Grainnet

Attendance Drops Slightly But Remains Strong for Grain and Feed Association of Illinois Convention ... Video Included

A total of 975 registrants attended the 115th annual convention of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois Feb. 17-19 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL.

That was down slightly from the 2007 convention in Springfield, IL, said Executive Vice President Jeff Adkisson.

"But considering everything that's been going on in the industry, we think that's still a strong showing," Adkisson said.

The number of exhibitors in the annual Trade Show actually increased slightly, to 91, with approximately 110 booths sold, Adkisson said, noting that the Peoria site offered a little more space than in Springfield.

Educational sessions were heavily attended. Some of the highlights included:

* Generational differences among employees.

* How to value services appropriately.

* Managing aging infrastructure in the grain industry.

* Maintaining a primary focus on safety.

* How to finance and leverage your company.

* Dealing with the aftermath of a workplace accident.

* The role of every employee in marketing.

* Motors, money, and the electricity marketplace.

* Land ownership and projections for the future.

* Update on ag policy from an ADM speaker.

* The impact of hedge funds on the market.

* A look forward at developments in biotech crops.

The 2009 GFAI convention has been scheduled for Feb. 15-17 at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, IL.