2026 ARA Conference & EXpo Agenda
| Monday, November 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Executive Committee Meeting (committee members only) This meeting is for ARA Executive Committee members only. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Board of Directors Meeting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Board Reception & Dinner (board, spouses & invited guests only)
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| Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM | ARA Invitational $250.00 Off-site
Network with colleagues & compete for prizes at the ARA Invitational. With a variety of tee boxes to suit all levels, the Lost Pines Golf Club offers a true test of your game. But it’s about more than the score—the layout descends into the breathtaking Lower Colorado River, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and beautiful wooded landscape. Sponsored by:
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| 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | LBJ Presidential Museum & Library Tour $75.00 Off-site
Step into history at the LBJ Presidential Library, where guests can explore the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. This self-guided tour offers access to immersive exhibits, including a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, powerful civil rights displays, and interactive timelines of the 1960s, with an exhibit dedicated specifically to November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and President Johnson was sworn into office. Located on the campus of the University of Texas in downtown Austin, the library provides a compelling look at American history, politics, and culture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Retailer-Only Tech Forum Details Coming Soon- This event is for Retailers only. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Afternoon Break Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session. Sponsored by:
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| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Opening General Session The 2026 ARA Conference & Expo kicks off in Austin with an opening general session that sets the tone for three days of insight, innovation, and industry connection. The session opens with a keynote address from a nationally recognized speaker, diving deep into the themes of technology, trade, and transformation that are defining the road ahead for agricultural retail.
More Details Coming Soon Sponsored by:
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| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Opening Reception in the Expo Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 PM | Customer Appreciation Night 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 2, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Wednesday General Session Day two opens with a power-packed general session covering the issues at the forefront of ag retail. Get an up-to-date briefing on U.S. trade negotiations and what the latest developments mean for your operation, followed by a keynote exploration of how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the industry. ARA Chairman Dave Spears will also deliver remarks to the full membership. More Details Coming Soon Sponsored by:
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| 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM | Wednesday Morning Break Sponsored by:
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| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch in the Expo Build industry connections over lunch in the Expo. Sponsored by:
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| 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Breakout: Practical Artificial Intelligence Applications Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is here, and ag retailers are finding new ways to put it to work. This session takes a hands-on look at practical AI applications relevant to your operation, from streamlining day-to-day workflows to improving customer service and driving smarter business decisions. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with actionable ideas you can take back to your team. More Details Coming Soon
| Breakout: Separating the Signal from the Noise in Biologicals The biologicals market is growing fast — and so is the volume of claims, products, and information competing for your attention. This session cuts through the clutter to help ag retailers identify what the science actually supports, evaluate products with confidence, and have more informed conversations with growers. Walk away with a clearer framework for navigating one of the most rapidly evolving segments in agricultural retail today. More Details Coming Soon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Expo Hall Open for Networking Explore the Expo Hall during these extended hours! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Afternoon Break Network and enjoy light refreshments just outside the general session.
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| 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Breakout: What Your Data is Already Telling You Most ag retail operations are sitting on a wealth of data — the question is whether you are using it. This session explores how retailers can unlock the insights already hiding in their existing sales, customer, and operational data, and how predictive intelligence tools can take that a step further — anticipating trends, forecasting demand, and positioning your operation to get ahead of challenges before they arise. No advanced analytics background required — just a willingness to look at your business through a new lens. More Details Coming Soon
| Breakout: MAHA Mania in State Capitals As MAHA-influenced legislation continues to advance in states across the country, agricultural retailers are facing a new and complex layer of regulatory uncertainty. This policy panel brings together state executives from states where MAHA-related legislation has already passed to examine what these laws mean in practice — how they are affecting ag retail operations, what compliance challenges are emerging, and how the industry is responding. More Details Coming Soon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Reception in the Expo Head to the Expo for appetizers and beverages as you network and explore the latest advances in ag retail. Sponsored by:
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| 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner & Auction to Benefit ARAPAC (separate registration required)
Don’t miss the Dinner & Auction to benefit ARAPAC —an evening of great food, lively bidding, and powerful impact at Brazos Hall. This turn-of-the-century warehouse building was converted from a 1900s grain mill and features 100-year-old long-leaf pine floors, exposed brick, and unparalleled historic charm, with an open-air roof deck offering sweeping views of downtown Austin. 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:
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| Thursday, December 3, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast Build industry connections over breakfast. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Closing General Session The 2026 ARA Conference & Expo closes on a high note with a general session that brings together the conference's most forward-looking themes for a powerful send-off. Hear from a panel of ag retailers on the front lines of artificial intelligence adoption, sharing real-world use cases and practical insights on how AI is being put to work across their operations today. Then, the session concludes with remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins (invited), offering a high-level perspective on the federal priorities and policies shaping the future of American agriculture. It is a fitting close to three days of big ideas, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to the future of ag retail. More Details Coming Soon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM | LCRA Tom Miller Dam Tour $115.00 Off-site
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) tour begins at the Redbud Center along the Colorado River with an overview of LCRA and how it provides water to more than a million people, as well as businesses, industries, and agriculture. Participants will then walk along a scale model of LCRA dams and continue to a scenic overlook with views of Tom Miller Dam before touring the dam itself. Boxed lunch included.
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