In-Grain - GEAPS

ExchangeAn Off-The Charts Success: Kudos Stream In For Exchange ‘08(from page one)The Omaha location, near the center ofthe North American grain belt, has been citedas a main reason for the unprecedented sizeof the program. Hundreds of grain-operationsprofessionals were able to drive in to theshow, stay for the day, and return home in theevening. In addition, GEAPS has several activechapters in the Omaha region, which helpedspread the word and boost attendance.Because every delegate will be asked toprovide opinions, the Exchange evaluationprocess won’t be completed for weeks. However,many reviews are already in. Most of thecomments have been strongly positive.“Great show!” “Outstanding!” “It wasexcellent,” and “Another home run,” weresomewhat typical.There were complaints. Some objected toslow pacing of the annual banquet, a perceivedshortage of food available for the expo-halllunches, and a lack of coordination at guestprograms.At the same time, virtually all educationsessions were rated as “excellent” or“good.” Earning exceptional reports were theExchange workshop, on how to hire and retaingood workers at grain facilities, and the expohallpods—small-group, hands-on sessionsfeaturing equipment used to assess grain quality.Approximately 275 people attended theworkshop, prompting several suggestions forfollow-up presentations next year at Exchange2009 in St. Louis.Large crowds are almost certain there, too.In Omaha, an advance sale of expo-hall boothsfor the St. Louis show broke the record.Exchange 2008 drew people from at leasteight countries, including the U.S. and Canada,Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Swedenand Venezuela.How do you design the biggest Exchange ever? You take an expansive new facility like the Qwest Center Omaha and fill it with crowds of grain industryprofessionals from around the world, from the Midwest to South Africa. The halls were packed with attendees eager to take advantage of the impressiveslate of expert speakers at the Exchange, meet exhibitors in the largest expo ever or participate in expo pod sessions.Pre-Conference WorkshopIdea ExchangeLunch in the Expo HallExpo Pods12 – GEAPS In-Grain | March 2008www.geaps.com