this year’s version of commodity classic will be the ......and friends! come kick off the 2016...
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Commodity Classic is the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show. Commodity Classic is open to all friends of corn, soybeans, wheat and
sorghum—from growers to member associations to agribusiness to farm media to agricultural advocates. It’s the one can’t-miss-it event for agriculture!
HERE’S WHAT AWAITS YOU AT COMMODITY CLASSIC IN NEW ORLEANS:
Your backstage pass to what’s new Commodity Classic is where agribusiness rolls out its latest products and technology. You’ll get to talk directly with key people from the suppliers and companies you do business with. You’re sure to come across something new that will change the way you farm.
It’s showtime! 2016 will feature the largest trade show in the two-decade history of Commodity Classic. You’ll see acres of equip-ment, technology and information all under one roof. It’s a true showcase of the latest and greatest from the world’s leading agribusiness companies—and dozens of emerging start-ups with the next big idea.
Learn some new tunes Thought leaders and inspiring speakers will make you think differently about how you farm. Choose from a powerful line-up of educational sessions and seminars on topics that matter to you. You’ll be challenged to think
differently, consider new approaches and look at your operation from a new perspective.
Hitting a high note Commodity Classic is an energetic, engaging environment that will reignite your passion for farming. You’ll be around positive
people who are optimistic about the future. You’ll head back home with a renewed commitment to being the best farmer you can be.
Sit in with fellow farmers Meeting other farmers is one of the top-rated experiences at Commodity Classic. You’ll talk with farmers from all across the country about how you do things differently—and discover just how much you’re alike.
A new member of the band The Association of Equipment Manufacturers joins Commodity Classic in 2016. That means even more education, equipment and excitement.
See your associations perform Your grassroots membership associations conduct business at Commodity Classic. The meetings are open, so you can see first-hand how these farmer-led groups develop policy recommendations and serve as your voice on Capitol Hill.
A jazzy combo Commodity Classic is education. New technology and equipment. Entertainment. Meeting farmers from all across America. It’s all here.
If you have attended Commodity Classic before, join us again this year in New Orleans.
If you’ve never attended Commodity Classic, this is one not to be missed!
Commodity Classic is the premier convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
TMTM TM
Always the Innovator, Never the Imitator™Since 1946 NACHURS® has been helping farmers achieve higher yields and profits,
offering premium in-furrow starters, foliar nutrition, and micronutrients.For the newest fertilizer technologies see us at Commodity Classic, Booth #2805.
visit us online: w w w. n a c h u r s . c o m / c o m c l a s s i c or call: 800.622.4877 x 255© 2015. NACHURS ALPINE SOLUTIONS. All rights reserved.
This year’s version of Commodity Classic will be the jazziest ever!
Commodity Classic 2016 3
Schedule at a Glance
TUESDAY, MARCH 1 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Trade Show Move- in
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Optional Tours 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. NAWG Committee Meetings 8:00 a.m. - Noon NSP Board of Directors Meeting 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Trade Show Move- in 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open Noon - 12:30 p.m. ASA Resolutions Subcommittees Briefing 12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. NCGA Issues Briefing, Open Forum & Policy Discussion 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ASA Resolutions Subcommittees 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NCGA State Caucuses 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NSP/USCP Joint Board of Directors Meeting 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. NCGA CornPAC Auction & Hors d’oeuvres Reception 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. NAWG President Reception & Auction
THURSDAY, MARCH 3 Optional Tours 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Education: Early Riser Session 6:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ASA State Caucuses 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. NCGA Corn Congress 8:00 a.m. - Noon NAWG Board of Directors Meeting 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Education: Learning Center Session 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Education: Mini What’s New Sessions 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Sorghum Meet and Greet 9:15 a.m. - Noon Sorghum General Session 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Education: Learning Center Session 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Education: Mini What’s New Sessions 10:00 a.m. - Noon ASA Open Resolutions Meeting Noon - 4:00 p.m. NAWG Foundation Board Meeting Noon - 4:30 p.m. Trade Show Grand Opening with Lunch 1:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Education: Main Stage Events on Trade Show Floor 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ASA Soy Social & Auction
FRIDAY, MARCH 4 Optional Tours 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Education: Early Riser Session 7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. National Corn Yield Contest State Award Winners Breakfast 6:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. General Session 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Trade Show Open with Lunch 11:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Education: Main Stage Events on Trade Show Floor 12:30 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. Education: Learning Center & What’s New Sessions 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sorghum PAC Event & Auction 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. NCGA Awards Banquet 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ASA Awards Banquet
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Optional Tours 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Education: Early Riser Session 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Registration Desk Open 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Education: Learning Center Sessions 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Trade Show Open with Morning Snack 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Education: Main Stage Events on Trade Show Floor 9:30 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. Education: What’s New Sessions 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Trade Show Move- out 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NCGA Corn Congress 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ASA Voting Delegates Session 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Worship Service 8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Evening of Entertainment
“When you put the innovators all in one convention center for three or four days, you’re not going to walk away without learning something.”
— Colorado Corn Farmer
You’ll see the following terms throughout this brochure. Here’s what they mean:ASA: American Soybean Association
NCGA: National Corn Growers Association
NAWG: National Association of Wheat Growers
NSP: National Sorghum Producers
AEM: Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which joins Commodity Classic for the first time in 2016.
NOLA: New Orleans, Louisiana
Early Riser Sessions Set your alarm for these early morning, eye-opening presentations on market trends and ag issues. Complimentary coffee and pastries are provided.
General Session The can’t-be-missed Friday morning session with incredible impact, powerful speakers and a few laughs. This year’s General Session will be especially energizing. Circle this in red on your “to do” list at Commodity Classic.
Learning Center Sessions In-depth discussions of current issues and topics that have a direct impact on your farming operation.
Mini What’s New Sessions Commodity Classic’s version of speed dating: Back-to-back five-minute presentations—in a fast-paced 90-minute period—give you a quick overview of key innovations and new products. Then visit the exhibitors’ booths in the trade show to get the details.
What’s New Sessions Concurrent 40-minute presentations showcasing innovations and services from leading agribusinesses. After these sessions, you can discover more at the presenters’ exhibits in the trade show.
AG CONNECT Main Stage New in 2016 and presented by Commodity Classic and Successful Farming. The main stage is located right on the trade show floor and will offer a great schedule of keynote speakers, panel discussions and ag showcases different from those available in other educational sessions at Commodity Classic.
COMMODITY CLASSIC GLOSSARY
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
Welcome Reception
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (By invitation only)Sponsored by Syngenta®
This reception is a ticketed event for registered growers and family members, media, and state and national commodity organization staff. A ticket will be included with your registration badge.
Syngenta is excited to be in New Orleans and to start the week off right with great food, drinks and friends! Come kick off the 2016 Commodity Classic with us at the Syngenta-sponsored Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening. Register by January 14 to receive your free drink ticket. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
NAWG President Reception and Auction
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Please join the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) for an evening of honoring and celebrating NAWG’s outgoing and incoming Presidents. The event will be combined with the 2016 auction. With countless great items up for auction and a buffet, you won’t want to miss this! The event will be at the Loews Hotel New Orleans. Tickets required and we encourage you to buy before the event. For more information, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please call Liz Leith at NAWG, (202) 547-7800 or [email protected].
Site of the 2016 Commodity Classic 900 Convention Center Blvd., New OrleansPlease note: Some events may be scheduled at nearby hotels.
You can attend the General Session, Trade Show, Evening of Entertainment and any of the educational sessions and association policy meetings at no extra charge. (See page 16 for a list of everything included with your registration fee.)
Presented by Commodity Classic &
NEW IN 2016!AG CONNECT MAIN STAGEOn the Trade Show Floor
Like a musician honing their craft, farmers must also practice to perfect their business. There is no better way to tune up your farm than by visiting the AG CONNECT Main Stage presented by Commodity Classic and Successful Farming. AG CONNECT Main Stage presentations will add a new dimension to the educational experience at Commodity Classic by providing information and insight that is not covered in the Learning Center sessions or What’s New sessions.
The main stage presentations, held right on the trade show floor, will challenge the instruments you are using to compose the masterpiece you create in the field. You’ll hear from thought-provoking keynote speakers, enjoy ag showcases and listen to panel discussions on a variety of critical topics and issues.
Be sure to check out the schedule on the AG CONNECT Main Stage when you get your program booklet at registration. You won’t want to miss this new addition to Commodity Classic!
NEW IN 2016!Largest Trade ShowIn Commodity Classic History!
SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
Commodity Classic 2016 5
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rsdayTHURSDAY, MARCH 3
Early Riser Session7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Planning and Partnering for Effective Risk ManagementSponsored by BASF Corporation
Speakers: Brent Gloy, Ph.D., Agricultural Economic Insights and Professor, Purdue University; Brady Spangenberg, Ph.D., Manager, Market Intelligence, BASF Corporation; Walker Gottfried, Ohio Family Farms; Travis Harrison, Harrison Farms
A farmer once said that a thousand things have to go right for a crop to be successful, but only one thing has to go wrong for a crop to fail. This sentiment is a concern for a majority of farmers – a 2014 survey conducted by BASF with 200 U.S. row crop growers showed that 9 out of 10 are extremely or very concerned about commodity price fluctuation and 75 percent are extremely or very concerned about managing financial risk on their operation. This session will address risk management from a financial point of view and help growers gain a perspective on how they can realize potentially higher yields, save money and improve ROI while minimizing risk.
