GEAPS Holds Record-Breaking Annual Conference in Omaha

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) held its annual technical conference and exposition, The Exchange, in Omaha, Neb., Feb. 23-26, and the kudos continue to stream in.  Reviews of Exchange 2008 point to an off-the-charts success.

Attendance, at 2,380, broke a 79-year Exchange record. The Omaha show also shattered records for expo-hall booth spaces (371) and the size of the education program, which featured 55 expert speakers.

The Omaha location, near the center of the North American grain belt, has been cited as a main reason for the unprecedented size of the program. Hundreds of grain-operations professionals were able to drive in to the show, stay for the day, and return home in the evening. In addition, GEAPS has several active chapters in the Omaha region, which helped spread the word and boost attendance.

Earning exceptional reports were the Exchange workshop, on how to hire and retain good workers at grain facilities, and the expo-hall pods – small-group, hands-on sessions featuring equipment used to assess grain quality.  Approximately 275 people attended the workshop, prompting several suggestions for follow-up presentations next year at Exchange 2009 in St. Louis.

Large crowds are almost certain there, too: due to extraordinary demand, all expo-hall booth space for Exchange 2009 in St. Louis was purchased during Exchange 2008 in Omaha.  The advance sellout is the first in GEAPS history.
 
Additionally, Exchange 2008 drew attendees from at least eight countries, including the U.S. and Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden and Venezuela.

About GEAPS

GEAPS is an international professional society dedicated to providing its members with forums to generate leadership, innovation and excellence in grain-related industry operations. 

GEAPS’ vision is to be the knowledge resource for the world of grain-handling industry operations by providing key information in these core competencies: grain quality management; grain-handling equipment management; handling systems and operations technology management; facility operations management; agribusiness environment and management practice; human resources management; and property and casualty risk management. 

By providing information relevant to these seven categories, GEAPS aims to meet the needs of grain-industry professionals and help them successfully perform their jobs.