
about?
Betsy Polis (18:38):
So directly after the conference keynote, the idea
exchange runs from 945 to 11 amOn Sunday morning.
This is a very popular event.
Make sure to come see theseshort presentations from a
variety of speakers on some ofthe newest and innovative
products and ideas to the grainindustry.
We have so many new products,from the first ever rapid
(19:00):
quantitative gluten strip testsfor grain and milling products
to New conveyor products, newgrain drying products, new
railcar loading, reverse sweep,all things.
Check it out on our website tosee the full list and Make sure
to attend.
Jim Lenz, Host (19:16):
Thank you, betsy .
In this single annual event,how many total hours of
education are offered at jeepsexchange?
Betsy Polis (19:24):
Attendees at jeeps exchange have access to 45 hours
of peer reviewed education.
Jim Lenz, Host (19:30):
That's great.
A lot of those things I'd lovefor you to address a little bit
more and talk about how this isorganized and what's available.
Betsy Polis (19:38):
Sure, this year we have four individual tracks of
education, maintenance, employeedevelopment, safety and grain
operations.
The tracks are planned so youcan attend all the sessions in
one or mix and match throughoutthe four as you go.
Tracks start on Sundayafternoon in the expo hall
innovation stations and runMonday and Tuesday, february 26
(19:59):
and 27th, with multiple sessionoptions.
There are just so many greatpresenters this year, covering a
plethora of topics.
I can't speak to all of themhere, but our website can, so I
encourage everyone to checkthose out and start building
your schedule.
Jim Lenz, Host (20:13):
Good tip there to check out GEAPS dot com
forward slash exchange For allthe details there, something you
definitely want to look throughbeforehand, actually, another
thing just to give some peoplecontext Earlier in the show they
talked about the registrationprocess.
Where that's located?
Where are these educationsessions held in respect to
(20:34):
everything else that's going on?
Betsy Polis (20:37):
Yeah.
So after you pick up your badgeat registration, you will just
head down the hall and up theescalators and you'll be able to
find all the education sessionsthere for keynote and idea
exchange.
That Sunday morning they'regoing to be held in the grand
ballroom.
That's on the same level asregistration, so all within the
(20:58):
conference center at theconvention center.
Jim Lenz, Host (21:00):
Good to know when those conclude and they'll
just walk down the hallway intothe large Expo hall.
Just absolutely enormous, andwe had already Brittany share a
little bit of information aboutthat, but a good thing.
To touch base here is one ofthe most important
Demonstrations that one will see, perhaps ever in the industry.
(21:23):
For a lot of people Maybe havedone this on site and be part of
it, but we have something veryunique.
I'd love for you to trust thisimportant piece.
Betsy Polis (21:31):
Yes, so we have a grain entrapment rescue
demonstration.
Oklahoma State Universitybrings their training trailer
into the Expo hall.
It's set up very central andthey do daily, if not twice a
day, demonstrations of Hands-onrescues.
We will have representativesfrom the Kansas City Fire
(21:52):
Department available for a paneldiscussion as well, along with
the trainers within thedemonstration.
It is a very, very valuabletype of training that you don't
want to miss.
These happen five timesthroughout the three days of
Expo hall and they are at thesame time as the innovation
stations, which are alsoEducation, within the Expo hall
(22:13):
you heard it from BetsyAbsolutely action packed with
educational opportunities.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:18):
Once again, betsy, how many total hours at
this single event at Jeep'sexchange in education 45 hours
of education.
All right, thank you, betsy.
Betsy Polis (22:27):
Thank you.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:28):
We also want to thank the great work of the EPC
committee for steering theeducation at Jeep's exchange.
Now let's talk aboutcommunication channels before,
during and after Jeep's exchange.
Julia Kloehn (22:41):
My name is Julia clone.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:42):
I'm the director of operations with Jeeps great
to have you, julia, on the show.
We want to make sure now thatthose who have registered or are
Intending to register and tendincoming, that they understand
the different means ofcommunication Leading up to and
while on site, because there'ssome very exciting things that I
think people be interested inknowing what you have to offer.
(23:02):
So can you talk about some ofthe breakdown of the different
communication channels thatinvolve Jeeps exchange?
Julia Kloehn (23:10):
absolutely so.
For those folks who've alreadyregistered and already reserved
your hotel room, you alreadyhave a confirmation that details
out those things.
As we get closer to exchange,you can expect to receive a
daily email, so that will kindof outline the schedule for the
day.
Hit some highlights for the day.
(23:31):
The mobile app is another greatResource on site.
So this is an app you candownload on your smartphone, add
to your phone.
It's a tool that has theschedule.
It has the entire Exhibitorfloor plan.
It has all the companies, theirproducts, companies can list,
show, specials.
(23:51):
I mean it's got all theschedule details included as
well.
One of the cool features withthe app is that you can really
customize, kind of build yourown schedule inside of the app.
So if there's companies youwant to visit, you can star
those.
If there's particular Sessionsyou want to attend, you can mark
those as well.
So it could be a real customkind of guide for you throughout
(24:14):
the exchange.
If a mobile app isn't yourthing, we also print what we
call the at a glance.
So there's a smaller paperversion of a guide that you can
pick up at Registration.
That will also have somedetails about the floor plan and
slightly less information thanyou can access on the map, but
it's still a great tool for theschedule and for some basic kind
(24:38):
of trade show floor plan items.
If all of those fail, there'salways the jeep's booth.
You can head to the jeep'sbooth or the jeeps registration
desk and Find some staff and aska question.
We'd be happy to direct directyou to wherever you're looking
to go Choose what's best for youor choose all of them.
Jim Lenz, Host (24:57):
You just mentioned the jeep's booth.
It's generally gonna be prettyeasy to find, you'll see with
the signage.
But just to help people asthey're coming in, what are some
landmarks?
How can people find the jeep'sbooth?
Julia Kloehn (25:08):
Sure.
So when you arrive at theKansas City Convention Center,
you'll find you'll follow thesigns to the jeep's registration
area.
You'll grab your your namebadge, you get all checked in
and you'll head up theescalators.
