Agenda
| Monday, December 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Embassy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Imperial Ballroom CD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM |
Savoy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
Topgolf is a premier entertainment venue that combines the excitement of golf with a vibrant social atmosphere. Players can enjoy a unique experience, regardless of skill level, inside climate-controlled hitting bays. Various games are available, using microchipped golf balls to track accuracy and distance, adding a competitive edge to the fun. Included in the Topgolf mixer is two and a half hours of play, a buffet brunch, and hosted Bloody Marys and Mimosas. (Other beverages available for purchase after 10 am.) Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Topgolf provides an enjoyable way to play and connect. NOTE: Topgolf requires all players to have a Topgolf membership. Please complete this form prior to arrival. SUGGESTED ATTIRE: Comfortable clothes, light jacket, long pants, closed-toed shoes Sponsored by:
Buses will depart at 9:30am from the hotel entrance at 600 South Porte Cochere near the ARA registration desk, and return the to the hotel by 1:00pm. Off-site $195.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Get ready for a culturally enriching journey with a guided tour of the iconic Temple Square in the heart of Salt Lake City. A private docent will walk you through the historic grounds, starting with the Conference Center, where guests will learn more about the architectural significance of the auditorium, see a detailed model of a cross-section of the Temple, and peruse exhibits and artifacts that celebrate the origins of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. While there, a Sister Missionary will escort the group to the rooftop for a sweeping view of the square, downtown Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains. You’ll also visit the world-famous Tabernacle, known for its whisper-perfect acoustics and majestic pipe organ and enjoy a stroll through the grounds while your guide shares stories of the significant statues and historical markers throughout the Square. From here, you’ll take a short walk to the interactive Family History Library where you can explore family roots with hands-on tools, from tracing an immigration record to designing a family coat of arms. Whether you’re a first-time researcher or a genealogy expert, you will find this experience engaging and personal, with friendly staff guiding the way. Includes a box lunch upon return to the hotel. Suggested Attire: Long pants, warm layers, closed-toed shoes Buses will depart at 10:00am from the hotel entrance at 600 South Porte Cochere near the ARA registration desk, and return to the hotel by 1:00pm. Off-site $115.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | In today’s ag retail environment, everyone is using data to various degrees. This session is designed for anyone in ag retail looking to turn information into real-world results. We’ll begin by defining what “operational efficiency” looks like in the ag space and where technology has the greatest impact. Then, industry members will share real-world examples of how they’ve used information systems to streamline operations, eliminate redundant processes, and drive measurable ROI. You’ll gain insight into what, why, and how behind these transformations. The session will also include time for open discussion so you can share your own experiences, hear what others are doing, and walk away with practical ideas to implement in your own operation. This event is for Retailers only. Sponsored by:
Murano | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session. Sponsored by:
Imperial Ballroom Foyer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Leading with Trust: Building Human Connection for Meaningful Impact: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Iraq, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership where he shares the rapport-building skill he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements. 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.
Daren Coppock - ARA Scott Mann - Former Green Beret, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Podcast Host Imperial Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail. Sponsored by:
Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 PM | ARA has cleared the evening’s agenda for you to take your customers, partners, and team out for dinner to show your appreciation! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Power up with breakfast and coffee in the Expo. Sponsored by:
Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | FFA Student Welcome Impact of the Trump Administration’s Policies on the Ag Economy: Dr. Joe Glauber, former USDA Chief Economist and current Research Fellow Emeritus with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), will offer a timely look at the ripple effects of current political decisions on U.S. agriculture, ag markets, producers, and retailers. Understanding Weather's Impact on Modern Agriculture: Matt Makens, of Makens Weather, will discuss how cyclical weather patterns are reshaping American agriculture, how these environmental shifts are influencing food production, and highlight the initiatives being pursued to ensure a reliable food supply for future generations. ARA Award Presentations:
Sponsored by:
Imperial Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | ARA invites ticketed guests to an exclusive morning celebration. We'll start at 9am with a light breakfast and mimosas, hosted in the President's Suite. Next, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a docent-led tour of the hotel's remarkable collection of museum-quality art and antiques. The Grand America Hotel is proud to showcase paintings, sculptures, and antiques that were hand-selected with great care by the hotel's owners, the Holding Family. The Holdings dedicated time and attention to each selection, thoughtfully choosing each piece's placement within the hotel. Guests are invited to enjoy this distinguished collection and the enrichment it brings to The Grand America experience, making for a truly memorable cultural morning. This event is for spouses and guests only. Tour will begin in the Lobby $25.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM | Sponsored by:
Imperial Ballroom Foyer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Build industry connections over lunch in the Expo. Sponsored by:
Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Dr. Scott Downey from Purdue University will present preliminary findings from Purdue’s Large Commercial Producer Survey, conducted every five years. This nationally respected survey profiles farms and ranches owned and managed by commercial producers, covering everything from demographics and size to technology use, economic characteristics, and future plans. It also digs into how growers make decisions and how those decisions have evolved over time. Attendees will learn what these shifts mean for ag retailers and suppliers. If you work with large-scale producers, this session is packed with valuable takeaways!
