We are also pleased to announce that William Dickhut of Geringhoff Distribution LP is the winner of a $100 Amazon gift card for participating in the survey. Congratulations, William!

Be sure to mark your calendars for October 26–28 and join us in New Orleans for the upcoming Marketing & Distribution Convention. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Summit featured a wide range of educational sessions focused on today’s most pressing business challenges and opportunities. Topics included property and casualty risk management, practical applications of artificial intelligence, employment law updates, sales and marketing strategies, insurance trends, tariffs, and product distribution law. A dedicated technology track highlighted how digital tools are shaping both product development and internal operations.

Attendees also explored the supplier product showcase, where companies connected directly with potential partners and discovered new solutions to support their businesses. Throughout the event, networking remained a central focus, with ample opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas with peers facing similar challenges.

Beyond the educational programming, participants enjoyed a variety of social and recreational activities, including a Topgolf networking event, welcome receptions, a spouse/guest program, Toyota and Alamo Group facility tours, and a lively farewell event featuring dueling pianos.

Mark your calendars for the Marketing & Distribution Convention October 26 – 28, 2026 at the New Orleans Marriott.
Stay tuned to the Shortliner for more information.

10. Education: Join us to sharpen your decision-making and stay ahead of what’s next. Get a front-row look at how data and AI are reshaping global agriculture, and hands-on prompting skills you can use right away. Plus, take away timely guidance on managing insurance risk and key employment-law updates. Expect big ideas, practical takeaways, and speakers who will inspire, educate, and energize.

9. Perspective: Making time to step away from the daily grind isn’t easy—but it pays off. Ben Hellbusch, former FEMA President from Duo Lift Manufacturing, has seen the impact firsthand: “It’s tough to pull away, but the moment you get to a meeting, you realize how valuable it is. You hear what others in the industry are doing, pick up fresh ideas, and see the bigger picture.”

8. Fun: Whether you want to check out the River Walk, see The Alamo, or grab a great meal with industry friends, San Antonio has plenty to do. Between the Pearl District, museums, live music, and solid Tex-Mex and BBQ, it’s easy to make the most of your time outside the conference. Work hard, connect—but leave a little time to have fun while you’re here.

7. Solutions: Every year, we hear stories of manufacturers finding exactly what they need—sometimes by chance—at the Product Showcase. Former FEMA President John Tye, with Lubbock Fastener Supply, describes it like this: “You walk by a table and look at something, and you say, ‘That’s the sort of thing we are looking for, but it needs to be like this. Can you make it like this?’ The answer is yes, ‘If you want to buy it, we can make it.’”

6. Tech, Tunes, Tours: FEMA is making the Supply Summit & Showcase in San Antonio one you won’t want to miss. We’re featuring exciting activities including a Technology Track, a Topgolf Tournament, a musical farewell party with dueling pianos, and tours of Alamo Group and the Toyota facility. Get ready to learn, play, and sing along as we celebrate industry connections.

5. Networking: Building strong relationships is crucial to success, and this meeting is all about doing just that. “Networking is key, and I’ve built lasting relationships at the Summit over the years,” says Marc Ivey, FEMA Board President. “At every Summit, I catch up with familiar faces and meet some new folks, too. I always come away with fresh ideas and a few new ways to tackle the challenges we’re dealing with.”

4. Value: The Summit provides unmatched value. Tim Burenga of Worksaver and former FEMA President, said that attending gives you a leg up on your competition. “We always learn something new about distribution law at these meetings, which in the long run, has more than paid for the price of the meeting and membership fees.”

3. Productivity: There’s no better place to maximize your time than the Summit. This is your chance to meet with supplier companies representing parts, materials, and service providers from around the world—all in one place. Over four days, you can engage with suppliers, gain insights from industry experts, and exchange ideas with fellow colleagues.

2. Growth: The Summit can drive growth said John Brown from Myers Spring, Former Chairman, Supplier Section Board of Governors. “We’ve met a lot of decision makers here. Myers Spring is a larger part of the ag market because of the Association.”

1. Innovation: If you want a clear view of what’s coming next—and what to do about it—this is where you’ll find it. The Supply Summit delivers forward-thinking ideas paired with practical takeaways, covering everything from ag technology and AI to risk management, right-to-repair, employment law, tariffs, and sales strategy. Add the Supplier Showcase, valuable supplier connections, networking opportunities and dedicated time with peers, and you’ll leave with new relationships, sharper direction, and ideas you can put to work right away.

Register today at FarmEquip.org/Meetings/Spring/

This is your chance to boost visibility, build relationships, and choose from sponsorships ranging from high-impact exposure to targeted engagement. Don’t see the right fit? We’ll tailor a package to your goals.