The escalators are right thereby the registration desk and
once you get to the top of theescalators you are in the expo
(25:28):
hall.
So you'll see the sights andsounds and noise of the trade
show right away.
If you're looking for thejeep's booth, you're gonna take
a left and head kind of aroundback behind you and you'll find
the jeep's booth.
You're not gonna miss itbecause we're right near the
grain entrapment trailer, whichis a big trailer, a very cool
(25:49):
experience.
If you have not seen that livehappened before.
A very good thing to check out.
That's repeated several timesthroughout the exchange.
But there's a big seating areathere as well and the jeep's
booth is set up just behind thator just kind of beside that.
So come, check us out and we'llhelp you out with anything you
need perfect.
Jim Lenz, Host (26:07):
Also, there'll be announcements throughout the
day on the intercom system tosupport you as well.
So I think we've got youcovered.
Listeners for attending GEAPSexchange.
In terms of communication,julia, thanks for sharing that.
Deb Most (26:18):
Thank you, Jim.
Hi, my name is Deb most.
I'm the member in chapterservices manager at jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (26:23):
Deb, great to have you on this show because
this is a great opportunity totell people about the upcoming
exchange.
A lot of Exciting things islisteners heard Deb works with
the chapters and so tell usabout on the exchange trade show
floor Something that's prettyexciting and, I think, unique
for a trade show industry events.
Deb Most (26:41):
Yeah, we do a chapter cornhole tournament and we ask
our chapters and other membersto Sponsored team of two to play
cornhole during the expo hoursso people drop in, a couple
teams can play and it's a chancefor our chapter members to
network with each other and giveeach other graph at times and
(27:01):
potentially win a trophy andcash prize.
So we are very excited to behosting this for the third year.
It's gonna be.
The jeep's booth will have theschedule up in the jeep's booth
and we invite people to come inand watch and cheer people on
and if there's not a game goingon, you know, maybe we'll have
the cornhole boards there foryou to play if you want to play
(27:24):
with somebody.
Jim Lenz, Host (27:24):
That's a fun thing to have a little
competition and network.
Deb Most (27:28):
And speaking of networking, deb, tell us about a
couple other things that areoffered here at exchange we know
that we have a lot of newpeople at the exchange and it's
hard to walk into a room ofthree thousand people and get to
know others.
So, instead of waiting to theexpo hall floor or even the
education program, we havestarted to have a mixer for our
(27:50):
new attendees and Internationalattendees, and this is a chance
for you to come in as a newAttendee and meet our leaders,
both our membership committee aswell as our board, and to ask
your questions and meet othernew attendants.
It is on six o'clock onSaturday night.
Before they get a quaint aparty.
(28:10):
It's just an hour and we reallyinvite you to network and start
your networking there, becauseyou'll be seeing these people
around the floor the rest of theweek.
Jim Lenz, Host (28:19):
That's a great summary.
Thank you, Deb, for sharing allthe great news and the fun
that's happening at JeepsExchange 2024.
Deb Most (28:25):
You're very welcome.
Jim Lenz, Host (28:27):
We'll connect with Jeeps International Board
President.
Coming up next right after abrief message.
Cargill is delighted to sponsorthe Grain Elevator and
Processing Society Exchange.
Once again, they wish everyonea safe and enjoyable experience
in Kansas City, cargill iscommitted to providing food
ingredients, agriculturalsolutions and industrial
(28:47):
products to nourish the world ina safe, responsible and
sustainable way.
Sitting at the heart of thesupply chain, cargill partners
with farmers and customers tosource, make and deliver
products that are vital forliving.
Their 160,000 team membersinnovate with purpose, providing
customers with life'sessentials so businesses can
grow, communities prosper andconsumers live well.
(29:10):
With 159 years of experience asa family company, they look
ahead while remaining true totheir values.
They put people first.
They reach higher.
They do the right thing todayand for generations to come.
For more information, visitCargillcom and their news center
.
Chuck Kunisch (29:27):
I'm Chuck Kunish, president of the International
Board of Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (29:31):
All right, we're excited, chuck, and we're
excited for you to be on theshow here.
Chuck is Chiefs Board President.
How excited are you?
Chuck Kunisch (29:37):
I'm unbelievably excited, Jim.
Everything's really comingtogether.
The staff has done a fantasticjob.
I just can't wait till we getto the opening session and
things get started.
Jim Lenz, Host (29:49):
You have been to Chiefs Exchange.
I think was it three or fourtimes.
I'm just kidding.
You know how many times haveyou been to Chiefs Exchange?
I don't know a lot.
Chuck Kunisch (30:02):
Probably 20 plus.
Jim Lenz, Host (30:04):
All right, so let's talk about those who are
coming to Chiefs Exchange forthe first time.
What are your words of wisdom?
How do you describe it?
What should they consider forthe big event?
Chuck Kunisch (30:15):
It can be a little bit overwhelming the
amount of people in excess of3,000, the amount of vendors, so
sort of.
Get a game plan together of whoyou really want to talk to.
What are you looking for Ifyou're a regular member?
What vendors you want to talkto, to make sure you get to
those ones you really want totalk to, because if you just
(30:39):
walk the floor without a plan,you can get overwhelmed.
If you have a plan, meet theones that you want to talk to
and then maybe just stroll thefloor to see what else you can
find out, because there's alwaysa lot more to find out than you
planned on.
Jim Lenz, Host (30:56):
Yeah, that's great advice.
What projects are you workingon?
What are some future projects?
Think about discussions youhave or should have with your
team coming in, and we're goingto share in this episode the
tools and resources to supportyou in those things that you
described.
Of course, you can go toGEAPSdotcom forward slash
exchange.
All right, Chuck.
Thank you so much for joiningthe show.
(31:17):
We look forward to seeing youand everybody else here at the
upcoming Jeeps Exchange.
Chuck Kunisch (31:22):
Yep great Go Jeeps.
Holly Betten (31:24):
In agriculture.
We have so many great peopleand you get to put all of them
in one place.
Randy Bowman (31:30):
In Kansas City.
