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Lunch meeting for members of the Executive Commiitee and the Board of Governors for future Association services and events.

Meeting of the Association's Executive Committee

Members of the Supplier Board of Governors and their guests meet to discuss planning for future networking events.

Meeting of members of the Services Corporation Board.

Join your fellow members for a fun networking event. The event's fee includes transportation, dinner, game play, and two drink tickets. You can choose to play, or just cheer others on. The bus will leave the hotel at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5:00 p.m. The event will conclude at 8:00 p.m. with a return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m.

Pick up registration materials, chat with other members, or get questions answered.

Members of the Board of Directors, Past Presidents, and invited guests.

Grab a refreshment while you pick up your name badge. This is a great place to chat with other members or get information from staff members.

Reunion of spouses and guests of Former Association Presidents and Board of Directors. Formerly known as the First Lady's Coffee.

Alex Russomagno, Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement for AGCO Ventures The Future of Ag Technology Wednesday, March 25 at 12:00 p.m. Alex Russomagno is responsible for sourcing investment and partnership opportunities, executing transactions, and managing relationships with the venture community and portfolio companies. Before joining AGCO, Alex was a Senior Manager at Apeel Sciences, holding positions in Product Management, Commercialization and Strategic Planning & Analysis. Prior to joining Apeel, Alex worked at Bank of America (BAC) focusing on strategic principal investing in early- and growth-stage technology companies. In addition to the due diligence, market analyses and deal structuring, she managed ongoing relationships with portfolio companies to support performance and long-term strategic alignment. Alex has a MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, with certificates in Food Systems and Sustainability. She has an undergraduate degree from Villanova University with a major in Finance.

Matt Beigel, Trent Waltenberg, and Bryant Hintz of Sentry Insurance will discuss the changes seen in the property market, the factors leading to those changes, and how they are impacting your coverages and costs. Sentry will also provide insight on ways you can partner with your carrier and agent to ensure your property is appropriately valued and protected. As a Territory Underwriter for our Farm Equipment Manufacturers Program (FEMP), Matt Beigel works directly with manufacturers. This is an ever-evolving industry, so Matt approaches every conversation with open ears and an open mind. He learns from customers, and in turn applies that knowledge to help them find opportunities to effectively protect their businesses and employees. He thrives on seeing customers achieve understanding and peace of mind because of what Sentrycan offer them. As a Territory Underwriter for our Farm Equipment Manufacturers Program, Trent Waltenberg wants to help members understand the insurance options available for their business and work with them to choose the right solution for their situation. With Sentry's coverages and available safety services, they can help protect business owners, their employees, and their bottom line. Bryant Hintz, a Product Safety Specialist with Sentry Insurance is an excellent resource for manufacturers. He can help guide you through important elements of your safety program including safety manuals and decals.

With the recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, members may have questions. John Turlais and Trent Johnson from FEMA Endorsed Service Foley & Lardner will update members on the latest information.

This committee works on membership recruitment and retention. If you would like to help strengthen the Association and its presence in the industry, feel free to join in.

This committee discusses how the Association can provide resources for members interested in exporting.

Open to all members who manufacture tillage equipment. The discussion will include equipment safety standards, industry trends, and other important topics.

Christin Bolton,Senior Manager in the Strategic Advisory team, and Justin Mentele, Principal, with FEMA Preferred Partner, Pinion, will lead this discussion. When manufacturing demand declines, profit and cash flow problems often stem less from lost volume and more from overhead misalignment, absorption volatility, and misleading operational KPIs. This session gives leaders a practical framework for identifying early indicators of margin and cash risk before the P&L shows deterioration. Attendees will learn how overhead truly behaves under shifting volume and how to distinguish structural issues from temporary slowdowns. The discussion will highlight which KPIs fail first, which create false confidence, and how to avoid damaging cost‑cutting decisions that restrict future throughput. Participants will also explore why profitable operations can still face cash constraints and how to navigate those situations. The session concludes with a 90‑day action playbook designed to protect margin, stabilize cash, and preserve operational capability during soft demand.

An event for those attending the convention for the first time. Get to know members of FEMA's leadership and other Association contacts.

A chance to connect with other members in a relaxed atmosphere before heading out to dinner. Appetizers and drinks provided.

Board, Former Presidents, and their guests

Staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Stop by to pick up registration materials or catch up with other members.

Gather at the Registration Desk on the 3rd Floor and start your day with some movement and conversation. A quick breakfast will be available upon returning to the hotel.

Jeremy Groeteke focuses on IT, digital strategy, and how data, AI, and emerging technologies are shaping agriculture at a global scale. As the Global Head of IT & Digital Strategy at Syngenta Group, he leads the Vegetable and Flowers IT & Digital initiatives, driving AI, data, and digital agronomy innovations to enhance profitability and sustainability. Jeremy has led multimillion-dollar product launches, built global teams, and forged key industry partnerships. Passionate about the intersection of agriculture and technology, he helps shape the future of digital farming through strategic planning and scalable solutions. 