Mini What’s New Sessions8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.During this fast-paced 90-minute window, exhibitors will provide brief, five-minute introductions to key innovations. Listen to their presentations and then be sure to visit these companies on the trade show floor to learn even more.
Learning Center Session8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Will Microbes Lead the Next Yield Revolution?Sponsored by Monsanto BioAg
Panelists: Dr. Fred E. Below, Professor of Crop Physiology, University of Illinois; Jeff Brown, row crops grower, state record breaker in the 2014 NCGA Corn Yield Contest and District Sales Manager with DEKALB/Asgrow in
Central Illinois; Brad Griffith, a Vice President for Monsanto BioAg; Shawn Semones, Director of R&D for Novozymes; Ryan Bartlett, Global Monsanto BioAg and Seed Treatment Team, Monsanto; Sonya J. Franklin, Ph.D., Director, Microbial Traits, Monsanto
Hundreds of billions of microbes live in the soil, on plant roots and leaves. Just like humans depend on bacteria for basic life processes like digestion, all plants rely on microbial partners to secure nutrients, deter pests and resist environmental stress. Recent advances in technology are enabling a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions. Scientists are now able to identify the beneficial microbes in the soil, and farmers can add them to seeds to increase plant health, reduce the need for additional inputs and maximize yield potential.
Mini What’s New Sessions10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Repeat of 8:15 a.m. session. During this fast-paced 90-minute window, exhibitors will provide brief, five-minute introductions to key innovations. Listen to their presentations and then be sure to visit these companies on the trade show floor to learn even more. Learning
Learning Center Session10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Farm Different to Break Through Yield BarriersSponsored by StollerUSA
Panelists: Steven Albracht, corn, sorghum, triticale and cotton grower from Hart, Texas; Dan Arkels, corn and soybeans grower from Peru, Ill.; Perry Galloway, corn, soybeans, wheat and rice grower from Gregory, Ark.; Tim Fisher, sorghum, corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and sweet potatoes grower from Wynne, Ark.
A panel of progressive growers who continually increase their yields will join in a moderated roundtable discussion to share their thoughts on the cultural and management practices needed to farm different for higher yields. The session will focus on the specific production practices panel members regularly use in their operation and why they have chosen to farm different. Ideas will be shared on how to overcome growing season challenges and preserve yield. Audience members will
interact and participate in the discussion via real-time audience polling.
Trade Show Grand Opening
Noon - 4:30 p.m.The trade show features leading agribusiness decision makers and showcases state-of-the-art products and technology. You will see the latest innovations firsthand. When you visit the booths, be sure to share your thoughts with industry representatives. By asking questions and offering input today, you help influence the agricultural products, policies and services of tomorrow.
Trade Show LunchNoon - 1:30 p.m.Sponsored by Commodity Classic
Your trade show lunch ticket is included in all full registration packages or Thursday one-day registration package.
ASA Soy Social and Auction Let the Good Times Roll!
6:00 p.m. Dinner & Silent Auction7:00 p.m. Live Auction Begins
Join your fellow ASA members and “Let the Good Times Roll” at our 11th Annual Soy Social and Auction. Event ticket required. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.SoyGrowers.com. Casual attire.
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Moderator: Ken Root, Agriculture Reporter, Dyersville, Iowa
SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
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Early Riser Marketing Session7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
U.S. Farm ReportSponsored by Farm Journal Media
Moderator: Tyne Morgan, Host of U.S. Farm Report
Be a part of “U.S. Farm Report,” the nation’s longest-running, syndicated, agricultural news program, produced by Farm Journal Broadcast. See a television show in the making and guide the lively discussion by asking questions of host Tyne Morgan and a panel of commodity traders and analysts. Gain insight into futures, market trends and other agricultural issues as the experts debate topics you present. Highlights from this special television taping will air nationwide on “U.S. Farm Report.”
General Session9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences
Moderator: Mark MayfieldKeynote: Irvin Mayfield
The General Session is where you truly experience the importance of Commodity Classic. Throughout the session, there is a strong sense of common purpose with a combination of inspiration, information and insight. Comedian Mark Mayfield returns to the stage, along with commodity organization leaders for a discussion of the hottest issues facing our nation’s corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum farmers, and an update from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
The session concludes with local musician and historian Irvin Mayfield, who will spotlight and perform some examples of the great musical legacy of New Orleans.
Trade Show Open
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Be among the first to hear about game-changing ideas, new products and technology directly from the people who created them. You will see the latest innovations firsthand and talk one-on-one with top agribusiness representatives at the incredible trade show. And while you are there, be sure to enter the many drawings and giveaways being offered.
Trade Show Lunch11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Sponsored by Commodity Classic
Your trade show lunch ticket is included in all full registration packages or Friday one-day registration package.
What’s New Sessions12:30 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.
What’s New Sessions offer exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their latest innovations and services. Attend these 40-minute presentations and ask questions of company representatives. Check the Commodity Classic website in February and your on-site program booklet for a list of the presenting companies and their topics. L
Learning Center Sessions12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Hot Topics from Our Nation’s Capital 2016Sponsored by John Deere
Speakers: Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Director of Congressional Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation; Chandler Goule, Senior Vice President of Programs, National Farmers Union Moderator: Sara Wyant, President, Agri-Pulse (invited)
This panel of DC insiders discusses what’s hot in Congress and the regulatory agencies this year. How much can Congress accomplish before all focus turns to the Presidential campaign? How will congressional elections impact the legislation that is debated? What will the Obama Administration accomplish in its final year? This spirited discussion will cover the issues farmers are talking about and what policymakers are doing about them.
Precision Farming from Above: The Future of Satellite Technology on the FarmSponsored by FarmLogs
Speaker: Jesse Vollmar, Co-founder and CEO, FarmLogs
Explore the latest breakthroughs in crop health monitoring and how remote sensing technology can unlock insights from the field to improve productivity, increase profitability and dramatically simplify farm operations. Learn how satellite technology can help to detect subtle cues and stress signals invisible to the human eye and how you can pinpoint the exact location of threats in the field. Satellite imagery data can help you understand every acre of field performance with a faster, more accurate and reliable way to monitor and scout fields.
The Bee Understanding ProjectSponsored by Monsanto Company
Panelists (invited): Jerry Hayes, Honey Bee Health Lead, Monsanto; Randy Verhoek, Beekeeper, member of National Honey Bee Advisory Board and founding member of the Pollinator Stewardship Council; Carson Klosterman, President, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and corn, soybeans and sugar beets farmer
Moderator: Richard Crespin, Executive Producer, The Bee Understanding Project & CEO, CollaborateUp
Honey bees play a vital role across the food chain and improving their health requires the active cooperation of players across this entire system. Beekeepers need to understand growers who need to understand crop advisors who need to understand seed companies and so on throughout the agricultural system. The Bee Understanding Project has these key players swap jobs for a day to learn about one another and how their decisions impact honeybee health. To share these educational experiences with broader audiences, the Project captured the job swap in a documentary short film. This session will include screening the documentary short film, a moderated panel discussion between experts and time for audience questions.
Learning Center Sessions1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The Future of FuelSponsored by Syngenta
Panelists: Jack Bernens, head of Enogen for Syngenta; Delayne Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Quad County Corn Processors; Kelly Manning, Vice President of Development, Growth Energy (Invited)
Two important developments are helping to make ethanol more sustainable and flex fuels more available. Quad County Corn Processors helped kick off a new era for the biofuels industry when it achieved EPA certification to generate D3 RINs for cellulosic ethanol – a significant milestone in defense of the RFS. Meanwhile, the Prime the Pump Fund is aiding high-volume, progressive-minded fuel retailers, who will demonstrate the performance, cost savings and profit opportunity of marketing higher ethanol blends. During this session, presenters will discuss the significance of cellulosic technology and how expanding flex fuel infrastructure will help grow demand for American ethanol.
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SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
Commodity Classic 2016 7
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for Weed Resistance
Sponsored by MS Technologies and Bayer CropScience
Panelists: Jason Northsworthy, Ph.D. in Agronomy, University of Arkansas Fayetteville; Greg LaPlante, Director of Research, North Dakota Corn Utilization Council; Joe Hardin, Grower, Tupelo, Arkansas; Grower (invited) from the Northern region of the country
Moderator: Arlene Cotie, Senior Product Development Manager, Bayer CropScience
This session provides information to help you make more educated weed management decisions to improve the health of your soybean fields. A panel of experts will discuss their experiences with weed resistance and will host a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask questions specific to your fields. Session topics include new and retooled modes of action that are being brought to market, what herbicides you can integrate into your weed management plan and how weed management practices impact your operation, including ease of use and costs.