Trailblazer
Cost $5,000
Number Available: Two
Status: AVAILABLE
As a Trailblazer, your brand will shine front and center at our main events! In addition to a 3-5 minute opportunity to introduce yourself and your company during a General Session, Trailblazers will also receive two complimentary executive registrations, signage at the convention and recognition on the website, on the app, in the Shortliner newsletter, and on social media. Sponsor must provide a vector image to the Association for signage or supply their own signage. 

Ranch Hand*
Cost: $2,500
Number Available: 4
*Status: SOLD OUT
Ranch Hands – roll up your sleeves and take the reins as you guide a lively breakout session! You’ll share insights and help attendees wrangle fresh ideas for success. Ranch Hands receive one complimentary executive registration, and signage at the convention and recognition on the website, on the app, in the Shortliner newsletter, and on social media. Sponsor must provide a vector image to the Association for signage or supply their own signage. 

Lone Star
Cost: $1,500 
Number Available: Multiple
Status: Available
Choose your territory: 1) Hallway booth – 5 available or 2) First-Time Attendee Reception – 2 available. Sponsors receive signage at the convention and recognition on the website, on the app, in the Shortliner newsletter, and on social media. Sponsor must provide a vector image to the Association for signage or supply their own signage. 

Cactus Bloom
Cost: $1,000
Number Available: Multiple
Status: AVAILABLE
Choose your patch:
1) Coffee or Snack Break – 2 available
2) Welcome Station – 2 available
3) Program Ad in Showcase Book – 5 available
4) Branded Registration Giveaway
Cactus Bloom sponsors receive recognition on the website, social media and in the Shortliner newsletter.

TopGolf Roundup
Multiple Options Available
Status: AVAILABLE
Beverage Sponsor – 3 available, 2 free golfers, $1,000
Meal Sponsor – 2 available, 1 free golfer, $500
Bay Sponsor – multiple available, $150

FEMA Talks
3 to 5-minute presentation during the Product Showcase
Must have a booth in the Showcase
Multiple available – $250

In-Room Delivery
The Hotel Staff will deliver sponsor’s promotional items (golf balls, water bottles, pens and brochures, etc.) to the attendees’ hotel rooms.

Custom sponsor packages are available to fit your budget. Sponsorships are only available to čû¶łÊÓÆ” members. Email TKidd@Farmequip.org or call the FEMA office at (314) 878-2304 for more details.

Topgolf games use ball-tracking technology to automatically score each shot, and no golf experience is required—come to play or just relax and socialize. Your registration includes dinner and drinks, and Topgolf sponsorships are still available. Bring your colleagues—or come solo—and you’ll still leave with a few new contacts.

You also won’t want to miss our farewell outing on Thurs., March 26 at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub on the San Antonio River Walk, featuring dueling pianos. A River Walk staple for decades, Durty Nelly’s is known for its lively sing-alongs and great pub grub—an easy, fun way to unwind and wrap up the event with colleagues. Your ticket includes dinner, drinks, and a commemorative t-shirt. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a great week and head home energized—and connected.

For more information or to register for these events, contact TKidd@FarmEquip.org.

As always, the Summit promises to deliver insights you need to navigate 2026 and connect you to the people who can help you make it happen. Meet suppliers and talk to peers who have found creative solutions to problems that challenge the industry. Hear from industry experts on property and casualty risk management, practical AI prompting to boost productivity, critical employment law and retention updates, sales and marketing strategies, insurance trends, tariffs, product distribution law, and more. Watch this publication for coverage of all upcoming events in San Antonio.

Marc Ivey, Association President, urges members to take advantage of the upcoming Summit. “Come ready to share ideas, build new connections, and leave with a fresh perspective,” he said. “It’s a rare chance to meet with so many people across the supply chain in one room. What might normally take two to four months of calls and visits, you can accomplish in just half a day.”

The event features a supplier product showcase and a new technology track highlighting how technology supports both product development and internal operations. You’ll also find informative speaker sessions and plenty of networking throughout the agenda. Attendees can enjoy a Topgolf networking dinner, welcome receptions, a spouse/guest program, tours of the Alamo Group and Ford Manufacturing plants, and a farewell event with dueling pianos.

Go to to register, check out who is attending and make vital connections that will help create opportunities for manufacturer-supplier partnerships.

And now, let’s meet our speakers:

Matt Beigel, Trent Waltenberg, and Bryant Hintz of Sentry Insurance: Property & Casualty Insurance – Manage Your Risk

The team from Sentry Insurance, a FEMA Endorsed Service, 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 guidance on the key elements of your safety program, including safety manuals and decals.