It's really neat because youtake the escalators out, it's
like the floodgates have opened.
Patsy Lee (31:37):
You see the scale of people and exhibitors and
equipment and technology.
Dale Vinsand (31:42):
It's amazing that first time where you walk onto
the floor and you get to see howfresh, shiny and new it is each
year.
It just gives you a level ofexcitement to be back.
Chuck Kunisch (31:51):
Oh there's so much equipment and to be able to
go and look and kick the tiresand talk to people about all the
new equipment and learn aboutthe equipment.
I just love it.
Holly Betten (31:59):
Well, when I walk into the Expo Center, I'm an
extrovert, so I see all thesepeople that I need to meet.
It's the people that makeexchange.
It's the people that you meet,it's the relationships that you
build.
It's those people that you calland ask for questions, that you
ask advice to later on, becauseit's that network built in
that's there to help you.
Randy Bowman (32:18):
A lot of what we do at Jeep's is relationship
building, being able tounderstand who you can talk to
when you do have issues orproblems, even just to run an
idea past somebody that maybethey've got a different way of
doing things better.
Patsy Lee (32:31):
It's good to have this relationship and, hey guys,
we met last year or a fewmonths ago in the Jeep's
exchange.
I'm Ramsay Farag.
Let's get this done as soon aspossible.
We have this personalconnection.
Randy Bowman (32:42):
I can't think of another industry group that
shares that way, and it's justgreat folks to work with and
they're so willing to sharetheir knowledge or to send you
to someone who might have thatknowledge.
There's a lot of differentopportunities for education here
.
We've got sessions in themorning, sessions in the
afternoon and we've got alsoinnovation stations up on the
(33:05):
Expo floor.
Holly Betten (33:07):
You can do something within your role or
you can say you know, I want tostep out, try something
different, and go to, maybe, aninnovation station where you
don't know anything about thattopic.
Dale Vinsand (33:14):
The idea exchange is a great way for new
technology to hit the industry,especially when you get a new
inventor that's really excitedabout his product.
Holly Betten (33:22):
I think the value in the keynote is it really
helps us put on that leadershiphat and think about what are
some things that we can takeback and directly apply in just
our everyday professional livesand then also our personal lives
as well.
Chuck Kunisch (33:32):
Everybody is working towards a common goal to
improve the industry, improvejeeps, improve their companies
and all those relationships fuelthat.
It's more than just a job, it'sa calling.
We feed and fuel the world.
What a more noble cause thanthat we're really impacting
people all over the world.
Holly Betten (33:54):
Well, that is the show we think you're going to
see.
Jim Lenz, Host (33:57):
If this is your first time joining the Whole
Grain podcast, we welcome you.
If you would like to ensurethat you receive each and every
episode as soon as they arereleased and to check on past
podcast episodes, just go toyour favorite podcast app to
search for Whole Grain, hit thesubscribe button.
That's all you need to do, anddon't forget to leave a five
star rating on your podcast app.
That ensures that others aroundthe world can get to know you
(34:21):
better.
We already have listeners in 62countries.
Let's keep growing this podcast.
And, of course, you can alsofind this on our Jeeps website
at GEAPS.
com forward slash whole grain.
Hey, if you're a vendor orsupplier of the green industry,
do you know that Jeeps WholeGrain podcast offers a terrific
opportunity to spotlight yourbusiness through audio ads?
You can also be featured as aglobal thought leader by serving
(34:44):
as a guest in the show as wework to advance the industry.
If you and your organizationwant to create an audio ad for a
future episode or you areinterested in serving as a guest
on the whole grain show, pleasereach out to me.
Jim Lenz, director of globaltraining and education at Jeeps,
also the host and producer ofthis show, we have an in-house
audio production studio where wecan service all of your needs
(35:08):
right from the very comfort of avirtual studio.
We'll be happy to work with you.
Just reach out to me,james@geaps.
com email is .
That's J-A-M-E-S atG-E-A-P-Scom.
We look forward to connectingwith you.
Hey, continue listening.
Share the news, this show, withyour friends and colleagues.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to this
(35:31):
very special episode of WholeGrain.
Make it a great day.
This episode is dedicated to the biggest and
best show in the grain handlingand processing industry.
It's the annual show that thegrain elevator and processing
society puts on.
I'm talking about GEAPSExchange.
Today we are taking you from Ato Z.
Get ready, hello and welcome tothe show.
(00:26):
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast.
My name is Jim Lenz, our hostand producer of the show and the
director of global training andeducation at Jeep's, where the
mission of the grain elevatorand processing society is to
champion, connect and serve theglobal grain industry and our
members.
At Jeep's we work to be theglobal community and thought
leader for the grain industry,which feeds and fuels the world.
Thanks for listening today andjoining the network of thousands
(00:49):
of other grain handling andprocessing professionals across
the globe taking strategic stepsto grow professionally.
The whole grain show will giveyou the competitive advantage to
win at work so you can makemore of an impact.
And speaking of making impact,what better way, in the least
amount of time, to have thebiggest impact for your
(01:10):
organization, to grow yournetwork and support your
personal professionaldevelopment?
This is an episode you need toshare with your colleagues in
your greater grain industrynetwork.
We promise that this episodewill get you informed about all
things Jeep's Exchange 2024.
We think the large list ofvendors and suppliers who are
going to be here at Jeep'sExchange with your presence and
(01:33):
for the dialogue you'll generatewith the grain operations folks
.
We have a great cast ofcharacters joining the show
today.
We want to give a specialthanks to our Jeep's Exchange
Platinum sponsors Cargill, ccsGroup, custom Concrete
Specialists and IBT IndustrialSolutions.
You'll hear about them later inthe show.
Let's start the show with theexecutive director of the grain
(01:56):
elevator and processing JohnCaupert, we've got this great
event, of course, jeep'sExchange coming up.
What's your message for thosewho are registered and those who
are considering right now?
John Caupert (02:09):
As executive director of Jeep's, I'm really
excited about Exchange and thecountless opportunities it's
going to offer.
Exchange is the opportunity foreveryone that works in the
grain and grain processingindustry, regardless of whether
they're a member or not.