Amplifying Agriculture’s Authentic Voices: Project 155Sponsored by Ohio Soybean Council and Wilt Public Relations
Speaker: Melanie Wilt, Chief Experience Officer, Wilt Public Relations
The average farmer grows enough to feed 155 people per year. But, does the average farmer connect with that many consumers each year? You may be more comfortable in the barn than in front of an audience; the fact is, that’s even better than being a perfectly polished speaker. Find ways to connect comfortably with consumers and start having conversations that impact the way people view modern farms. It’s easier than you might think to make a measurable difference! Melanie’s motivating, humorous presentation will use timely food and agriculture examples, such as GMOs and water quality, to illustrate simple ways to construct messages to build rapport with any audience.
Learning Center Sessions3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Agronomic Strategies to Improve Soybean YieldsSponsored by DuPont Pioneer
Moderator: Greg Horstmeier, Editor-In-Chief, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Speakers: Dan Arkels, farmer from Peru, Illinois; Dan Poston, Ph.D., Agronomy Research Manager, DuPont Pioneer; Shaun Casteel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soybean and Small Grains Extension Specialist, Purdue University; Larry Purcell, Ph.D., Professor of Crop Physiology and Altheimer Chair for Soybean Research, University of Arkansas
No matter what soybean brand they may be planting, farmers generally experience a maximum average yield they are challenged to overcome. This Learning Center Session will provide farmers with the latest agronomic strategies to break through their soybean yield ceiling. Prominent soybean agronomy experts from academia and industry will share their newest research to help them deploy proven agronomic strategies on their farms to achieve higher yields. In addition, Dan Arkels, 2014 Illinois state soybean yield contest winner, will discuss various agronomic strategies he used to help him reach 100+ bushel/acre soybean yields on his farm.
Measuring & Reporting Sustainability on the Farm: Progress and ChallengesSponsored by Corn Refiners Association
Moderator: Ben Gruitt, Sustainability Manager, Corn Refiners Association. Panelists: Rod Snyder, President, Field to Market, The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture; Keith Alverson, Corn Board Member & Representative, Field to Market Sustainability Initiative, National Corn Growers Association; Tim Venverloh, Director, Global Sustainability, Archers Daniels Midland
Company; John Wiebold, Vice President, Procurement, General Mills
While growers are asked to do the initial reporting for on-farm sustainability, the choice of metrics is often driven by consumer-facing companies who are hearing from their customers who want to know that the products they consume are produced sustainably. Getting all the parties “to the table” at the same time to discuss how to meet the challenge is integral in finding a path forward that works for everyone. Our diverse panel represents the unique perspectives and challenges across the supply chain: the grower community, reporting programs, midstream processors and consumer goods companies.
Workspace Rescue: Organize Your OfficeSponsored by Commodity Classic
Speaker: Lori Firsdon, Professional Business Organizer, Speaker and Owner, Forte Organizers
Turn your office space into a productive oasis instead of a stressful, clutter-strewn mess. Learn strategies to reclaim your space and keep your office organized and well-tuned.
• Rescue your desktop and workspace from unnecessary clutter
• Organize your office play-by-play• Ask the Five Key Questions when
deciding what to keep
Lori Firsdon understands the organizing needs of farm businesses. Come learn techniques you can implement right away to organize your office, keep it functional and efficient at all times and protect your bottom line.
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“It’s nice to surround yourself with growers who are at the top of their industry. There’s always knowledge to be gained.”
— Ohio Corn Farmer
NEW IN 2016!Association of Equipment Manufacturers joins Commodity Classic!
“There are a number of things that I’ve incorporated on my farm. I was thrilled that I learned about them and found them here at Commodity Classic—and I had never seen them anywhere else.”
— Nebraska Sorghum Farmer
SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
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& Sorghum PAC AuctionSponsored by Sorghum Partners
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Join the National Sorghum Producers for a fun-filled New Orleans style Mardi Gras reception and PAC auction. Enjoy meeting other producers, hors d’oeuvres and spirits while bidding on fantastic silent and live auction items. No need to prepare as masks and beads will be waiting for you. Come join the entertainment that NSP is well-known for. The event will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling NSP at (806) 749-3478 or on site at the Sorghum PAC booth near the Commodity Classic registration.
National Corn Growers Association Awards BanquetSponsored by John Deere, BASF Corporation and DuPont Pioneer
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join the excitement as NCGA celebrates the winners of the ever-popular Annual National Corn Yield Contest, as well as all those who helped break membership records for the organization. You’ll also get an update from NCGA leadership and industry representatives. Then, sit back and enjoy the high-quality entertainment NCGA is famous
for providing.
American Soybean Association Awards BanquetSponsored by DuPont Pioneer, Monsanto BioAg and United Soybean Board/Soy Checkoff
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
This dinner is an annual event that brings together ASA members from across the country to recognize and celebrate the successes, accomplishments and education of the many farmer-leaders, soybean associations and industry representatives who have done outstanding work to benefit U.S. soybean farmers and the soybean industry. Awards will be presented for ASA membership and association outstanding achievements, leadership building, conservation stewardship and industry accomplishments and support. The evening includes entertainment.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5Early Riser Marketing Session
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
The Great 2016 Grain Market DebateSponsored by Farm Futures and Corn+Soybean Digest magazines, Penton Agriculture and Channel Seed
Speakers: Bryce Knorr, Senior Grain Market Analyst, Farm Futures magazine; Edward Usset, Corn+Soybean Digest columnist and Grain Marketing Specialist, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota; Matt Bennett, Channel Seed Grain Marketing Consultant
Weather extremes and uncertain markets have growers wondering if 2016 will finally produce a turnaround in prices – or just more of the same. Balance sheet pressures are ratcheting higher, requiring today’s farmers to have a clear understanding of all aspects of grain marketing. Weather, finance, and demand trends from the U.S. and around the world contribute pieces to this puzzle. Bryce Knorr, Farm Futures senior market analyst; Ed Usset, Corn+Soybean Digest columnist and author of Grain Marketing is Simple; and Matt Bennett, Channel Seed grain marketing consultant. This insightful marketing trio will present a lively, informative, fascinating and valuable debate on grain markets and marketing strategies for 2016.
Learning Center Sessions8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Judging the Forest, Watching the TreesSponsored by DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Speaker: Bryce Anderson, Agricultural Meteorologist and Market Analyst, DTN/ The Progressive Farmer
Get a complete look at current weather and soil moisture conditions in the U.S. and around the globe. Learn how DTN meteorologists predict those conditions, changes throughout the growing season and what those conditions mean to the coming crop and commodity markets. In his 2015 session, Anderson was among the first to discuss signs of the approaching El Nino conditions, which turned out to be key factor in the 2015 season. Anderson will also share how the growing use of accurate, on-farm weather station networks help farmers make local decisions and how the data those networks generate are strengthening national models.
Attack of the Super Weeds: How to Survive Resistant Weeds While Maximizing Yields
Sponsored by Valent U.S.A. Corporation
Moderator: Willie Vogt, Executive Director, Content and User Engagement, Penton Agriculture
Come learn about the rise of the super weeds and how you can best combat them on your farm, while improving your crop yield and bottom line. Led by an acclaimed farm broadcaster, our diverse panel of growers with resistance issues, retailers familiar with multiple crops,
and industry experts will tackle weed resistance by identifying and addressing the six Rs of weed management, using real-world examples. An audience-friendly participation format will provide an opportunity to interact with the panelists. At the conclusion, attendees will have the tools to develop a proactive strategy for winning the fight against super weeds on their farm.
Healthy Soil, Happy Farmers: Reshaping 21st Century Conservation Management for Sustainability & Prosperity Sponsored by Soil Health Partnership
Moderator: Elyssa McFarland, Field Manager, Soil Health Partnership
How can farmers meet the challenge of providing for the world while protecting the earth’s resources for future generations? Thanks to exciting technological strides and new progress in sustainable farming practices, like cover crops, agriculture is rising to this challenge. Find out how the Soil Health Partnership takes knowledge gained from dozens of research farms and innovatively applies it to farming practices. See the data for yourself as agronomists and a panel of “test” farmers show how they have improved soil health, increased prosperity and decreased environmental impact – and find out what the implications are for 21st Century farming.
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NEW IN 2016!Extended Trade Show Hours
SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
Commodity Classic 2016 9
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Trade Show Open
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Make the most out of your time at the trade show. Make sure to visit with leading agribusiness decision makers and industry experts who are eager to meet with you, take your questions, and hear your experiences with their products and services. Sign up for the many booth drawings that take place during these final hours of the trade show.
Trade Show Morning Snack Sponsored by USA Poultry & Egg Export Council/American Egg Board
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.Your trade show snack ticket is included in all full registration packages or Saturday one-day registration package.
Cooking DemonstrationSponsored by USA Poultry & Egg Export Council/ American Egg Board/Southern United States Trade Association
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Ever wanted to learn the secret to authentic Creole-style cooking? Here’s your chance! Chef Jacques Leonardi of Jacques-Imo’s
Restaurant has been featured on the Travel Channel and other media. He’ll cook up some delicious, Big Easy famous recipes featuring poultry and eggs. Brought to you by the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and American Egg Board, with support from the Southern United States Trade Association. This cooking demonstration will leave you hungry for more!