Zac Engler: AI Workshop – Learn the New Core Trade Skill of Prompting

Engler is Chief AI Officer at C4 Technology Services and the author of Turning On Machines (2025), with a decade of experience helping organizations adopt AI through training, automation, and strategy. He’ll speak on how to “talk” to AI—crafting clear prompts and requests—to get better results, save time and money, and streamline day-to-day work.

David James and Chelsea Bodin of Nilan Johnson Lewis: Employment Law and Worldwind Tour

Attorneys David James and Chelsea Bodin of FEMA Endorsed Services Partner Nilan Johnson will walk members through key drug-testing updates and practical supervisor/HR tips to help reduce litigation risk. They’ll also host an open Q&A, where members can ask questions on these topics—or any employment-law issue.

These tours offer a firsthand look at large-scale manufacturing operations and are a great way to see best practices, processes, and facilities up close.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, TX, is a world-class facility where full-size pickup trucks are assembled. Attendees who choose this tour will get an inside look at advanced manufacturing systems, workforce integration, and large-scale production in action.

The Alamo Group Inc. Tour will take attendees to Seguin, TX, to see the manufacturing operations behind one of the leading designers and manufacturers of agricultural and infrastructure maintenance equipment. This tour provides insight into production processes specific to the equipment manufacturing industry.

Both tours will take place Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. and are offered at an additional cost for registered Supply Summit & Showcase attendees. Participation is optional. Space is limited.

Be sure to sign up today, as both tour spots are filling up fast. Visit FarmEquip.org/SpringMeeting to register.

Join us at the Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio for a full Summit experience that combines education, business meetings, and networking. The centrally located hotel offers modern meeting space and easy access to the River Walk, creating an ideal setting to learn, connect, and recharge.

Marc Ivey, FEMA Board President, highlights the value of the Summit as a place where real conversations lead to fresh ideas and practical solutions for today’s industry challenges. “From timely education and peer-to-peer discussion to supplier connections and the Technology Track, the Summit delivers takeaways you can put to work right away.”

Focused Learning: Industry Insights with Real Takeaways
This year’s program covers key industry topics designed to deliver actionable insights you can use right away. Sessions include topics such as how to make the most of AI, employment law, product liability with a focus on property and casualty insurance, tariff updates, the Legacies Learning Lunch, among others.

Technology Track (Included with Registration)
This one-day program is included with your Summit registration and runs separately from the main conference agenda. It’s built for engineers, product managers, chief commercial officers, business development leaders, and others focused emerging technologies. Sessions are split into two sections—technology shaping future products and services, and technology improving production and internal processes—with a focus on better features and functionality, innovation, and growth.

Supplier Product Showcase: March 26, 2026
One of the key highlights of the Summit is the Supplier Product Showcase on March 26. Booth space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The showcase offers an excellent opportunity to connect with existing partners, explore new opportunities, and see the latest products, equipment and services.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Plant & Alamo Group Seguin Tours
A guided tour of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) and the nearby Alamo Group facility in Seguin, TX, offers an inside look at large-scale manufacturing operations.

Engaging Networking Opportunities and Fun Activities
We’ve lined up a variety of exciting networking events, including a Topgolf outing, walk/run, spouse/guest creative activity, and a farewell party with dinner and dueling pianos. Attendees will have ample opportunities to unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of San Antonio. A full schedule of activities will be shared closer to the event.

Explore San Antonio: A Great Place to Connect and Learn
San Antonio offers a unique blend of outdoor attractions, history, and local culture. Whether you’re relaxing on the beaches, visiting museums, playing on premier golf courses or exploring the city’s rich history, San Antonio has something for everyone. From waterfront dining to boutique shopping, the city provides a refreshing setting to step away from daily operations, connect with peers, and gain fresh perspectives.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable industry insights, make meaningful connections, and discover new opportunities. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.

To register, visit FarmEquip.org/SpringMeeting or contact the FEMA office at (314) 878-2304.

We’re also featuring the Technology Track (included with registration), a dedicated one-day program focused on emerging technologies. Sessions will explore technology shaping future products and services, as well as tools and innovations that can improve internal processes—offering a forward-looking angle for engineers, product leaders, and business development teams.

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings include standout networking events, highlighted by a farewell party complete with dinner and dueling pianos—an entertaining way to wrap up the Summit while reconnecting with industry peers.

Another popular highlight returns on March 26 with the Supplier Product Showcase, offering a relaxed, interactive setting to explore new products and connect with suppliers.

On Friday morning, attendees will also have the option to join behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) and Alamo Group in Seguin for a firsthand look at large-scale manufacturing.

With its vibrant River Walk, dining, and local culture, San Antonio provides the perfect backdrop for three days of connection, conversation and fun!

To register for the Supply Summit & Showcase, go to FarmEquip.org/SpringMeeting.