We welcome our members back.
(02:30):
We would like to add newmembers to our family.
That being said, exchange is agathering for all.
We're going to kick offExchange with a fantastic
keynote address by worldrenowned musician Sandy Gennaro.
From there we will have morethan two dozen educational
(02:51):
breakout sessions across fourdifferent tracks.
Our expo, world renowned in thegrain and grain processing
industry.
Nearly 400 exhibitors touchingevery point in the grain and
grain processing value chainwill be there on hand to network
with, to interact with, tolearn from.
So again, we're excited aboutExchange, looking forward to
(03:15):
welcoming everyone to KansasCity.
Jim Lenz, Host (03:18):
All right, you heard it everybody.
You heard it from John Culpert,our new Jeep's executive
director.
Thank you, john, for sharingsome time with Whole Grain
Podcast listeners.
Thank you, John, appreciate it.
Now let's talk with Brittanyabout the big trade show floor.
Brittany Labott (03:31):
Yeah, so I'm Brittany Levatt.
I am the conference and salesmanager here at Jeep's.
Jim Lenz, Host (03:37):
All right, brittany, great to have you Got
a number of questions.
I want to buyer with you and Ithink listeners would be very
interested in this becauseExchange what a great event.
It's such a neat opportunityfor individuals and teams who
work in grain facilities once ayear to come to the big Jeep's
Exchange trade show floor andexperience all there is as they
(03:58):
are planning for futuremaintenance projects and future
expansion projects.
What a better place to come tothan Exchange.
So where else can one connectwith so many suppliers and
vendor the grain handling andprocessing industry?
I know you've been working withthe vendors and suppliers.
They are such a big, importantpiece.
This event would not go onwithout them.
(04:18):
So we appreciate them.
We appreciate their support.
Brittany, can you providelisteners with an understanding
of just how vast the ExhibitorHall is?
It was my first year last year.
It's impressive.
Brittany Labott (04:31):
Yeah, so this year we have a 71,900 square
feet of Expo Hall, and so, justto wrap your mind around that,
that's about 719, 10 by 10s.
Of course, our floor plan ismuch more than that Lots of
(04:52):
bigger booths and smaller booths.
We have a variety of equipmentto try out as well.
So, yeah, you get a littleoverwhelmed once you walk up
those stairs and see all thethings, but it's really exciting
and Exhibitors are excited tomeet with everybody.
Jim Lenz, Host (05:09):
Yeah, there's a variety of verticals within that
grain handling and processingindustry.
A lot of things are veryinteractive, but those
conversations are so importanthere with the listeners.
How many Exhibitors will beparticipating this year, 2024?
Brittany Labott (05:24):
We have 390 companies that are exhibiting
this year.
Jim Lenz, Host (05:29):
Wow, that's fantastic and recently shared
with Jeep's internal staff andthe board, something really
special about Jeep's Exchange2024.
So please share with WholeGrain Podcast listeners.
Brittany Labott (05:42):
Yeah, so this year first time since 2017, we
are completely sold out of boothspace, so we are super excited
for what that means forattendees and for the future of
Jeep's, really excited about allthe companies that are going to
(06:02):
be there, and we have actuallyquite a few new exhibitors as
well, so we're excited forFebruary coming up.
I know exhibitors are planningand preparing as we speak.
Jim Lenz, Host (06:14):
All right.
Thank you for the quick report.
We appreciate it yeah thank you.
We'll continue talking aboutall things Exchange right after
this brief message.
Ibt Industrial Solutions hasbeen your expert and product
support partner in the grainindustry for over 75 years.
They solve the hard problems tohelp keep your business running
as a one-stop shop for productsand services ranging from
(06:36):
motion amplification toconveying solutions.
They also stock productinventory from over 1,200
suppliers, available now at oneof their 37 locations across the
Midwest.
Come visit IBT Solutions at theJeeps Exchange with 2,608, or
go to www.
ibtinc.
com/grain.
Ibt Industrial Solutions, yourtrusted grain industry partner.
(06:57):
All right, now I'm going tobring you all things related to
the registration process.
Susan Sarapa (07:02):
Hello, my name is Susan Sarapa.
I am the customer relationshipassociate for Jeeps.
During exchange I handle theregistration process.
I handle the pre-registrationprocess, help people over the
phone when they have troublegetting through registration and
hotel reservations, and I amalso on site helping when we
(07:23):
open Jeeps Exchange.
Jim Lenz, Host (07:25):
For those who have attended at that site at
Kansas City Convention Center,or for those who are completely
new, let's provide a littlebackground and auditory sort of
format to sort of they canvisualize in their head what to
expect here, in particular tothe registration process.
Susan, what should someoneexpect when they get to the
registration area?
Susan Sarapa (07:45):
Well, as you walk into the main hallway you'll see
the registration lobby.
It'll be very apparent, we'llhave lots of signage and it'll
be made up of three generalareas.
The first area is the self-helpkiosk.
There'll be four self-helpstations there and if you
haven't pre-registered, theprefer to register on site on
your own.
There will be four stationsavailable where you can sign in
(08:08):
and register for the expo.
You can also get help if yourun into any issues with that.
The second area is the expressregistration stations.
So this is if you've alreadyregistered and brought your
confirmation with you, you canstep up to one of our four
express registration stationswhere you can scan your barcode
and that'll allow you to printyour badge.
(08:30):
So you'll have that ready andon the go.
And the third area is theregistration desk.
Now, if you're rather one ofthose people that just need help
and you want someone to helpyou with your registration, you
can step up and be greeted byone of the registration
representatives that can helpyou through the process.
So and you can also go to themif you have any questions about
(08:50):
the expo as well.
Jim Lenz, Host (08:52):
Excellent.
Another thing related toregistration that people may
want to know is when.
When can I register?
What are the times?
Susan Sarapa (09:00):
So we will be open for registration, beginning on
Saturday believe it's 7 am to 7pm during the day and Sunday, I
believe it starts at 6.30 am to6 pm.