What’s New Sessions9:30 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.What’s New Sessions offer exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their latest innovations and services. Attend these 40-minute presentations and ask questions of company representatives. Check the Commodity Classic website in February and your on-site program booklet for a list of the presenting companies and their topics.
The Trade Show at Commodity Classic:Putting the nation’s top farmers and companies under one really big roof.
Opening of the trade show is one of the most highly-anticipated and top-rated events at Commodity Classic. It’s an exciting, exhilarating combination of iron, innovation and ideas.
Farmers get a first-hand, hands-on look at the latest technology, equipment and advancements. You can talk directly with the top people from the exhibiting companies. This is a great opportunity to see what’s new before everyone else reads it in a magazine.
Exhibitors are smack in the middle of the nation’s best farmers–progressive leaders, innovators and early adopters who set the pace in agriculture. More than 160 top media in attendance provide plenty of opportunity to make news with new ideas, new technology and new equipment.
To exhibit, email [email protected] or call (636) 922-5551. www.CommodityClassic.com
SEE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS
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“I really think the best part is being able to meet farmers from all across the country and make friends.”
— Mississippi Soybean Farmer
Worship Service Sponsored by Sukup Manufacturing Co.
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fellowship of Christian Farmers nondenominational service. All are welcome.
Sponsored by Monsanto
8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
There’s no better way to top off a terrific week at Commodity Classic than Saturday’s Evening of Entertainment, sponsored by Monsanto and featuring the country sounds of Sawyer Brown. Visit the Monsanto booth during trade show hours for an opportunity to win front-row seats.
Since the band was founded in Florida in the early 1980s, Sawyer Brown lead vocalist Mark Miller and crew have put in more than 4,500 shows and counting, spotlighting a stunning discography of 23 albums and more than 50 chart singles – including “Some Girls Do,” “Thank God for You,” “This Time,” “I Don’t Believe in Goodbye” and “Drive Me Wild,” not to mention the new tune “We Got the Night.” While racking up the hits, Sawyer Brown also earned numerous awards, from the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, TNN and CMT.
Evening of Entertainment withSAWYER BROWN
10
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Domino Sugar Refinery
Get an inside look at how sugar is refined from its raw arrival via the Mississippi River to the state of the art packaging process on this customized tour for Commodity Classic. Day-to-day staff will personally guide you through the facility offering unique perspectives on the operation. Domino Sugar’s Chalmette refinery has been around for more than 100 years and has become the first domestic sugar refinery to process one million tons in a single year. With 400 employees, the business processes about 60 percent of the raw sugar produced by Louisiana’s sugar cane farmers and approximately 19 percent of the country’s cane sugar. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the staff as you tour the facility.
Cost: $50.00 Note: Closed shoes and long pants are
required on this tour.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Dupuy Storage Coffee Facility
From his humble beginnings as a coffee handler on the New Orleans Riverfront in the years following the Great Depression, John Dupuy founded Dupuy Storage, as one of the first storage and production facilities to operate within the New Orleans area and the Mississippi River. Today they handle a wide variety of coffee, tea, sugar, chicory and other agricultural commodities that require storage and diversified global logistics. As North America’s first green
coffee bulk processing facility, this customized tour will take you through and show you a wide variety of services unseen by the general population. Everything from temperature-controlled warehouse and silo storage to blending of teas and coffees will be experienced on this specially designed tour of one of the world’s most in-demand products, the coffee bean.
Cost: $55.00 Note: Closed shoes and long pants
are required on this tour.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Zen-Noh Grain Corporation
On this private tour led by Zen-Noh Grain Corporation employees, you will see how grain is moved from farm to market on a daily basis. Grain typically comes into their facility via three ways: truck, rail and barge. Dockside, view how quickly grain is loaded in and out of barges. Then visit the grain elevator service area to see the process of receiving grain shipments to their elevator and how grain is transferred from the elevator to be shipped out to customers around the world. Visit the control center which handles all of the logistics including organizing and locating the barges. You will have the opportunity to see what the staff does on a daily basis. Programmers control conveyer belts to unload barges and additional programmers mix and blend the grain to an acceptable grade to export. In the control room, you will see how the grain is tested. This tour will showcase Zen-Noh’s state-of-the-art grain-handling processes. Box lunch is included.
Cost: $80.00 Note: Closed shoes and long pants are
required on this tour.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. City Highlights Tour
From the sultry history of the French Quarter to the majesty of St. Charles Avenue’s stately mansions, this is a thorough and fascinating introduction to the endless variety of sights found in the “Big Easy.” Come on a fascinating roundabout motor coach tour of neighborhoods of New Orleans. Travel through the historic French Quarter past famous landmarks such as the Saint Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square with its old world flavor and its own colorful art colony. Journey down Esplanade Avenue and visit one of the unique little “Cities of the Dead.” See one of the nation’s largest parks as you venture out to the lakefront. Next, sit back and relax as you travel down St. Charles Avenue, following the route of the country’s oldest streetcar line, where you will see Tulane and Loyola Universities as well as beautifully restored mansions. All of the stories and facts will leave you with a real sense of New Orleans’ true spirit, its proud history and rich culture.
Cost: $36.00
THURSDAY, MARCH 38:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Sacred and Mysterious: Churches and Cemeteries
Religion is an integral part of the culture and history of New Orleans. On this motor coach tour with stops along the way, you will delve into the religious culture and spirit of Louisiana, admiring great architecture, exquisite wood, stained glass and stone, and learning about the “Cities of the Dead.” Stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where you will see the above ground tombs designed by famous architects and view the tomb of Marie Laveau, the notorious Voodoo Queen. Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe, the oldest church still standing in the city, and originally used as burial grounds for victims of yellow fever. Next, take a brief tour of the Garden District and tour the old Lafayette Cemetery. Perhaps the most famous residents are fictional with vampires and witches from Anne Rice’s novels. Lafayette Cemetery has also been featured in many films including Double Jeopardy, Dracula and Interview with a Vampire.
Cost: $42.00
THURSDAY, MARCH 31:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.City Highlights Tour
Repeat, see Wednesday for description
THURSDAY, MARCH 31:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.A Sampling Taste of New Orleans
This tour will keep you moving! Your group will be hopping from restaurants and interesting foodie venues through the streets of the French Quarter. Knowledgeable hosts and guides with enthusiastic energy will take you to visit food venues that are not just eateries. Tastings may vary but could include the following: Irish Coffee, Seafood Gumbo, Muffalettas, Pralines, Brisket Po-Boy, King Cake and a New Orleans specialty cocktail. Stops will also include the Kitchen Witch Culinary Bookstore with culinary shopping in the French Market and local spice shops. Walking tour.
Cost: $110.00
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Domino Sugar Refinery 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Dupuy Storage Coffee Facility 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Zen-Noh Grain Corporation 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. City Highlights 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3 Sacred and Mysterious: Churches and Cemeteries 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. City Highlights 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. A Sampling Taste of New Orleans 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4 Flatboat Swamp Tour 1:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Garden District Tour with Elms Mansion 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Airboat Adventure through the Swamp 1:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. That Deep South Cuisine Cooking Demo 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Flatboat Swamp Tour 1:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Grace and Grandeur: Houmas House Plantation 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Shopping on Magazine Street 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION Please visit www.CommodityClassic.com to register for tours. ACCENT on Arrangements is the official tour company of Commodity Classic. Tours are not included with convention registration. Tour prices include all local taxes.
Reservations are confirmed on a first-come, space-available basis. Deadline to preregister for tours is February 10, 2016. On-site registration will be accommodated subject to space availability. Tour registrations are refundable only if cancelled by February 10.
ACCENT on Arrangements reserves the right to cancel any tour if the required minimum of participants is not met by February 10. Refunds for any tour cancelled by ACCENT by Arrangements will be mailed to registrants without penalty.
For questions pertaining to tours, please contact ACCENT on Arrangements, at (504) 524-0188, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., or email [email protected]. Tours may not be reserved by telephone.
All tours, except “A Sampling Taste of New Orleans,” will depart from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Lobby E doors.
Commodity Classic has arranged optional tours to help you experience New Orleans to the fullest! Check out the tour schedule below and visit www.CommodityClassic.com for more details about each tour and to make reservations.
Commodity Classic 2016 11
FRIDAY, MARCH 41:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Flatboat Swamp Tour
Forget about the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and experience another kind of “wildlife.” Enter the land of swamps and marshes, home to hundreds of species of unique and interesting animals and discover the land that gave birth to Cajun culture and cuisine. Boarding a specially designed pontoon boat, this excursion starts on a bayou… local parlance for small rivulet or stream. Gnarled and twisted cypress stumps and branches lushly draped with Spanish moss line the banks of this waterway. On this meandering cruise, the captain, a native of the region, provides an interesting and entertaining narrative of the history of this massive swampland. Catch a glimpse of any number of animals that inhabit the area: bald eagles, alligators, blue herons, snapping turtles and water snakes – the list goes on. You will even get a peek at an authentic Cajun “trapper’s shack” nestled in this beautiful swampland. For a truly fun and fantastic visit outside of the city, visit Louisiana’s other wildlife!
