Industry Conference

Ic Header2025

January 28-30, 2025

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel

ON THE HORIZON: Prepare for the challenges and innovations ahead in the 2025 OABA Industry Conference! With a forward-looking focus, we’ll explore upcoming trends, technological advancements, and pressing issues impacting Ohio's agribusiness. Through insightful general sessions, targeted breakout discussions, and ample networking opportunities, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to navigate what’s on the horizon and drive success for your business. Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry!

Registration is now open and details are available below! Make sure to check out the Program, Accommodations and Sponsor opportunities available on the tabs.

Registration

Registration for the 2025 OABA Industry Conference is NOW OPEN! Registration fees are outlined in the table below.

Click here for registration, sponsorship and exhibitors.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration may look slightly different this year. Once you click the link to register and find your contact info, you will be prompted to choose MEMBER, NON-MEMBER or SPONSOR. Member & non-member options are for conference attendee registrations ONLY. The Sponsor option is for conference sponsorship and exhibitor sponsorship ONLY. Please choose accordingly and follow the prompts. Reach out to Lauren with questions at lprettyman@oaba.net.

 

Early Bird (through Jan. 15)

Registration (after Jan. 15)

 

Member

Non-Member

Member

Non-Member

Full Conference

$400

$550

$475

$625

January 28 only 

$200

$200

$200

$200

January 29 only

$275

$325

$300

$375

January 30 only

$200

$275

$250

$325


Cancelation Policy
Cancelations must be received by January 14, 2025, to be eligible for a refund. 

Program

Agenda-at-a-Glance – Sessions & Speakers

Session offerings or specific speakers may be subject to change

Safety & Risk Management Day – Tuesday, January 28

10:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (immediately followed by the 5:30 p.m. Welcome Reception – NOTE earlier reception time)

Ohio Department of Agriculture Updates
Daniel Kenny, Dan Walker, Ryan King, and Matt Cochran, Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

Behavior Based Safety
James Dobra, Heritage Cooperative

Above and Under Ground Storage Tanks
Travis Smith, State of Ohio

Driver Files – DOT Reporting, Administration, Timelines/Deadlines
Allan Stevens, Berkley Agribusiness

Why Am I Paying More Premium for Less Coverage, and How Do I Make It Stop?
Shane Humphrey and Tom Brenner, Hummel Group

 

Wednesday, January 29 – Thursday, January 30

January 29 – 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. & January 30 – 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.


General Sessions

Key Macro Themes In Energy and Agriculture
Joseph Lardy, CHS Global Research

When Everything Matters, What Really Matters?
Chuck Benson, BASF

Managing Weather Risks in 2025
Aaron Wilson, The Ohio State University

Agronomy

What You Should Know About Drone Operations: Regulatory Guidelines and Operational Realities
Robert Mullen, Heritage Cooperative and Doug Gerber, AeroVantage

P Loss from Non-Ag Non-Point Sources
Andrew Margenot, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Expanding the Boundaries of H-2A: Integrating Temporary Ag Workers into Agribusiness Services
Heather Bustle, Growmark

Corn and Soy Planting Impact – Alternative Utilization
Kirk Merritt, Ohio Soybean Association and Tadd Nicholson, Ohio Corn Growers Association

Ammonia Markets 2025 and Beyond
Veronica Nigh, The Fertilizer Institute

Phosphates and Who Won - Battle of the Belt
Laura Lindsey and Osler Ortez, The Ohio State University

Weeds – Resistance Management
Alyssa Essman, The Ohio State University

Additional agronomic sessions pending


Grain & Feed

Midwest Grain and Feed Outlook
Bailey Elchinger, StoneX Financial Inc.

Economic Outlook from the Farm Gate
Bruce Clevenger and Barry Ward, OSU Extension

Renewables – Corn and Soybean Derivatives
Michael Reginelli, Advance Trading, Inc.

Renewables – Wind and Solar
Dale Arnold, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Storage Demands
Brandon Hutchison and Mike Zawisza, Elevator Services and Storage, Inc.

Grain Warehousing Updates
David Barrett and Eli Earich, BECE

Livestock Outlook
Jon White, United Producers, Inc.


Leadership Sessions

Two executive development sessions will be offered by Greg Logue, Crestcom International

Accommodations

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Industry Conference January 28-30, 2025! 

The 2025 OABA Industry Conference will be hosted at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel - 409 Altair Parkway Westerville, Ohio 43082.

Click here to book your hotel room at the group rate for OABA Industry Conference.

The deadline to book a hotel room is January 15, 2025

Sponsors

Click here for registration, sponsorship and exhibitors.

We know you are looking for innovative new ways to reach the industry and the 2024 Industry Conference is well-equipped to connect you with decision-makers. Whether your company is looking to fill the top-tier Premier Sponsor or to engage with participants as an Exhibitor Sponsor, there are options to fit every budget and need. Details on each sponsor level are available below. Click here for additional sponsorship information.

Premier Sponsor - $7,500

  • Premier conference sponsor – co-branding on conference collateral
    • Conference presented by…
  • 2-3 minute company overview at start of each general session (in-person or pre-recorded video)
  • Promoted throughout conference as premier sponsor
  • Featured sponsor on app homepage
  • Sponsored social media posts before event
  • Company profile page on event app
  • Two free conference registrations

Conference Plus Sponsor - $3,000

  • 2-3 minute company overview at start of general session (in-person or pre-recorded video)
  • Promoted throughout conference as sponsor
  • Featured sponsor on app sponsor page
  • Company logo on app session page
  • Sponsored social media posts before event
  • Company profile page on event app

Conference Sponsor - $2,000

  • Promoted throughout conference as sponsor
  • Featured sponsor on app sponsor page
  • Sponsored social media posts before event
  • Company profile page on event app

Reception Sponsor - $1,500

  • Promoted at Welcome & Industry Receptions
  • Company profile page on the event app

Breakfast Sponsor - $1,000

  • Promoted at Conference Breakfasts
  • Company profile page on event app

Exhibitor Sponsor - $1,000 (member) or $1,500 (non-member)

  • One exhibitor booth
  • Company profile page on event app
  • One free conference registration

Breakout Sponsor - $1,000 

  • 2-3 minute company overview at start of breakout session (in-person or pre-recorded video)
  • Company logo on app session page
  • Company profile page on event app

Lanyard Sponsor - $1,000 - SOLD OUT

  • Logo on attendee lanyards, provided by company
  • Company profile page on event app

Sponsorship commitments must be confirmed by December 20 to guarantee inclusion in event promotional materials.