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Named one of the best courses in Texas by Golfer's Choice in 2023, the Golf Club of Houston will host the ARA Invitational Golf Tournament before it hosts the greatest players in the world during the upcoming LIV Pro Tournament. Each year, this is one of the best networking events, allowing teams of four. Buses will depart from the hotel exit onto Crawford Street near the Texas T at 6:15 and 6:30 a.m. for a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Read more details in this conference blog post! 

Sponsored by:

• Case IH
• Faegre Drinker
• Farmers Edge
• INARI
• Indigo Ag
• International Raw Materials (IRM)
• John Deere
• Marcus Construction
• NuVue
• Ostara
• Software Solutions Integrated LLC

The tour at NASA Johnson Space Center is both educational and inspiring, providing a comprehensive look at past, present, and future space exploration efforts with both informational exhibits and hands-on activities. Attractions feature historic spacecraft displays, including the Apollo 17 command module and a replica of the original space shuttle aircraft. Interactive exhibits include a space shuttle simulator and VR lab where you'll experience space missions, spacewalks, and astronaut training.

Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply curious about the cosmos, this tour is a fascinating and memorable experience. The tour includes roundtrip transportation to NASA, with a guide onboard to share interesting and unique facts about Houston and the Space Center. A box lunch will be provided on the return trip to the hotel. Bus departs at 9 a.m. from the hotel exit at Crawford Street near the Texas T. Learn more about the tour in this blog post.

Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session.

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Biofuels 101: Keynote Speaker Tim Urban will deliver an outlook on biofuels, sustainable aviation fuels, and renewable diesel as it relates to the ag industry. Federal tax policies on ethanol, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will have a profound impact on demand for corn and soybeans. Are you ready?

ARA President's Report: President & CEO Daren Coppock will deliver his annual report on the current state of the association as well as trends from ARA members and the industry.

Wednesday General Session Sponsored by

Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail.

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ARA has cleared the agenda for this evening for you to take your customers, partners, and team out for dinner to show your appreciation!

Power up with coffee and breakfast in the Expo.

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 Today's general session is sponsored by

FFA Student Welcome

AI in Agriculture: Keynote speaker Ranveer Chandra with Microsoft will share a high-altitude overview about artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture.

ARA Award Presentations:

• Distinguished Service Award
• Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award

Conference guests and spouses will connect over small bites and a champagne toast held in a hotel presidential suite (room to be announced).

Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session.

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Today's general session is sponsored by

ARA Management Academy Overview by Purdue University Center for Food and Agricultural Business.

ARA Retailer of the Year Award Ceremony sponsored by Bayer and supported by The Scoop.

AGCO Operator of the Year Award Ceremony

AI Application in Agriculture Panel: ARA members Jason Minton, Taranis, and Ryan Raguse, Bushel, will explain how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the field or in the office today. Margy Eckelkamp with Farm Journal / The Scoop will moderate.

ARA Board Chair Report: 2024-25 ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus, with Asmus Farm Supply, will deliver a report on the association and ways to get engaged.

Build industry connections over lunch in the Expo.

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Explore the Expo Hall during these extended hours

ARA's public policy team of experts will share their take on how the results of the 2024 election will impact the ag industry as well as preview the association's 2025 public policy priorities.

Measuring carbon intensity plays a key role for the 45Z tax credit and other low carbon footprint emerging markets. Carbon has been the buzz for a couple of years, but the clear opportunities in the space have been quite cloudy. Carbon Intensity is clearing the path forward and providing huge opportunities for farmers and their advisors. Join this session to learn about carbon intensity, 45Z tax credits, and quantifying on-farm carbon footprints at scale from an Iowa farmer who is doing it.

Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session.

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  Today's general session is sponsored by

Fireside Chat with former US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad: Tune in to the Fireside Chat with former US Ambassador to China and former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to learn about the US-China relationship and what effects may spill over into agricultural markets for commodity exports or imports of crop protection and fertilizer products. Farm Journal Clinton Griffiths, host of AgDayTV and Farm Journal editor, will moderate.

ARA Rising Stars Award Ceremony: The 2024 ARA Rising Stars will be recognized on stage. This award program, sponsored by Atticus, empowers member companies to reward top performers through industry recognition, unique professional development, and networking. 

Award Ceremonies:

• ARA Excellence in Advocacy Award
• The Scoop Business Innovation Award

Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail.

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Join us at House of Blues Houston for the ARA Dinner & Auction on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This lively event is not only about having fun with colleagues; it's about bidding during the live and silent auction to raise funds for ARAPAC, ARA's political action committee that financially contributes to candidates who support the ag retail industry. 

Dive into the cultural experience that is House of Blues as it brings together food, art, history, and live performances in a rich, immersive atmosphere. This event is perfect for music lovers to experience the vibrant spirit of the South with a delicious buffet and creative cocktails. Buses depart at 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. from the hotel exit at Crawford Street near the Texas T.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets separately from your conference registration. Note: Tickets must be purchased with personal funds by U.S. citizens or permanent residents per FEC guidelines.

Specialty cocktail sponsored by

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Build industry connections over breakfast.

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NEW THIS YEAR IN THE EXPO: ARA Conference content will wrap up in the Expo with former NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel Mike Mullane sharing motivating stories from space learned from 356 logged hours aboard the Atlantis and Discovery Shuttles before retiring in 1990. As a Weapon Systems Operator aboard a RF-4C Phantom aircraft, he completed 134 combat missions in Vietnam.

What can you learn about leadership, teamwork, and safety from a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel?

2025 Conference Preview: Save the date for the 2025 ARA Conference & Expo, held Dec. 2-4 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Adjourn

The Houston Ship Channel is the #1 port in the U.S. for waterborne tonnage, creating more than $900 billion in nationwide economic value, 1.5 million jobs in Texas, and 3.3 million jobs nationwide. Fertilizer, grain, bagged rice, sugar, fruits and vegetables are just some of the ag products moving through this major port. Join this tour to see America's ag supply chain at work. Bus departs at 11:30 a.m. from the hotel exit at Crawford Street near the Texas T. Boxed lunches will be served on the bus ride.

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