Monday it runs from 7 am to 5pm and then Tuesday, we open at
7 am and close at 2 pm.
Jim Lenz, Host (09:20):
All right, they arrived, they got there safely.
They are now registered.
Provide some just briefunderstanding of what is next,
where they go, where it'slocated, For example, obviously
the big trade show floor and theeducation sessions.
Where are they in relation tothe registration area?
Susan Sarapa (09:37):
So the show floor is just steps away up the
escalator on the floor justabove the registration desk.
So you will see it.
It's just right adjacent to theregistration desk.
It's very, very hard to missand you can just go right up the
escalator.
The education sessions I can'tremember what hall it's in, but
there'll be lots of signage.
(09:57):
It will be behind theregistration desk and you can
ask one of the representativesif you need any guidance.
There'll be lots, plenty ofsignage available for that.
It was exciting to see all theattendees come to the
registration area with smiles ontheir faces.
They seem to be ready to havesome fun, excited to walk the
show floor and participate inall the great events and the
(10:20):
social events that we have going, including the get acquainted
party.
This year we're going to havemusic, bingo.
There's going to be lots ofexciting things going on, so I
don't think it'll disappoint.
Patsy Lee (10:32):
Hi, my name is Patsy.
I am part of the professionaldevelopment team and you usually
find me at the registration,running around in the expo hall
or in the education session.
Jim Lenz, Host (10:45):
There's a lot of responsibilities of chief staff
that go behind the scenes.
You play a role in making sureeverything goes smooth while on
site that a lot of people maynot be aware.
What is one of your favoriteparts of exchange?
Patsy Lee (10:58):
One of my favorite part of exchange is meeting the
members, and especially duringthe education sessions.
There are goodies there thatyou can take and use.
I guess, being part of theprofessional development team,
education is probably one of myfavorite.
Jim Lenz, Host (11:13):
What would you say are one or two things an
exchange attendee should bringalong.
Patsy Lee (11:18):
I would say bring some good shoes, because you'll
be walking and standing all day,and also the willingness to
connect and network with people.
Jim Lenz, Host (11:28):
All right, stay tuned.
We have more coming up,including information on
education sessions, the formaland informal networking
opportunities, and you'll alsohear from our president of the
Jeeps International Board ofDirectors right after this
message.
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(11:51):
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a skilled and experienced teamand unwavering commitment to
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Ccs provides nationwideservices of shock creek liners,
catastrophic failure repairs,carbon fiber solutions, crack
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and spalling repairs, hopperinstallation and repairs and
rough coatings.
Visit their website atCCSgrouponlinecom.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (12:23):
Hi, I'm .
I am the conference and expodirector for Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (12:29):
Big picture wise .
If you could share with ourlisteners, adrianne, what are
the benefits of going toexchange?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (12:34):
So there are a multitude of
benefits from a 10-in exchange.
A big one that is talked abouta lot is networking.
People are always giving usanecdotes about the connections
that they made at exchange thatbecame vital resources for them
for years to come.
So it really lends itself togreat networking and connecting
(12:56):
with people with all sorts oflevels of experience and
knowledge.
Another thing I would say isour education is really really
excellent.
Each year, our educationalprogramming committee works on
putting together an educationalslate with cutting edge
information and best practices,so you are sure to learn
(13:16):
something that you canimmediately take back to your
place of work and apply on thejob, and then, yeah, just having
a great time.
People have a lot of fun inexchange, so it's not all work.
Jim Lenz, Host (13:29):
Adrienne and her team put a lot of effort into
just what she said creating fun.
Yeah, there's network on thetrade show floor and within the
educational sessions, but thereare like very targeted efforts
made to create a unique fun,lighthearted, with some great
food and entertainment.
Exactly that's networkingopportunity.
(13:52):
So it's a community of peoplecoming together, some for the
first time.
Some are looking forward toseeing each other.
So those who have been here atExchange in the past, they're
probably curious hey, Adrianne,what is new this year at
Exchange 2024?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (14:09):
Yeah, so a few things are new.
Some things will actually benew to me as well.
We have a sold out expo hall,and so that means new exhibiting
companies who this will betheir first time Exhibiting at
Jeep's exchange, so you knowyou're sure to see new products
and services.
Of course, the educationprogram is always fresh.
(14:31):
We also have a closing eventthat's new this year we are
playing music bingo on Tuesday.
So join us in the expo hall onTuesday and then, right after it
closes, head to music bingo fora lot of fun and Chance to win
some really great prizes donatedby our exhibitors.
Jim Lenz, Host (14:50):
Some people just rewinded this, I think, and
they said what did you say?
Music bingo music bingo.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (14:57):
We have professional company coming
in to host it.
So this company does musicbingo all over at, you know,
bars, restaurants, parties, andwhat they'll do is they'll play
songs and everybody will havebingo cards with song names on
them, and so it's just like, youknow, regular bingo.
You know you get five in a row,so you hear the song, you look
(15:19):
to see if it's on your bingocard and then you mark it off.
And I have heard that it willbe very easy.
There will be.
If you, if you're not a musicaficionado, that is okay.
You can converse amongst theothers at your table if you need
to pull out your smartphone.
So we're gonna make this just areally fun and enjoyable
(15:39):
experience and, like I said, ifyou get bingo, there'll be some
great prizes that you can winand that's just some of the new
things that exchange is here.
Jim Lenz, Host (15:46):
Thank you for sharing that before we conclude
here, do you have any advice forgetting the most out of the
exchange experience?
What is your advice?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (15:55):
Yeah, I would say.
Just because exchange is such arobust conference with so much
going on, I think you get themost out of your experience just
by taking a little time to planahead Before you get on site,
and we have some wonderful toolsfor you to do that, probably
first and foremost being themobile app for exchange 2024.
(16:18):
So in that app you are going tofind the entire schedule of
events and you'll have theability to Favorite things so
you can create, you know, awhole file of all the things
that you want to make sure thatyou don't miss.
You're all the educationsessions, all the parties you
want to go to Um and then alsotake a look at the interactive
expo help floor plan.