Imperial Ballroom CD | Join másLabor for an in-depth introduction to LaborLink, a powerful new ARA member benefit designed to help retailers address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: finding reliable labor. Through a strategic partnership with másLabor, the nation’s leading provider of H-2 visa services, LaborLink connects ARA members with expert support to navigate the complex H-2 application process. From eligibility assessments and full-service filing to compliance tools and dedicated case management, this session will show you how LaborLink can be your smart, legal pathway to a dependable workforce. Learn how to take advantage of critical hiring windows and get ahead of future staffing needs with this timely and practical solution. Imperial Ballroom A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Explore the Expo Hall during these extended hours Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session. Sponsored by:
Imperial Ballroom Foyer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Josh Linville from StoneX will share a fertilizer market outlook, offering insights into current price trends, supply chain dynamics, and global demand shifts. With volatility continuing to impact input costs, this session will help ag retailers understand what’s driving the market and what to watch for in the months ahead.
Imperial Ballroom CD | Explore the future of agriculture through the lens of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in this forward-looking session. Learn how AGI could revolutionize decision-making, resource management, and productivity across the ag value chain, from precision inputs to autonomous operations. The session will outline key milestones, current research, and practical steps needed to move from today’s smart technologies toward truly adaptive, self-learning systems in agriculture.
Imperial Ballroom A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail. Sponsored by:
Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Don’t miss the ARA Dinner & Auction —an evening of great food, lively bidding, and powerful impact. Join fellow ag retail professionals to support ARA’s political advocacy and help ensure our industry's voice is heard on Capitol Hill. 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. Sponsored by:
Grand Salon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thursday, December 4, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Build industry connections over breakfast. Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Dream Believe Achieve: From fearing the moguls to conquering them, Shannon Bahrke's journey to becoming a two-time Olympic medalist is nothing short of extraordinary. In this high-energy, motivational keynote, titled "Dream. Believe. Achieve!" Shannon shares the mindset, tools, and winning strategies she honed over 12 years on the U.S. Ski Team and three Olympic Games. Her uplifting message will empower you to dream big, break through barriers, and perform at your absolute best—in work and in life. If you are ready to unlock your full potential and chase your own version of gold, this session is for you. Stick around afterward to pose for a photo with Shannon and her Olympic medal. Adjourn Grand Ballroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
The Olympic spirit is alive and on display at the Utah Olympic Park. Just a short drive from Salt Lake City in nearby Park City, this amazing facility was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, it offers year-round training for the next generation of Olympic athletes competing in ski jumping, bobsled racing, skeleton, luge, and Nordic events. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look behind the gates of the park, and along the way, this step-on, step-off tour allows you to take a peek at the world’s highest Nordic ski jump and one of the fastest sliding tracks in the world. Along the way, you’ll learn about the amazing stories of Olympic achievement. After the step-on, step-off tour, the group will walk through the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum and the Alf Engen Ski Museum inside the Quinney building. Featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and immersive displays, the museum celebrates Utah’s rich winter sports legacy. Before departing, guests will have time to browse the Utah Olympic Park Gift Shop for Olympic-themed merchandise and local souvenirs. A boxed lunch will be provided for guests to enjoy on the way to Park City. Suggested attire: Light jacket, comfortable athletic shoes, long pants Sponsored by:
Buses will depart at 11:30am from the hotel entrance at 600 South Porte Cochere near the ARA registration desk, and return to the hotel by 3:00pm. Off-site $125.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||



