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 Jul. 7, 2026
Source: Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association and the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association sent via AgPR--the news distribution service for agriculture NEW ORLEANS, La -- Registration is now open for the 2026 EMDA/FEMA Fall Convention & Industry Showcase, set for October 27-29, 2026, at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana. The annual gathering brings together equipment manufacturers, wholesaler-distributors, independent sales representatives, and industry service providers from across North America for three days of business development, education, and relationship building. The Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA) and the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) co-host the event, with a shared focus on helping manufacturers build and strengthen relationships with current and potential distributors across the specialized agriculture equipment industry. Keynote: Alex Weber, NBC Host and American Ninja Warrior Competitor The convention's Joint Opening Session and Breakfast on Wednesday, October 28, features keynote speaker Alex Weber -- an award-winning speaker, champion coach, acclaimed author, and NBC television host who is the only person ever to both host and compete on American Ninja Warrior. Weber has inspired more than 5.5 million people worldwide and has worked with organizations including Amazon, Apple, Fidelity, LinkedIn, RE/MAX, and the Los Angeles Lakers. His presentation will center on his signature framework, The Unstoppable You, focused on leading through change, overcoming obstacles, and achieving breakthrough results. Programming Addresses Tariffs, AI, and Market Conditions Tuesday's breakout sessions tackle the issues most pressing to the equipment distribution channel. Confirmed sessions include "The ROI of AI" presented by Vi by visorPRO, and a presentation by Phil Paterson on Executive Order Strengthening Customs Enforcement -- covering what importers and suppliers need to know to prepare. A Roundtable titled "EMDA -- Gateway to the North American Market" offers a panel presentation and Q&A specifically designed for manufacturers seeking to sell products in North America. Additional programming covers commodity price impacts on farmer spending habits, emerging technology in agriculture and its effect on equipment needs, and strategies for supporting the distributors and dealers who sell equipment. The Contact Session: Structured for Deals, Not Small Talk One of the convention's signature elements is the Contact Session on Wednesday morning, where each table operates on a strict 10-minute rotation. Booth signs identify each company as a distributor or rep, include territory maps and product types, and companies are arranged alphabetically. The first 30 minutes are reserved exclusively for EMDA Associate members. The format is designed to maximize quality introductions and minimize time wasted -- something large trade shows rarely deliver. Expanded Breakout Sessions & Evening Networking In addition to scheduled business meetings and networking opportunities, attendees are invited to participate in an afternoon of educational breakout sessions designed specifically for EMDA Provider and Associate Members. These sessions feature industry leaders sharing practical insights on business growth, customer engagement, market trends, and global opportunities. Wednesday, October 28 Schedule: 1:15-1:45 p.m. - Osmundson Mfg. Co. 2:00-2:30 p.m. - RepFabric: From the Field to the Factory: Creating Visibility That Drives Growth 2:45-3:15 p.m. - Gripp: Building Stronger Customer Relationships the Easy Way 3:30-4:00 p.m. - Dündarlar Makina and Toscano 4:15-4:45 p.m. - Moore Colson: Agribusiness Capital Spending Outlook 5:00-5:30 p.m. - Italian Trade Agency (ITA): Delegate Introductions The day concludes with the EMDA Partners Party from 6:00-7:00 p.m., where all EMDA Convention registrants are invited to connect with fellow industry professionals and celebrate EMDA's continued partnership with the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA). The reception is proudly sponsored by Osmundson Mfg. Co. This year's expanded Wednesday afternoon programming provides attendees with even more opportunities to learn from industry experts, discover innovative solutions, and build valuable relationships before the convention's signature networking events. Mardi Gras-Themed Industry Showcase Thursday's Industry Showcase carries a Mardi Gras theme, where manufacturers, service providers, media organizations, and agricultural agencies exhibit products and solutions directly to distributors and representatives. Unlike large-scale trade shows, the Showcase is built for focused, substantive conversations with the distribution channel decision-makers who matter most. Also on Thursday, FARMX sponsors complimentary professional headshots for EMDA members -- a practical takeaway attendees can use immediately. Convention Theme: "In It to Win It" -- Closing on the Mississippi The convention closes Thursday evening with a Farewell Dinner Cruise aboard a classic New Orleans steamboat on the historic Mississippi River, running 6:00-9:00 PM with motor coach departures from the hotel at 5:30 PM. Guests will enjoy authentic New Orleans cuisine, live music, and river views to close out the event. The Wednesday social program includes a Spouse Outing -- "A Taste of New Orleans" -- featuring a guided tour of The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum followed by an interactive cooking demonstration and lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking, where local chefs demonstrate classic Louisiana dishes with Creole and Cajun history. Membership and Registration The EMDA/FEMA Fall Convention is an exclusive member benefit. Companies not currently affiliated with EMDA or FEMA are encouraged to explore membership before registering. Early registration is recommended to secure preferred pricing and maximize scheduling opportunities. About EMDA The Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA) is the international association for wholesaler-distributors and manufacturers' representatives serving the agricultural and related equipment industries. EMDA member firms -- located throughout the United States and Canada -- distribute a wide range of product lines including farm, light industrial, commercial, recreational, irrigation, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment, turf maintenance, and more. For generations, EMDA members have served as the vital link between manufacturers and North American retail dealers, delivering value-added services that lower the total cost of distribution and expand market reach across the equipment distribution channel. Trusted by the industry for more than 80 years, EMDA connects manufacturers, distributors, and independent sales representatives through exclusive industry events, peer education, and a searchable member network -- all built to strengthen distribution partnerships and drive measurable business growth across North America. EMDA was formed in 2008 through the consolidation of FEWA (Farm Equipment Wholesalers Association, founded 1945) and AIMRA (Agricultural & Industrial Manufacturers Representatives Association, founded 1961) -- uniting the two leading equipment distribution organizations under one association. For membership information and upcoming events, visit www.EMDA.net. Tweet |
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