Cost: $62.00
FRIDAY, MARCH 41:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Garden District Tour with Elms Mansion
Learn about the fascinating history and splendor of the Garden District of New Orleans with a narrated motor coach and walking tour of this famed neighborhood and tour of a private home. Travel down the renowned St. Charles Avenue, leading the way to the Garden District to the area known as the “American Sector,” where English, rather than French, was the primary language. A professional guide will escort you through the residential streets and recall stories of how the wealthy American planters, snubbed by Creole society, spared no expense to build palatial mansions and gardens. Enjoy a docent-led tour of the Elms Mansion, one of the most renowned homes on St. Charles Avenue. Beautifully appointed, the interior captures a flavor reminiscent of a bygone era, featuring original wall coverings, hand-carved mantels, a grand ballroom lined with jeweled windows and impeccable period furnishings.
Cost: $60.00
SATURDAY, MARCH 51:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.Airboat Adventure through the Swamp
Experience the beauty of one of the wildest swamps and natural areas in North America on an airboat ride into the vast interior of this mysterious ecosystem. Flourishing with Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, wild flowers and multitudes of indigenous aquatic plants, the swamp opens a path to the heart of Louisiana. Kick it up a notch… zip through this vast marshland as your airboat skims the water’s surface and discover a sanctuary for all forms of southern fauna. Magnificent egrets and Great Blue Herons burst into flight, and turtles dive watery depths. Your Cajun guide will stop along the way to explain the dynamic ecosystem, which supports many types of aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal life. Come face to face with furry beavers, muskrats, nutria and the undisputable king of the realm… the American alligator. Just as much of New Orleans is culturally different and unique, so are its natural habitats.
Cost: $88.00Note: No children under 8 allowed
SATURDAY, MARCH 51:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.That Deep South Cuisine Cooking Demo
How can we sum up New Orleans cuisine in one dish? Creole Gumbo? Andouille Jambalaya? Soft-Shelled Crabs? Barbecued Shrimp? Black-Eyed Peas? Crawfish? Beignets? Pralines? What’s the difference between Cajun cooking and Creole cooking? And what is a roux? Visit the oldest cooking school in New Orleans, located in the heart of the French Quarter to learn a few things about Creole cooking. This is more than a mere demonstration and meal. In this intimate and entertaining class, your expert chef will whet your appetite for Creole cooking – the world famous cuisine that combines the finest elements of French and Spanish cooking with rich indigenous seafood, spices, and produce. Different New Orleans specialties will be demonstrated and you may ask questions along the way, and then sample some of these delicacies after the lesson. This is one class you don’t want to skip!
Cost: $85.00
SATURDAY, MARCH 51:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.Flatboat Swamp Tour
Repeat, see Friday for description
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Grace and Grandeur: Houmas House Plantation
Houmas House Plantation, nicknamed “The Sugar Palace,” for its beautiful appearance and reference to its massive sugar production during the early 1800s, has recently been restored to its original grandeur. Refurbished with period antiques, fixtures and furnishings from the 1800s, the home now stands as a glorified example of a grand plantation of the South. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by docents attired in antebellum dress. Stories of life during the 1800s will pique your interest as you explore 16 exquisite rooms filled with Louisiana artwork and artifacts dating back to the original plantation. Then, take in the beautiful gardens, filled with flowing fountains and water lilies. While walking the grounds, learn how sugarcane became the single most cultivated crop on plantations. To this day, Louisiana remains one of the United States’ largest producers of sugarcane.
Cost: $58.00
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Shopping on Magazine Street
From clothing and jewelry to home accents and accessories, you will enjoy an afternoon of fashion and history in one of the most artistic cities in the United States. Travel by motor coach to Magazine Street, home to eclectic boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants. Starting at Canal Street in the Central Business District and extending all the way upriver through the Garden District and Uptown, Magazine Street takes you through some of New Orleans’ most vibrant neighborhoods peppered with delightfully diverse commercial pockets. And, with its small-town, main street charm, it’s hard to believe that you are only minutes from downtown. Several stops along the way will allow time for you to explore the mostly “Mom & Pop” shops that collectively make up one of the most unique shopping districts in the country.
Cost: $42.00
1) Register and make your travel plans early!
2) Use the floor plan in your program to plan your attack on the trade show floor so you don’t miss something important to you.
3) Go through the registration packet you get on site to check on all the cool deals, special events and giveaways.
4) Wear comfortable shoes. The trade show is huge!
5) Get a good seat for the General Session on Friday morning.
6) Introduce yourself to a farmer from another part of the country—and share information and ideas.
7) Sit in on one of the open sessions of your commodity membership association.
8) Raise your hand and ask a question at a Learning Center Session.
9) Set your alarm and attend an Early Riser Session.
10) Attend a What’s New or Mini What’s New session to be among the first to hear about the latest innovations.
11) Download the Commodity Classic app to your smart phone for updates and information at your fingertips.
12) Sign up today for email updates so you can keep current on what’s going to take place in New Orleans. Visit CommodityClassic.com
13) Come into New Orleans a day early to join one of several unique tours of the area.
14) Bring some business cards so you can hand them to people you meet.
15) Attend the live taping of U.S. Farm Report on Friday morning.
16) Enjoy the Evening of Entertainment on Saturday featuring Sawyer Brown.
17) Carry a notepad and pen. There’s a lot of information to gather!
18) If this is your first Commodity Classic, visit the “First Time Attendees” page at CommodityClassic.com to get the inside scoop.
19) Bring a fellow farmer, hired hand or family member so you can attend more educational sessions and compare notes.
20) Have some fun! You deserve it.
To Make Your Commodity Classic Experience a Great One!
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JACKSONSQUARE
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CANAL ST. FERRYFree Pedestrians: Toll for Vehicles
LEE CIRCLE
CONTEMPORARYARTS CENTER
NATIONAL WORLD WAR II
MUSEUM
Vieux Carré
FrenchMarket
CRUISE SHIPTERMINAL
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# Hotel Rates** Amenities***1 Courtyard by Marriott
Convention Center300 Julia Street0.45 miles to Registration* 100% smoke free
$ 175 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $28/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms & public area
� Business Center � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property
2 Crowne Plaza French Quarter739 Canal Street1.18 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 195 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $43/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms
� Business Center � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property
3 Embassy Suites Convention Center315 Julia Street0.46 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 215 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
All-suite hotel
� Parking: Valet-Parking $38/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms & public area � Business Center � Outdoor Pool
� Fitness Center � Complimentary breakfast & evening reception � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator & Microwave in guest room
4 Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center1201 Convention Center Blvd.0.07 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 180 Single/Double$ 250 King Suite
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $34/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms & public area � Business Center
� Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Complimentary continental breakfast � Refrigerator & Microwave in guest room
5 Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel228 Poydras Street0.66 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 249 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $42/overnight with in/out privileges; Self-Parking $30/overnight with no in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms & $11.95 in public area
� Business Center � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
6 Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center1001 South Peters Street0.23 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 193 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $35/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Business Center � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator & Microwave in guest room
7 Hilton New Orleans Riverside#2 Poydras Street0.71 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 215 Single/Double; $ 245 Triple; $ 275 Quad; (+$ 10 for view accommodation)
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $48/overnight; Self-Parking $38/overnight; with in/out privileges for both � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & Lobbies on 1st & 2nd Floor
� Business Center/FedEx � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center (fee-$12/day or $10/multiple days) � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
8 Hyatt Place Convention Center881 Convention Center Blvd. 0.25 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 176 Single/Double$ 196 Triple$ 216 Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $36/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest rooms � Fitness Center
� Complimentary hot and cold breakfast 6:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
OFFICIAL HOTELST
he 21st annual Commodity Classic will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Make your reservations at www.CommodityClassic.com
Booking your hotel through Commodity Classic is the smart thing to do!• You receive discounted hotel rates negotiated
exclusively for Commodity Classic attendees.• You reduce the risk of financial penalties to
your associations.• You keep the cost of registration affordable;
Commodity Classic guarantees the number of room reservations in order to negotiate and reduce the costs of events for attendees.
ReservationsThe hotel reservation process is managed by the Commodity Classic housing services company, Experient. Reserve your hotel room through Experient at www.CommodityClassic.com. Online reservations allow you to see up-to-the-minute hotel availability.
Housing availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hotel group rates are guaranteed through February 3. Reservations received after February 3 will be accepted on a space-available basis and may be at the hotel’s prevailing rate. Use your Commodity Classic Housing Bureau (Experient) confirmation upon check-in. Hotels will not send confirmations.
A valid credit card is required to complete your reservation. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline or if you fail to show up on your expected arrival date, your card will be charged one night’s room and tax.
