The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) kicked off its 2021 Conference & Expo with more than 600 agricultural retail industry professionals for insightful sessions, premier networking, and a world-class expo hall.
“After two years it is great to be back together in person for this impactful event,” says 2020-2021 ARA Board Chair Rod Wells, with GROWMARK Inc. “I have talked previously about the resiliency of the ag retail industry, and I believe the annual ARA Conference plays a large part in that resilience by providing a space for us to share ideas and prepare for the challenges of now and of our future.”
Special events such as the ARA Invitational Golf Tournament and a San Antonio history walk and river barge tour offered participants a taste of the host city’s local flair before they gathered for the first educational session of the week. Mike Moore with EFC Systems and Brad Brown with Augusta Cooperative Farm Bureau, Inc., led the Pre-Conference Session, Ransom Attack: Could You Be Next?
“On behalf of the ARA Board of Directors, I welcome this year’s attendees and applaud them for coming together to find new approaches to manage cybersecurity threats and other serious issues facing our industry,” says ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “I am looking forward to hearing from this year’s speaker line-up and exploring the expo hall.”
The Expo Hall grand opening reception is a must-attend networking opportunity for attendees to build connections and discover valuable services and products to add to their company’s toolbox.
Wednesday’s keynote and breakout session speakers will equip attendees with cutting-edge knowledge related to carbon markets, sustainability, farmer buying behaviors, charging for services, and more.