Our exhibitors put a lot oftime and effort into creating
(16:41):
Profiles so you can get a realsense of what their company is
about, what they'll be bringingto exchange.
Some of them even have productpictures posted in the app Um,
as well as show specials.
So I would just encourage youto take a look at that and sort
of plan how you want to spendyour days.
Jim Lenz, Host (16:59):
I'm glad you share that.
That's actually a really bigpiece.
I'm curious when canIndividuals access the mobile
app to kind of look at what youjust described?
Is it when you're at the event,or is there even time a little
bit before the event thatthey'll have access to?
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:15):
Yeah, so you will have access to the
event prior to and so if you areregistered to attend the event,
you will get an emailnotification from us letting you
know that the mobile app isavailable in the app store for
download.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:28):
Oh, that's perfect.
Thank you so much for spendingsome time with whole grain.
Listeners appreciate it.
Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller (17:32):
Yeah, thank you so much, I appreciate
it.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:35):
Okay, now we're gonna go ahead and discuss our
educational opportunities atexchange.
Betsy Polis (17:39):
Hi, my name is Betsy Polis.
I'm senior project manager withjeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (17:44):
That's it great to have you here and tell
everybody about all the greateducational opportunities at
GEAPS exchange 2024 we startkicking off education on Sunday
morning with our keynote speaker.
Betsy Polis (17:57):
It starts at 8 am.
We're excited to welcome rockstar and professional speaker
Sandy Gennaro as the 2024keynote speaker.
Gennaro, who's toured withCindy Lauper, the monkeys and
Joan jet, delivers a powerful,powerful presentation about
beating the odds and becoming arock star in business and in
life.
It's one of those events youdon't want to miss.
Jim Lenz, Host (18:16):
No, betsy.
We offer what I think is areally unique opportunity to
uncover the landscape ofInnovation in the grain handling
and processing industry, andone of those means of delivery
for innovation at exchange isIdea exchange.
Just in case those listenershave not attended, can you
elaborate a little bit moreabout what idea exchange is all
(18:37):
about?
Betsy Polis (18:38):
So directly after the conference keynote, the idea
exchange runs from 945 to 11 amOn Sunday morning.
This is a very popular event.
Make sure to come see theseshort presentations from a
variety of speakers on some ofthe newest and innovative
products and ideas to the grainindustry.
We have so many new products,from the first ever rapid
(19:00):
quantitative gluten strip testsfor grain and milling products
to New conveyor products, newgrain drying products, new
railcar loading, reverse sweep,all things.
Check it out on our website tosee the full list and Make sure
to attend.
Jim Lenz, Host (19:16):
Thank you, betsy .
In this single annual event,how many total hours of
education are offered at jeepsexchange?
Betsy Polis (19:24):
Attendees at jeeps exchange have access to 45 hours
of peer reviewed education.
Jim Lenz, Host (19:30):
That's great.
A lot of those things I'd lovefor you to address a little bit
more and talk about how this isorganized and what's available.
Betsy Polis (19:38):
Sure, this year we have four individual tracks of
education, maintenance, employeedevelopment, safety and grain
operations.
The tracks are planned so youcan attend all the sessions in
one or mix and match throughoutthe four as you go.
Tracks start on Sundayafternoon in the expo hall
innovation stations and runMonday and Tuesday, february 26
(19:59):
and 27th, with multiple sessionoptions.
There are just so many greatpresenters this year, covering a
plethora of topics.
I can't speak to all of themhere, but our website can, so I
encourage everyone to checkthose out and start building
your schedule.
Jim Lenz, Host (20:13):
Good tip there to check out GEAPS dot com
forward slash exchange For allthe details there, something you
definitely want to look throughbeforehand, actually, another
thing just to give some peoplecontext Earlier in the show they
talked about the registrationprocess.
Where that's located?
Where are these educationsessions held in respect to
(20:34):
everything else that's going on?
Betsy Polis (20:37):
Yeah.
So after you pick up your badgeat registration, you will just
head down the hall and up theescalators and you'll be able to
find all the education sessionsthere for keynote and idea
exchange.
That Sunday morning they'regoing to be held in the grand
ballroom.
That's on the same level asregistration, so all within the
(20:58):
conference center at theconvention center.
Jim Lenz, Host (21:00):
Good to know when those conclude and they'll
just walk down the hallway intothe large Expo hall.
Just absolutely enormous, andwe had already Brittany share a
little bit of information aboutthat, but a good thing.
To touch base here is one ofthe most important
Demonstrations that one will see, perhaps ever in the industry.
(21:23):
For a lot of people Maybe havedone this on site and be part of
it, but we have something veryunique.
I'd love for you to trust thisimportant piece.
Betsy Polis (21:31):
Yes, so we have a grain entrapment rescue
demonstration.
Oklahoma State Universitybrings their training trailer
into the Expo hall.
It's set up very central andthey do daily, if not twice a
day, demonstrations of Hands-onrescues.
We will have representativesfrom the Kansas City Fire
(21:52):
Department available for a paneldiscussion as well, along with
the trainers within thedemonstration.
It is a very, very valuabletype of training that you don't
want to miss.
These happen five timesthroughout the three days of
Expo hall and they are at thesame time as the innovation
stations, which are alsoEducation, within the Expo hall
(22:13):
you heard it from BetsyAbsolutely action packed with
educational opportunities.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:18):
Once again, betsy, how many total hours at
this single event at Jeep'sexchange in education 45 hours
of education.
All right, thank you, betsy.
Betsy Polis (22:27):
Thank you.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:28):
We also want to thank the great work of the EPC
committee for steering theeducation at Jeep's exchange.
Now let's talk aboutcommunication channels before,
during and after Jeep's exchange.
Julia Kloehn (22:41):
My name is Julia clone.
Jim Lenz, Host (22:42):
I'm the director of operations with Jeeps great
to have you, julia, on the show.
We want to make sure now thatthose who have registered or are
Intending to register and tendincoming, that they understand
the different means ofcommunication Leading up to and
while on site, because there'ssome very exciting things that I
think people be interested inknowing what you have to offer.