Changes, Cancellations and Cutoff DateChanges and cancellations that arise prior to the cutoff date must be made through Experient. The cutoff date varies based on hotel. Please note that for the three business days following each hotel’s cutoff date, Experient will transfer all reservation information to the hotel. After this transfer period, you may contact your hotel directly to make changes, cancellations or to request a new reservation.
February 3: Cutoff date for Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Loews New Orleans, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Westin New Orleans Canal Place. Contact these hotels directly starting on February 9 with changes and cancellations.
February 5: Cutoff date for Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center, JW Marriott New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center, Renaissance New Orleans Arts, Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Convention Center. Contact these hotels directly starting on February 11 with changes and cancellations.
February 9: Cutoff date for Crowne Plaza French Quarter, Embassy Suites Convention Center, Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center, Hyatt Place Convention Center, Le Meridien New Orleans, Omni Riverfront. Contact these hotels directly starting on February 15 with changes and cancellations.
Cancellation Policy�� Room must be canceled 72 hours prior to arrival
to avoid charge of one night’s room and tax.�� Guests must inform the hotel front desk upon
arrival if departure date has changed to avoid possible early departure fee.
Questions? (800) 967-8852 or (847) 996-5832
Email: [email protected]
Experient Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday
Reservations cannot be accepted by phone or email.
Rates do not include tax. Amenities and fees are subject to change.
HOTELACCOMMODATIONS
Commodity Classic 2016 13
# Hotel Rates** Amenities***9 Hyatt Regency New Orleans
601 Loyola Ave. 1.27 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 239 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $40/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room � Business Center/FedEx
� Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room � Hertz Rental Car kiosk on site
10 JW Marriott New Orleans614 Canal Street1.08 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 237 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $20/day; $40/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & lobby on 1st Floor
� Business Center/FedEx � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Spa services available on site
11 Le Meridien New Orleans333 Poydras Street0.75 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 225 Single/Double/Triple Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $42/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
12 Loews New Orleans300 Poydras Street0.72 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 229 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $42/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Business Center � Indoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Spa services available on site
13 New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center859 Convention Center Blvd.0.30 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 226 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $34/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Wireless $7.47/day in guest room and complimentary wireless in public area
� Outdoor Pool � Business Center � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property
14 New Orleans Marriott555 Canal Street1.03 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 215 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $38/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Business Center/FedEx � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
15 Omni Riverfront701 Convention Center Blvd.0.46 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 189 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $34-$38/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
16 Renaissance New Orleans Arts700 Tchoupitoulas Street0.60 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 226 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $38/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Wireless in guest room starting at $5.47; Complimentary in Public Area
� Business Center � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator in guest room
17 Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans - Downtown345 St. Joseph Street0.48 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 187 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
All-suite hotel
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $34/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area � Business Center
� Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator & microwave in guest room � Complimentary breakfast
18 Sheraton New Orleans Hotel500 Canal Street 0.97 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 219 Single/Double$ 244 Triple$ 269 Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Valet-Parking $40/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room
� Business Center/FedEx � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property
19 SpringHill Suites by Marriott Convention Center301 St. Joseph Street0.36 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 187 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Children under 18 stay free with an adult.
� Parking: Self-Parking $25/overnight with in/out privileges � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area � Business Center � Outdoor Pool
� Fitness Center � Restaurant on property � Refrigerator & microwave in guest room � Complimentary breakfast
20 Westin New Orleans Canal Place100 Rue Iberville0.92 miles to Registration*100% smoke free
$ 229 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
� Parking: Valet-Parking $39/overnight; Self-Parking $27/overnight with in/out privileges for both � Internet: Complimentary wireless in guest room & public area
� Business Center � Outdoor Pool � Fitness Center � Restaurant on property
*HOTEL DISTANCE: Distance shown is to the Commodity Classic Registration Desk, located in Hall G of the convention center.
**RATES: Rates do not include tax.
***AMENITIES: Hotel amenities and hotel amenities’ prices are subject to change. Rates do not include tax.
CONVENTION CENTER: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center900 Convention Center Blvd.,New Orleans, LA 70130
OFFICIAL HOTELS (CONTINUED)
Convention ShuttlesSponsored by NACHURS and Commodity Classic
Complimentary convention shuttle transportation will be provided to the convention center from all hotels listed here EXCEPT for these hotels:
4 Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center 6 Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center 8 Hyatt Place Convention Center 13 New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS (CONT.)
Support Commodity Classic and Your Associations – and Win!
Win a two-night stay at next year’s Commodity Classic!You could win a two-night stay at one of the Commodity Classic hotels in San Antonio, site of the 2017 Commodity Classic, and a gift basket inspired by the exciting San Antonio location.
The official housing services company for Commodity Classic is Experient. If any company other than Experient contacts you regarding your hotel accommodations, please inform show management immediately by email:
The one and only way to win: Reserve your hotel room through Experient, Commodity Classic’s official housing bureau, and your name will be entered into the drawing. Two winners’ names will be drawn on Thursday, March 3, just before the Grand Opening of the Trade Show.
“ I’ve learned things that I wouldn’t normally learn just at my local/regional farm shows just because of the grand scale. Commodity Classic has always been where you go to find the cutting-edge information. If it’s new, it’s at Commodity Classic. If you need to know it, it’s at Commodity Classic.”
— Minnesota Wheat Farmer
14
Helpful TRAVEL & General INFOLOCATIONThe 21st annual Commodity Classic will take place at the sixth largest convention facility in the nation.
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center900 Convention Center Blvd.New Orleans, LA 70130
Please note: Some ancillary events may be scheduled at nearby hotels.
ABOUT NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans, also known as “The Birthplace of Jazz,” is made up of distinctive neighborhoods that give the city its unique character and easy-living feel. The Warehouse Arts District is the home of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and many museums and galleries. Just steps away is the French Quarter, which is filled with music, restaurants, historic architecture and boutique shopping. A ride on the historic St. Charles streetcar line will take you past the elegant homes of the Garden District. We invite you to experience the city’s rich history and cultural heritage through its one-of-a-kind cuisine, music, churches, traditions and architecture. In March, the average high temperature is 71 degrees, with an average low of 52. Visit the New Orleans link on www.CommodityClassic.com for additional information.
Louisiana AgricultureLouisiana ranks #1 in the nation in the production of crawfish, shrimp, alligators and oysters. Other top commodities are rice, corn, sugarcane, soybeans, cattle and calves. Poultry is the largest animal industry in the state. More than 40 percent of the U.S. grain exports move through Louisiana ports.
Travel InformationTravel Leaders is available to assist with your air transportation and car rental needs. Please call Travel Leaders at:
(800) 245-0707 or (314) 432-2707Monday through Friday9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Central Time)
Email: [email protected]
After-hours emergency contact information will be provided after tickets have been issued. A transaction fee will apply: $22 per ticket or $30 for a family with the same last name (maximum four people) traveling together on the same itinerary.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located approximately 20 minutes from most Commodity Classic hotels. New Orleans International Airport offers flights from most major airlines. Travel Leaders has access to discounts on several airlines on behalf of Commodity Classic attendees. Contact Travel Leaders for details.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Airport ShuttleAirport Shuttle, Inc. is the official ground transportation for Armstrong International Airport, with service to and from New Orleans’ hotels and other designated locations. Group rates to Commodity Classic hotels are $20 (per person, one-way) or $35 (per-person, round-trip), which is a $3.00 discount only if booked online and 24 hours prior to your arrival/departure. See www.CommodityClassic.com for a link to book shuttle service. The first three bags per person are free. To change a reservation made online, or to make a phone reservation at regular rates, call Airport Shuttle, Inc. at (866) 596-2699.
TaxiCurrent taxi rates are $36 (one to two people) from the airport to most areas of New Orleans. Add $15 for additional passengers. Pick-up is on the lower level outside the baggage claim area.
Taxi rates downtown are $3.50 plus $2 per mile ($0.25 per one-eighth mile) thereafter, with an additional charge of $1.00 per passenger after the first passenger.
Rental CarApproximately nine rental car companies are located at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Rental Car Center.
To get there, walk to West Terminal Baggage Claim (Claims 12-14) and proceed outside the building. To your right is the covered walkway leading to the customer service building. If you are planning to rent a car at the New Orleans Airport, be sure to make a reservation in advance. Vehicles are limited for walk-up customers. Contact Travel Leaders for assistance with discounts and reservations.
Getting Around TownRide through New Orleans on a national historic streetcar that only costs $1.25. You can also purchase a Jazzy Pass which entitles the bearer to unlimited rides on all streetcars and bus lines. A one-day Jazzy Pass can be purchased for $3.00 (cash only) from the bus or streetcar operator when you board. To purchase Jazzy Passes online or for a list of retail purchase locations, please visit http://www.norta.com/Fares-Passes/Jazzy-Pass.aspx.
Pedicabs are a new form of transportation to recently hit the streets of New Orleans. Eco-friendly, efficient and fun, a pedicab is a great way to get across the French Quarter, go to and from your hotel, avoid traffic and parking frustrations, or just pop across town in style and comfort. Hail one on the street and a friendly driver will tell you their rates and get you where you need to go.
