11/28/2017

OABA Industry Conference Prepares Attendees to Meet Challenges in Agriculture

The two-day conference allows participants to choose sessions most relevant to their profession

The upcoming Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Industry Conference is packed with widely-respected speakers and industry professionals, sharing their expertise on a variety of topics relating to agronomy, grain and feed, safety and more.

The two-day conference, Feb. 1 – 2, 2018 in Columbus, is designed to allow participants to choose session topics most relevant to their profession. In addition to these breakout sessions, the conference will feature four general sessions focusing on broader issues in agriculture and leadership.

“The general sessions help participants grow as leaders and professionals, while preparing them to handle common challenges in the industry,” said OABA President and CEO Chris Henney, CAE.

This year’s general sessions speakers include:

• Terry Barr of CoBank; Economic Outlook. Barr will examine the outlook for input and commodity prices and discuss national and world economic trends that impact agribusinesses.
• Cathann Kress, Ph.D. of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Town Hall: Meet the New Faces of CFAES. Kress will share her vision for the future of CFAES and introduce attendees to the newest faces of the college from ATI to Columbus campus.
• Lani Jordan of Lani Jordan Strategic Communication, LLC; Protecting Your Reputation in a Dynamic Environment. Jordan, veteran industry communicator, will offer insight into today’s environment and how agribusiness leaders can prepare now to safeguard their company’s reputation in a crisis.
• CEO Panel; Hiring Challenges in the Work Place. Where have all the people gone? A panel of three executives will discuss challenges and solutions of attracting and retaining talent in a hyper competitive job market. The panel will be moderated by Ed Yuhas of Kincannon and Reed.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for both Certified Crop Advisers and state licensed pesticide applicators that attend the conference. A complete agenda is available here.

All-inclusive registration for the event includes admission to both days of educational programming and all meals, including the Industry Networking Reception & Dinner and OABA Annual Meeting. Registration fees are as follows:

Member: $260 ($335 after Jan. 15, 2018)
Non­-member: $400 ($475 after Jan. 15, 2018)

Individual day and reception/dinner-only registrations are also available, as are exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities. Visit the conference page on OABA's website for more information and to register.

Hotel accommodations for the Columbus Marriott Northwest can be made online by visiting www.oaba.net/events_conference  or by calling (888) 801-7133 and using the code “Ohio AgriBusiness Association.” The OABA hotel block reservation deadline is Jan. 15, 2018.