(23:02):
So can you talk about some ofthe breakdown of the different
communication channels thatinvolve Jeeps exchange?
Julia Kloehn (23:10):
absolutely so.
For those folks who've alreadyregistered and already reserved
your hotel room, you alreadyhave a confirmation that details
out those things.
As we get closer to exchange,you can expect to receive a
daily email, so that will kindof outline the schedule for the
day.
Hit some highlights for the day.
(23:31):
The mobile app is another greatResource on site.
So this is an app you candownload on your smartphone, add
to your phone.
It's a tool that has theschedule.
It has the entire Exhibitorfloor plan.
It has all the companies, theirproducts, companies can list,
show, specials.
(23:51):
I mean it's got all theschedule details included as
well.
One of the cool features withthe app is that you can really
customize, kind of build yourown schedule inside of the app.
So if there's companies youwant to visit, you can star
those.
If there's particular Sessionsyou want to attend, you can mark
those as well.
So it could be a real customkind of guide for you throughout
(24:14):
the exchange.
If a mobile app isn't yourthing, we also print what we
call the at a glance.
So there's a smaller paperversion of a guide that you can
pick up at Registration.
That will also have somedetails about the floor plan and
slightly less information thanyou can access on the map, but
it's still a great tool for theschedule and for some basic kind
(24:38):
of trade show floor plan items.
If all of those fail, there'salways the jeep's booth.
You can head to the jeep'sbooth or the jeeps registration
desk and Find some staff and aska question.
We'd be happy to direct directyou to wherever you're looking
to go Choose what's best for youor choose all of them.
Jim Lenz, Host (24:57):
You just mentioned the jeep's booth.
It's generally gonna be prettyeasy to find, you'll see with
the signage.
But just to help people asthey're coming in, what are some
landmarks?
How can people find the jeep'sbooth?
Julia Kloehn (25:08):
Sure.
So when you arrive at theKansas City Convention Center,
you'll find you'll follow thesigns to the jeep's registration
area.
You'll grab your your namebadge, you get all checked in
and you'll head up theescalators.
The escalators are right thereby the registration desk and
once you get to the top of theescalators you are in the expo
(25:28):
hall.
So you'll see the sights andsounds and noise of the trade
show right away.
If you're looking for thejeep's booth, you're gonna take
a left and head kind of aroundback behind you and you'll find
the jeep's booth.
You're not gonna miss itbecause we're right near the
grain entrapment trailer, whichis a big trailer, a very cool
(25:49):
experience.
If you have not seen that livehappened before.
A very good thing to check out.
That's repeated several timesthroughout the exchange.
But there's a big seating areathere as well and the jeep's
booth is set up just behind thator just kind of beside that.
So come, check us out and we'llhelp you out with anything you
need perfect.
Jim Lenz, Host (26:07):
Also, there'll be announcements throughout the
day on the intercom system tosupport you as well.
So I think we've got youcovered.
Listeners for attending GEAPSexchange.
In terms of communication,julia, thanks for sharing that.
Deb Most (26:18):
Thank you, Jim.
Hi, my name is Deb most.
I'm the member in chapterservices manager at jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (26:23):
Deb, great to have you on this show because
this is a great opportunity totell people about the upcoming
exchange.
A lot of Exciting things islisteners heard Deb works with
the chapters and so tell usabout on the exchange trade show
floor Something that's prettyexciting and, I think, unique
for a trade show industry events.
Deb Most (26:41):
Yeah, we do a chapter cornhole tournament and we ask
our chapters and other membersto Sponsored team of two to play
cornhole during the expo hoursso people drop in, a couple
teams can play and it's a chancefor our chapter members to
network with each other and giveeach other graph at times and
(27:01):
potentially win a trophy andcash prize.
So we are very excited to behosting this for the third year.
It's gonna be.
The jeep's booth will have theschedule up in the jeep's booth
and we invite people to come inand watch and cheer people on
and if there's not a game goingon, you know, maybe we'll have
the cornhole boards there foryou to play if you want to play
(27:24):
with somebody.
Jim Lenz, Host (27:24):
That's a fun thing to have a little
competition and network.
Deb Most (27:28):
And speaking of networking, deb, tell us about a
couple other things that areoffered here at exchange we know
that we have a lot of newpeople at the exchange and it's
hard to walk into a room ofthree thousand people and get to
know others.
So, instead of waiting to theexpo hall floor or even the
education program, we havestarted to have a mixer for our
(27:50):
new attendees and Internationalattendees, and this is a chance
for you to come in as a newAttendee and meet our leaders,
both our membership committee aswell as our board, and to ask
your questions and meet othernew attendants.
It is on six o'clock onSaturday night.
Before they get a quaint aparty.
(28:10):
It's just an hour and we reallyinvite you to network and start
your networking there, becauseyou'll be seeing these people
around the floor the rest of theweek.
Jim Lenz, Host (28:19):
That's a great summary.
Thank you, Deb, for sharing allthe great news and the fun
that's happening at JeepsExchange 2024.
Deb Most (28:25):
You're very welcome.
Jim Lenz, Host (28:27):
We'll connect with Jeeps International Board
President.
Coming up next right after abrief message.
Cargill is delighted to sponsorthe Grain Elevator and
Processing Society Exchange.
Once again, they wish everyonea safe and enjoyable experience
in Kansas City, cargill iscommitted to providing food
ingredients, agriculturalsolutions and industrial
(28:47):
products to nourish the world ina safe, responsible and
sustainable way.
Sitting at the heart of thesupply chain, cargill partners
with farmers and customers tosource, make and deliver
products that are vital forliving.
Their 160,000 team membersinnovate with purpose, providing
customers with life'sessentials so businesses can
grow, communities prosper andconsumers live well.
(29:10):
With 159 years of experience asa family company, they look
ahead while remaining true totheir values.
They put people first.
They reach higher.
They do the right thing todayand for generations to come.
For more information, visitCargillcom and their news center
.
Chuck Kunisch (29:27):
I'm Chuck Kunish, president of the International
Board of Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, Host (29:31):
All right, we're excited, chuck, and we're
excited for you to be on theshow here.