HOTEL SHUTTLESSponsored by NACHURS and Commodity Classic
Complimentary hotel shuttle transportation will be available between the Convention Center and most of the official Commodity Classic hotels. See the Hotel Accommodations section of this brochure for a list of hotels receiving shuttle service.
Commodity Classic ToursAs you plan your schedule, book Commodity Classic tours early as they often sell-out in advance. Visit www.CommodityClassic.com to register for tours. Tours are not included in the Commodity Classic registration fee.
Child Care ServicePlease check with your hotel for local companies that provide in-room child care services.
HERE ’S A GL IMPSE OF WHAT YOU’LL E XPER IENCE AT COMMODIT Y CL ASSIC�� Get in front of the line Commodity Classic is where early adopters
discover what’s new and innovative. If you like to be among the first to learn about the latest developments in agriculture, you need to be here. It’s a lot different (and better) than reading about it months later.
�� Learning what works on your farm Grower education is a huge part of Commodity Classic. Hear about new management practices and ways to improve efficiency. Discover new products and technology. You’ll be challenged, engaged and enlightened. You’ll walk away from Commodity Classic even smarter and better prepared for next season.
�� Meet the leaders You’ll hear from an impressive line-up of thought leaders who are on the cutting edge in agriculture — from keynote speakers to seminar presenters, from membership association leaders to government officials. As they share their vision of the future, chances are yours will change as well.
�� Aisles and aisles of innovation and ideas The trade show at Commodity Classic is one of the largest and most exciting in the nation, with acres of equipment, technology and
information. Because the best growers in the nation are here, exhibitors bring in their best people—so you get the chance to talk directly with the suppliers and companies you depend on.
�� An energetic environment Commodity Classic will stimulate your senses and your imagination. From the powerful General Session to thought-provoking speakers to musical performances—you’ll be energized by the experience every hour, every day.
�� New farmer friends await The opportunity to meet and share with farmers from across the nation is something people really appreciate about Commodity Classic. You’ll exchange ideas, learn from each other and make friendships you’ll renew every year.
�� Your grassroots associations at work Commodity Classic is where your membership associations get business done. These grassroots
grower-led associations are your voice on Capitol Hill. Since the meetings are open, you can stop by to watch your fellow growers create change and make policy recommendations that have a direct effect on your future.
Whether you’re a veteran attendee or if you’ve never been to the show before, Commodity Classic offers exciting, new experiences for everyone. Register by January 14 to receive the early registration rate!
Commodity Classic 2016 15
EDUCATION AT COMMODITY CLASSICWhere the best farmers learn how to become even better.The education available at Commodity Classic is unlike any available anywhere else. The line-up of educational sessions is selected by a team of farmers just like you, so you can be assured that the content, presenters and information at Commodity Classic are relevant, current and important to your future success.
You’ll notice there are a lot of concurrent educational sessions. Check out the ones that interest you. You can walk into any session without preregistering—all you need is your name badge. And if that session isn’t quite what you expected, don’t be afraid to excuse yourself and attend another. Or meet up with others outside the session to have your own “conversation session.”
Talk Like a NOLA NativeBayou: Choctaw for “small stream.” It’s a creek with a slow current that flows from a river or lowland lake, often through swamp areas and delta regions.
Cajun: Nickname for Acadians, the French-speaking people who migrated to Western Louisiana from Novia Scotia starting in 1755.
Directions: There’s no West, East, North or South in New Orleans. Instead it’s Uptown, Downtown, Riverside and Lakeside.
Jazz: A mixture of African and Creole rhythms with European styles and instruments. Some say it was local barber Buddy Bolden who invented it in 1891.
Lagniappe (lan-yap): A little something extra, like a free coffee or dessert or a few extra ounces of boudin.
New Orleans: Pronounced “New or-lins” or “new or-lee-yuns” but not “naw-lins” or “new orl-eens.” Both the parish and the avenue are, however, pronounced “orl-eens.”
Street names: Some strange pronunciations including:
- Burgundy (bur-GUN-dee)- Conti (kahn-TIE)- Calliope (kal-ee-OPE) - Melpomene (mel-pu-MEEN)- Tchopitoulas (CHOP-ih-too-liss)- Clio (CLEE-oh but often misread as C-L-10)
Vieux Carré: Literally “Old Square” or “Old Quarter.” It refers to the French Quarter, the 90 city blocks that hold about 2,700 European and Creole buildings.
Eat Like a NOLA NativeAndouille (anh-doo-ee): Spicy Cajun pork sausage.
Beignet (ben-yay): Creole pastries carrés (square, like the Vieux Carré), fried to crusty perfection and generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Cajun vs. Creole: Cajun food is the earthy, robust creation of Acadian (or French Canadian) fishermen and farmers in southwest Louisiana bayou country. Creole is the cosmopolitan cuisine of New Orleans, a mixture of French, African and Spanish flavors along with fresh imports.
Etoufée (ay-too-fay): Shrimp and crawfish “suffocated” in spicy tomato sauce and served over rice.
Gumbo: New Orleans’ and South Louisiana’s signature Creole dish. Gumbo begins with okra, a vegetable of African origin, or file, Native American ground sassafrass leaves and is made with a dark roux, shellfish, sausage and is served over rice.
Jambalaya (jahm-ba-lie-ya): New Orleans’ answer to Spain’s paella, this rice dish makes a clean sweep of the kitchen, full of sausage, seafood and local spices.
Muffuletta: It’s not a sandwich – it’s a meal packed into a pizza-sized Italian bun that includes salami, ham and provolone topped with olive relish. Central Grocery, a Sicilian import store, invented it a century ago to satisfy hungry Italians at the docks.
Po-boy: Like a submarine sandwich but on French bread and usually involving roast beef debris or fried seafood. They were created when streetcar workers went on strike and local bakers provided sandwiches for those “poor boys.”
When you attend Learning Centers, What’s New and Mini What’s New sessions and the presentations on the AG CONNECT Main Stage:
�� You’ll be among the first to learn about new products, technology and innovation—well before other farmers read about them in a farm magazine
�� You’ll have the opportunity to talk with top management, engineers and marketing professionals from the companies you do business with
�� You’ll hear about innovation and new ideas firsthand—and be able to talk with the people who created them
�� You’ll get hands-on opportunities with the newest equipment and technology in the huge trade show
�� You’ll hear from inspiring thought leaders and difference-makers in agriculture
�� You’ll learn from the other farmers you meet from across the nation—how they deal with challenges, what they grow and how they grow it
edu
cati
on
First 5If this is your first time at Commodity Classic, here are the first five things you should do
when you arrive in New Orleans:
1Find the Registration Area Once you check into your hotel, head over to the convention center Hall G. Start at the Commodity
Classic registration area to pick up your registration packet with your name badge, event program book, meal tickets, etc. This is also the place to come for information during the entire event.
2Plan Your Attack The program booklet in your registration packet is your guide to Commodity Classic—and you should use
it to plan your strategy and schedule while you’re in New Orleans. Take some time to look through the program schedule, exhibitor list and trade show floor plan. Highlight sessions you don’t want to miss. Mark your must-see exhibits in the trade show.
3Download the FREE Commodity Classic App The Commodity Classic app will help you navigate your schedule and find the
sessions, speakers and exhibitors you want to see. You can schedule reminders and get updates throughout the event. Visit CommodityClassic.com to download the app for your smartphone or tablet.
4Get Your Bearings If you have time, check out the lay of the land. The New Orleans Convention Center is a big place. Find the
rooms where your chosen sessions will be held. But don’t worry—there are plenty of directional signs and always someone around to point you in the right direction.
5Hang on to Your Name Badge Your badge is your admission ticket to the trade show and all Commodity Classic events, so keep
it with you at all times. The sleeve with your badge may also contain meal tickets and other important items. And it’s a great way for people to get to know your name and hometown.
Keep your badge number after you get home! Your badge number is your key to access the entire library of educational seminar videos from the 2016 Commodity Classic. Video access is free with full registration; discounted with one-day registration.
THE
Check back at commodityclassic.com for more updates on all education sessions including programming on the AG CONNECT Main Stage.
16
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are
ava
ilabl
e fo
r Frid
ay’s
pro
gram
and
may
be
purc
hase
d on
a
fi rs
t-co
me,
fi rs
t-se
rved
bas
is.
CH
ECK
ON
EBY
JAN
14JA
N 15
-JA
N 2
8AF
TER
JAN
28
ASA
Banq
uet
NCG
ABa
nque
tN
umbe
rRe
gist
ered
AMO
UN
T
Th
ursd
ay M
embe
r$1
05$1
20$1
40
Th
ursd
ay N
on-m
embe
r$1
50$1
60$1
80
Fr
iday
Mem
ber
$105
$120
$140
+O
ptio
nal B
anqu
et$5
0$5
0$6
5
Fr
iday
Non
-mem
ber
$150
$160
$180
+O
ptio
nal B
anqu
et$5
0$5
0$6
5
Sa
turd
ay M
embe
r$1
05$1
20$1
40
Sa
turd
ay N
on-m
embe
r$1
50$1
60$1
80
SUBT
OTAL
:$
TOTA
L REM
ITTA
NCE:
$
REGI
STRA
TION
PAYM
ENT
Form
and
ful
l pay
men
t m
ust
be fa
xed
or p
ostm
arke
d by
Janu
ary
14 t
o re
ceiv
e ea
rly
regi
stra
tion
dis
coun
t.