This is an optional program for spouses or guests of convention attendees with an additional fee. Participants will depart the Marriott via bus around 9:00 a.m. for The Hat Bar. Create a custom hat using fabric, feathers, brands, or other accessories. Then, enjoy lunch at Ida Claire. If time allows, the group may also make a quick stop at the Alamo Quarry Market before returning to the Marriott by 3:00 p.m.

Attorneys David James and Chelsea Bodin of FEMA Endorsed Service Partner Nilan Johnson will be updating members on drug-testing updates and supervisor/HR tips to avoid litigation. In addition, they'll offer their expertise in an open forum, where members are welcome to ask questions on the above topics or anything else employment-law related.   Dave, a Shareholder with the firm, helps clients transform themselves by designing and implementing complex policies or transactions, navigating challenging collective bargaining agreements, and resolving complicated litigation. His clients consider Dave an extension of their human resources and labor relations, a true partner. Whether it’s appearing in court for single-plaintiff discrimination claims, performing pay equity audits, drafting employment policies and procedures, or negotiating collective bargaining agreements, Chelsea provides a wide range of labor and employment litigation and consulting services to help her clients succeed and stay ahead.

How you "talk" to AI determine your success in getting the results you need. AI knows a lot of information, but it has no idea what you want unless you spell it out. Learn how to craft your ask to save you real time and money. Spend less time behind a desk doing paperwork and more time doing the work that actually earns money. Zac Engler has spent the past decade at the intersection of leadership and AI-driven innovation, helping executives and teams adopt training, automation, and strategy frameworks that unlock growth while keeping people at the center. Since 2016, he has worked at companies like Apple, Amplifon, and Sanctuary AI, hiring talent and training leaders on how machine learning, RPA, and custom agent design can streamline operations and spark sustainable innovation. As Chief AI Officer at C4 Technology Services, Zac helps companies scale AI operations, deliver executive training programs, and deploy custom agents that improve efficiency and open new revenue streams. His approach is rooted in the belief that AI isn’t here to replace people, it’s here to empower them. The organizations that thrive will be those that prepare their teams to lead in an AI-first future. Zac is also the author of Turning On Machines (2025), which explores how leaders can navigate the rise of automation while positioning their organizations for long-term success. The book blends history, strategy, and reflection exercises to help readers understand both the urgency and opportunity of this moment. His mission is straightforward: help leaders stay ahead of the curve. The old debate about whether AI will take jobs misses the point. AI will amplify those who know how to use it and leave behind those who don’t. Zac’s work provides organizations with the clarity, confidence, and playbooks they need to achieve AI-enabled business growth, sustainable adoption, and human-centered digital transformation. 

The Tech Track will run concurrently with our traditional business management breakout sessions on Thursday, March 26. Bring your design engineers, process engineers, product managers, business development managers, continuous improvement personnel, and anyone else involved in designing products or processes to learn about emerging technologies and how they are being integrated into equipment or the manufacturing process. There is a separate registration fee for those participating in this one-day learning track instead of the full convention.

This Council discusses current topics and standards affecting towed implement manufacturers.

This committee discusses how the Association can provide resources for members interested in exporting.

Catch up with current suppliers and explore possibilites of new partnerships. Exhibitors can showcase their company, products, or services. See the sponsorship page for information about FEMA talks, a new way for exhibitors to promote their company.

Additional programming after the Product Showcase.

A discussion of current educational programming needs for members.

A forum to discuss new technology in ag equipment and manufacturing. The council will also discuss ways to bring educational sessions to the FEMA membership.

A fixture on the San Antonio River Walk for nearly 50 years, Durty Nelly’s is well known for its raucous nightly sing-alongs and great pub grub! Our Irish pub is a replica of the original Durty Nelly’s in Ireland, dating back to 1620, as part of the Bunratty Castle in Limerick, County Clare. It has been part of the landscape at Bunratty for almost 400 years, and today continues to be the "favourite ‘watering hole’ of both locals and visitors alike." An additional fee is required to participate and includes dinner, drink tickets, and a tshirt.

The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas plant in San Antonio is a major truck-building facility, producing the Toyota Tundra and Sequioa models, emplying thousands, and featuring stmping, welding, painting, and assembly operations. Sign up is required. Transportation will be provided and will depart at 8:00 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. tour. The group should return to the Marriott by 11:00 a.m.

Alamo Group Inc. is a global manufacturer of equipment for vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance, headquartered in Seguin, Texas. Founded in 1969, the company is a cornerstone of the Seguin economy and serves as the parent organization for over 40 global brands. Alamo Group operates a significant 230,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Seguin that employs approximately 300 people.: The Seguin plant specializes in producing Alamo Industrial brand mowers, Terrain King mowers, and the Mantis Prime mover, which are primarily used for roadside maintenance and land clearing.