Chuck is Chiefs Board President.
How excited are you?
Chuck Kunisch (29:37):
I'm unbelievably excited, Jim.
Everything's really comingtogether.
The staff has done a fantasticjob.
I just can't wait till we getto the opening session and
things get started.
Jim Lenz, Host (29:49):
You have been to Chiefs Exchange.
I think was it three or fourtimes.
I'm just kidding.
You know how many times haveyou been to Chiefs Exchange?
I don't know a lot.
Chuck Kunisch (30:02):
Probably 20 plus.
Jim Lenz, Host (30:04):
All right, so let's talk about those who are
coming to Chiefs Exchange forthe first time.
What are your words of wisdom?
How do you describe it?
What should they consider forthe big event?
Chuck Kunisch (30:15):
It can be a little bit overwhelming the
amount of people in excess of3,000, the amount of vendors, so
sort of.
Get a game plan together of whoyou really want to talk to.
What are you looking for Ifyou're a regular member?
What vendors you want to talkto, to make sure you get to
those ones you really want totalk to, because if you just
(30:39):
walk the floor without a plan,you can get overwhelmed.
If you have a plan, meet theones that you want to talk to
and then maybe just stroll thefloor to see what else you can
find out, because there's alwaysa lot more to find out than you
planned on.
Jim Lenz, Host (30:56):
Yeah, that's great advice.
What projects are you workingon?
What are some future projects?
Think about discussions youhave or should have with your
team coming in, and we're goingto share in this episode the
tools and resources to supportyou in those things that you
described.
Of course, you can go toGEAPSdotcom forward slash
exchange.
All right, Chuck.
Thank you so much for joiningthe show.
(31:17):
We look forward to seeing youand everybody else here at the
upcoming Jeeps Exchange.
Chuck Kunisch (31:22):
Yep great Go Jeeps.
Holly Betten (31:24):
In agriculture.
We have so many great peopleand you get to put all of them
in one place.
Randy Bowman (31:30):
In Kansas City.
It's really neat because youtake the escalators out, it's
like the floodgates have opened.
Patsy Lee (31:37):
You see the scale of people and exhibitors and
equipment and technology.
Dale Vinsand (31:42):
It's amazing that first time where you walk onto
the floor and you get to see howfresh, shiny and new it is each
year.
It just gives you a level ofexcitement to be back.
Chuck Kunisch (31:51):
Oh there's so much equipment and to be able to
go and look and kick the tiresand talk to people about all the
new equipment and learn aboutthe equipment.
I just love it.
Holly Betten (31:59):
Well, when I walk into the Expo Center, I'm an
extrovert, so I see all thesepeople that I need to meet.
It's the people that makeexchange.
It's the people that you meet,it's the relationships that you
build.
It's those people that you calland ask for questions, that you
ask advice to later on, becauseit's that network built in
that's there to help you.
Randy Bowman (32:18):
A lot of what we do at Jeep's is relationship
building, being able tounderstand who you can talk to
when you do have issues orproblems, even just to run an
idea past somebody that maybethey've got a different way of
doing things better.
Patsy Lee (32:31):
It's good to have this relationship and, hey guys,
we met last year or a fewmonths ago in the Jeep's
exchange.
I'm Ramsay Farag.
Let's get this done as soon aspossible.
We have this personalconnection.
Randy Bowman (32:42):
I can't think of another industry group that
shares that way, and it's justgreat folks to work with and
they're so willing to sharetheir knowledge or to send you
to someone who might have thatknowledge.
There's a lot of differentopportunities for education here
.
We've got sessions in themorning, sessions in the
afternoon and we've got alsoinnovation stations up on the
(33:05):
Expo floor.
Holly Betten (33:07):
You can do something within your role or
you can say you know, I want tostep out, try something
different, and go to, maybe, aninnovation station where you
don't know anything about thattopic.
Dale Vinsand (33:14):
The idea exchange is a great way for new
technology to hit the industry,especially when you get a new
inventor that's really excitedabout his product.
Holly Betten (33:22):
I think the value in the keynote is it really
helps us put on that leadershiphat and think about what are
some things that we can takeback and directly apply in just
our everyday professional livesand then also our personal lives
as well.
Chuck Kunisch (33:32):
Everybody is working towards a common goal to
improve the industry, improvejeeps, improve their companies
and all those relationships fuelthat.
It's more than just a job, it'sa calling.
We feed and fuel the world.
What a more noble cause thanthat we're really impacting
people all over the world.
Holly Betten (33:54):
Well, that is the show we think you're going to
see.
Jim Lenz, Host (33:57):
If this is your first time joining the Whole
Grain podcast, we welcome you.
If you would like to ensurethat you receive each and every
episode as soon as they arereleased and to check on past
podcast episodes, just go toyour favorite podcast app to
search for Whole Grain, hit thesubscribe button.
That's all you need to do, anddon't forget to leave a five
star rating on your podcast app.
That ensures that others aroundthe world can get to know you
(34:21):
better.
We already have listeners in 62countries.
Let's keep growing this podcast.
And, of course, you can alsofind this on our Jeeps website
at GEAPS.
com forward slash whole grain.
Hey, if you're a vendor orsupplier of the green industry,
do you know that Jeeps WholeGrain podcast offers a terrific
opportunity to spotlight yourbusiness through audio ads?
You can also be featured as aglobal thought leader by serving
(34:44):
as a guest in the show as wework to advance the industry.
If you and your organizationwant to create an audio ad for a
future episode or you areinterested in serving as a guest
on the whole grain show, pleasereach out to me.
Jim Lenz, director of globaltraining and education at Jeeps,
also the host and producer ofthis show, we have an in-house
audio production studio where wecan service all of your needs
(35:08):
right from the very comfort of avirtual studio.
We'll be happy to work with you.
Just reach out to me,james@geaps.
com email is .
That's J-A-M-E-S atG-E-A-P-Scom.
We look forward to connectingwith you.
Hey, continue listening.
Share the news, this show, withyour friends and colleagues.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to this
(35:31):
very special episode of WholeGrain.
Make it a great day.
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