Ch
eck
Encl
osed
(Pay
able
in U
.S. f
unds
to
Com
mod
ity
Clas
sic)
M
aste
rCar
d
Visa
Am
eric
an E
xpre
ss
Disc
over
Cred
it C
ard#
Exp.
Dat
e
Sign
atur
e
Asso
ciat
ion
Mem
bers
hip
Chec
k al
l tha
t ap
ply.
If y
ou c
heck
mor
e th
an o
ne, C
IRCL
E th
e on
e yo
u co
nsid
er
your
prim
ary
com
mod
ity
asso
ciat
ion.
Am
eric
an S
oybe
an A
ssoc
iati
on
Nat
iona
l Cor
n Gr
ower
s As
soci
atio
n
Nati
onal
Ass
ocia
tion
of W
heat
Gro
wer
s
Nat
iona
l Sor
ghum
Pro
duce
rs
Chec
k al
l tha
t ap
ply:
Fi
rst-
tim
e at
tend
ee
Mem
ber g
row
er
Non
-mem
ber g
row
er
Exhi
bito
r
Non
-exh
ibit
or c
orpo
rate
M
edia
St
ate
staf
f of A
SA, N
CGA,
NAW
G or
NSP
2016
Reg
istr
atio
n
GRO
WER
S O
NLY
AGE
TOTA
L FAR
M A
CRES
CORN
ACR
ES
SOYB
EAN
ACR
ES
WH
EAT
ACRE
S SO
RGH
UM A
CRES
COTT
ON
ACR
ES
NO. O
F HO
GS
NO.
OF
COW
/CAL
F PA
IRS
NO.
OF
FEED
LOT
CATT
LE
Entr
y Ru
les:
Gro
wer
ent
rant
s m
ust
com
plet
e th
e in
for-
mat
ion
abov
e. O
ne e
ntra
nt p
er f
amily
. Dr
awin
g w
ill b
e he
ld T
hurs
day,
Mar
ch 3
, 201
6, a
t 3:
30 p
.m. i
n th
e Ku
bota
bo
oth.
Ent
rant
s m
ust
be p
rese
nt t
o w
in. E
mpl
oyee
s of
AS
A, N
CGA,
NSP
, NAW
G an
d AE
M a
re in
elig
ible
. All
appl
icab
le
fede
ral,
stat
e an
d lo
cal
taxe
s on
th
e pr
ize
are
the
resp
onsi
bilit
y of
the
win
ner.
The
priz
e is
non
-tra
nsfe
rrab
le
and
no c
ash
or o
ther
sub
stitu
tion,
in p
art
or in
who
le, w
ill
be in
volv
ed. T
he K
ubot
a ve
hicl
e is
equ
ippe
d at
Kub
ota’
s di
scre
tion.
Any
impl
emen
ts, a
ttac
hmen
ts o
r fea
ture
dev
ia-
tion
will
be
at th
e w
inne
r’s e
xpen
se.
Spec
ial S
ervi
ces
Ch
eck
here
if y
ou o
r you
r
gu
est
have
spe
cial
nee
ds
(att
ach
desc
ripti
on o
f nee
ds).
Ch
eck
here
if y
ou o
r you
r gue
st
ha
ve s
peci
al m
eal r
equi
rem
ents
(att
ach
desc
ripti
on o
f nee
ds).
Refu
nd P
olic
y Fu
ll re
fund
, les
s $2
5 pe
r per
son
adm
in-
istr
atio
n fe
e, w
ill b
e gr
ante
d on
writ
ten
requ
est
thro
ugh
Janu
ary
28, 2
016.
No
refu
nds
afte
r Jan
uary
28,
201
6.Q
uest
ions
: Cal
l (63
6) 9
22-5
551
Emai
l: Re
gist
ratio
n@Co
mm
odity
Clas
sic.
com
Regi
ster
onl
ine:
ww
w.C
omm
odit
yCla
ssic
.com
Send
form
& p
aym
ent t
o:Co
mm
odit
y Cl
assi
c •
326
0 U
pper
Bot
tom
Rd.
• S
t. C
harle
s, M
O 6
3303
• F
ax: (
636)
447
-806
0
MEMB
ERSH
IP N
UMBE
R
By a
tten
ding
Com
mod
ity
Clas
sic
2016
, you
agr
ee t
hat
Com
mod
ity
Clas
sic,
its
empl
oyee
s, c
ontr
acto
rs a
nd v
olun
teer
s, m
ay p
hoto
grap
h,
vide
otap
e or
aud
iota
pe y
ou d
urin
g th
e Co
nfer
ence
and
rela
ted
acti
viti
es.
Your
pho
to, v
ideo
, aud
io, l
iken
ess
or im
age
may
be
used
by
Com
mod
ity
Clas
sic
for p
rom
otio
nal o
r rel
ated
pur
pose
s w
ith
no re
mun
erat
ion
to y
ou. B
y pa
rtic
ipat
ing
in C
omm
odit
y Cl
assi
c 20
16,
you
cons
ent
to t
he u
se o
f RF
ID b
y Co
mm
odit
y Cl
assi
c an
d ex
hibi
tors
. (Se
e in
form
atio
n in
regi
stra
tion
bro
chur
e re
gard
ing
RFID
.)
Win
a Ku
bota
RT
V 40
0ci
Utili
ty Ve
hicl
e!
✃ TRIM ALONG DOTTED LINE
Come to the Commodity Classic registration area beginning Wednesday, March 2, to pick up your registration packet, name badge, event program and meal tickets. The Commodity Classic Registration Desk will be located in Hall G at the Convention Center.
Full Registration Includes:�� Trade Show access, including lunch on
Thursday and Friday and a mid-morning snack on Saturday in the Trade Show
�� General Session
�� Educational Sessions: Learning Centers, Early Riser Sessions, What’s New Sessions and Mini What’s New Sessions
�� Main Stage Presentations in the Trade Show
�� Complimentary access to video recordings of the 2016 Learning Centers, Early Risers and What’s New sessions (keep your badge for access)
�� ASA or NCGA Banquet (based on space availability and not guaranteed)
�� Evening of Entertainment
�� For growers, grower-family members, media or commodity organization national or state staff: full registration also includes the Welcome Reception. Register by January 14 to receive a free drink ticket redeemable at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, March 2.
One-Day Registration Includes:The events above that occur on your registered day, with the exception of association banquets and the complimentary access to recorded educational sessions.
Convention Registration Refund PolicyFull refund, less $25 per person administration fee, will be granted on written request through January 28. Questions: Call (636) 922-5551. Email: [email protected]
Important Registration Dates:�� ASA or NCGA Banquet tickets are subject to
availability and are not guaranteed
�� January 14: Early registration discount ends
�� January 28: Registration refunds must be requested in writing by this date
�� February 10: Tours pre-registration deadline
�� February 10: No tour refunds after this date
�� March 2: Convention on-site registration begins
Important Housing Dates:�� February 3: Hotel group rates guaranteed
through today
�� February 3: Hotel changes and cancellations for the following hotels must be made through the housing bureau by this date (contact hotels directly starting on February 9 with changes and cancellations): Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Loews New Orleans, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Westin New Orleans Canal Place
�� February 5: Hotel changes and cancellations for the following hotels must be made through the housing bureau by this date (contact hotels directly starting on February 11 with changes and cancellations): Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center, JW Marriott New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center, Renaissance New Orleans Arts, Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Convention Center
�� February 9: Hotel changes and cancellations for the following hotels must be made through the housing bureau by this date (contact hotels directly starting on February 15 with changes and cancellations): Crowne Plaza French Quarter, Embassy Suites Convention Center, Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center, Hyatt Place Convention Center, Le Meridien New Orleans, Omni Riverfront
Commodity Classic registration and housing operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and is not guaranteed.
Join and Save!Save $100 on the non-member Full Registration by joining today one of these commodity associations. In some cases, these savings may be more than the cost of membership!
American Soybean Association: (314) 576-1770
National Corn Growers Association: (636) 733-9004
National Association of Wheat Growers: (202) 547-7800
National Sorghum Producers: (806) 749-3478
What is RFID?Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used at Commodity Classic to track attendance at educational sessions and other events. Your name badge contains a coded information unique to you that is read by the RFID technology.
Some exhibitors may use RFID technology to capture your demographic information only at their trade show booths to eliminate the need for you to take time to fill out a form.
By registering for Commodity Classic, you consent to the use of RFID by Commodity Classic and its exhibitors.
REGISTRATION Info
Visit CommodityClassic.com to register for:�� Convention and trade show
�� Housing/hotels
�� Tours
NOTE: You must register separately for each of the above. The registration form below is for the convention and trade show only.